In the fast-evolving world of electric two-wheelers, Ather Energy continues to push boundaries with innovative features tailored for Indian roads. At the Ather Community Day 2025 held on August 30 in Bengaluru, the company unveiled “Infinite Cruise,” an advanced cruise control system for its flagship electric scooter, the 450 Apex. This segment-first addition addresses the unique challenges of urban commuting, from congested city streets to hilly terrains, making the 450 Apex even more appealing to tech-savvy riders. Priced at ₹1.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), the updated 450 Apex is now available with the feature bundled in all new units, while 2025 buyers will receive it via an over-the-air (OTA) update starting early September. Alongside this, Ather showcased concept scooters and software upgrades, signaling an exciting roadmap for EV enthusiasts.
The Infinite Cruise system stands out by integrating three specialized modes—City Cruise, Hill Cruise, and Crawl Control—into a seamless, adaptive experience. Unlike traditional cruise controls in cars that require speeds above 40 km/h and often disengage in traffic, Infinite Cruise is designed for two-wheeler realities, activating from as low as 10 km/h and adapting dynamically without constant manual intervention. This update is part of Ather’s broader Ather Stack 7 software platform, which also brings voice commands tuned for Indian dialects, pothole alerts, and enhanced security features like ParkSafe and LockSafe.
Infinite Cruise is activated via a single tap on the reverse button on the right switchbar, making it intuitive even on the go. Once engaged (at speeds above 10 km/h), it locks the current speed upon throttle release and remains active across the scooter’s range up to 90 km/h. If the rider brakes or stops (e.g., at a signal), the system pauses automatically and resumes once the scooter accelerates back to the set speed—no need to re-toggle. Throttle inputs override it temporarily but don’t deactivate the mode, ensuring flexibility in variable conditions.Breaking down the three modes:
- City Cruise: Ideal for flat urban roads and highways, this maintains a steady speed without constant throttle tweaks. It adapts seamlessly to speed changes from braking or accelerating, perfect for stop-go traffic where riders often hover below 30 km/h. Ather’s riding data from over 26 lakh km informed this mode, emphasizing real-world Indian scenarios over highway-focused car tech.
- Hill Cruise: Tackles slopes with precise torque management for uphill climbs and regenerative braking (via Ather’s Magic Braking Algorithm) for controlled descents. This reduces rider fatigue on undulating city routes or short hill drives, maintaining momentum without manual adjustments.
- Crawl Control: Exclusive to the Apex, this holds speeds as low as 10 km/h on rough or slippery surfaces, working in tandem with the scooter’s multi-mode traction control for stability. It’s a boon in heavy traffic, parking lots, or uneven roads, preventing unintended acceleration.
During live demos at the event, Infinite Cruise proved effective in simulating bumper-to-bumper traffic, reducing wrist strain and enhancing safety. Ather emphasized that this isn’t just copied from automotive tech but refined over years, with early prototypes shelved to perfect scooter-specific logic.
The 2025 Ather 450 Apex remains mechanically identical to its predecessor, retaining the robust setup that made it a performance icon. It features a 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a 7 kW (9.39 bhp) electric motor delivering 26 Nm of peak torque. Claimed IDC range stands at 157 km on a single charge, with real-world figures around 130 km depending on conditions. Acceleration is brisk at 0-40 km/h in 2.9 seconds, and the top speed hits 100 km/h in Warp+ mode—one of the fastest for electric scooters in India.
Ride modes include Smart Eco, Eco, Ride, Sport, Warp, and the exclusive Warp+ for the Apex, allowing customization for efficiency or thrill. Other highlights like the 7-inch TFT touchscreen with Google Maps navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, 34L underseat storage, and 22L frunk carry over unchanged. The scooter’s distinctive design—blue bodywork, orange alloys, and transparent side panels revealing the aluminum subframe—adds a premium, futuristic flair.
All new 450 Apex units from September 2025 include Infinite Cruise as standard, with no price hike (₹1.89 lakh ex-showroom). Existing 2025 owners get it free via OTA, compatible with models equipped with traction control. Ather’s Eight70 warranty (8 years/80,000 km with 70% battery health) applies, underscoring long-term reliability. Deliveries continue from Ather’s showrooms and online, with the feature exclusive to the Apex—not rolling out to 450X or other models yet.
The event wasn’t just about the Apex. Ather unveiled the EL platform—a scalable unibody steel chassis for future mass-market scooters, supporting 2-5 kWh batteries, 12-14 inch wheels, and extended service intervals up to 10,000 km. The EL01 concept, the first on this platform, features a patented AC-DC integrated charger for direct 3-pin socket plugging, eliminating portable chargers. Another highlight, the Redux concept, is a lightweight, adaptive moto-scooter with haptic throttle and “Take-off” mode for performance enthusiasts.
Ather also launched a 6 kW fast charger—half the size of the previous model, adding 30 km range in 10 minutes, with built-in tire inflators and LECCS compatibility for interoperability. Updated Halo smart helmets (₹2,999-₹4,999) now include pinlock visors and emergency padding, integrated with Ather Stack 7 for voice commands and ChitChat helmet-to-helmet communication. The Rizta Z gets OTA updates for full touchscreen, Eco mode, and a new Terracotta Red color.
In a market flooded with electric scooters, Ather’s focus on software-driven aids like Infinite Cruise sets it apart, addressing pain points like traffic fatigue and terrain variability. With EV adoption surging—India’s two-wheeler EV sales up 30% in 2025—this update could boost the 450 Apex’s appeal against rivals like the Ola S1 Pro or TVS iQube. For urban commuters clocking 50-100 km daily, it promises smoother, safer rides while optimizing battery life through efficient regen.
