Ather Energy, one of India’s leading premium electric scooter manufacturers, is set for a pivotal year in 2026. The company plans to launch new products based on its upcoming EL platform while commissioning a large new manufacturing facility in Aurangabad that will significantly boost production capacity.
Ather aims to broaden its reach into more price-sensitive segments of the electric two-wheeler market with the EL platform. The first model based on this new architecture is expected to hit the market around the festive season of 2026 (likely October-November).
The EL platform is designed to make scooters easier and more affordable to produce, targeting the high-volume ₹1–1.25 lakh segment. This move should help Ather capture a larger share of the mass-market EV space while maintaining healthy margins.
Importantly, existing models like the Ather Rizta (family-oriented scooter) and the Ather 450 series will continue to co-exist alongside the new EL-based products. This multi-platform strategy allows Ather to serve both premium and emerging mainstream customers without cannibalizing current lineups.
To support the EL platform rollout and future growth, Ather is building its largest factory yet in Auric City, Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Maharashtra. The plant, referred to as Factory 3.0, will begin operations before the end of 2026.
- Phase 1 capacity: 5 lakh units per annum (roughly 42,000 units per month initially).
- Ultimate planned capacity: 10 lakh units per annum.
This new facility will complement Ather’s existing operations in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, and feature in-house capabilities for battery pack assembly, electronics, transmission, painting, and more to drive down costs.
The Aurangabad plant is expected to play a key role in manufacturing the first EL platform scooters, enabling Ather to ramp up volumes efficiently.
Ather has shown strong momentum recently, with record quarterly sales and improving financials driven by the Rizta family. The EL platform and new factory represent the next phase of scaling—moving from a premium-focused player to a broader market contender while leveraging vertical integration and software strengths for better profitability.
With these developments, Ather is positioning itself for sustained growth in India’s competitive electric two-wheeler industry. Industry watchers will closely track the festive season launch and the ramp-up at the new Aurangabad facility.
