Ather Energy launches Konarc, first scooter on the new EL Platform

Ather Energy has introduced the Konarc, the first production scooter built on its new EL platform. The launch took place at Ather Community Day on August 29, 2026, under the theme “A New Dawn of Magic.” The headline feature is MagicKey, a keyless system covering both boot access and ignition.

MagicKey: how it works

The Konarc detects the rider’s key fob automatically, allowing the scooter to start without a button push. The system also handles locking: it auto-locks once the fob moves out of range, and displays an on-screen alert if the fob is left behind. Boot access follows the same logic. A dedicated fob button triggers AutoPop, Ather’s term for hands-free boot opening. On the range-topping Konarc Z 161, this happens automatically as the rider approaches, with no button press required.

Braking, safety and connectivity

Alongside MagicKey, Ather has added several other systems to the Konarc:

• AeBS (Advanced Electronic Braking System) increases peak braking force by up to 20% compared to standard setups.
• AirWalk and AutoHold are included as additional ride-assist features.
• FallSafe is a fall-detection system.
• Ather Connect covers theft and tow alerts, ride statistics, remote charging status and over-the-air software updates.

Variants and specifications

The Konarc S 125, the mid-tier variant, runs a 2.7 kWh battery for a 125 km IDC-rated range, pairs a front disc brake with a rear drum, and charges from 0 to 80% in 4.5 hours.

Independent pricing from the launch event puts the Konarc S 100 (100 km IDC range) at ₹99,999 ex-showroom, the S 125 at ₹1,21,999, and the S 161 at ₹1,44,999, with pricing for the 200 km S variant and both Konarc Z variants still to be announced. The Konarc will be offered through S and Z lines with several range options. The scooter uses a steel unibody chassis with metal body panels, a departure from the construction of Ather’s existing lineup, and rides on a 14-inch front and 12-inch rear wheel combination. Underseat storage comes in at 31 litres, alongside USB charging and reverse Park Assist.

The EL Platform

The EL Platform is Ather’s first entirely new scooter architecture since the 450 platform, developed using 2.6 million km of field data. It has been engineered around cost efficiency and manufacturing scalability rather than performance, positioning the Konarc as Ather’s entry into the mainstream, price-sensitive segment of India’s electric two-wheeler market. The Konarc is Ather’s first production model based on this new platform, which is expected to underpin several future products.

Availability

Deliveries of the Konarc begin mid-September 2026, starting with the S 125 and S 161 variants. Pricing and delivery timing for the remaining variants have not yet been confirmed. At current exchange rates (₹1 ≈ €0.009, as of late August 2026), the launch pricing converts to roughly €900 for the Konarc S 100, €1,100 for the S 125, and €1,305 for the S 161. These figures are approximate and will shift with currency fluctuations, and Ather has not announced any plans to sell the Konarc outside India.

All images © Ather Energy