Ather Energy To Expand Its R&D Facility In Bengaluru

Ather Energy has announced that it will be expanding its Product Testing & Validation Centre — The Juggernaut in Begur, Bengaluru. This expansion is aimed at accelerating Ather’s product development, and its R&D ecosystem in the future. The Bengaluru-based EV is already gearing up to launch its IPO, and during the filing the brand revealed its future plans which will see the introduction of electric motorcycles and battery platform as well. 

The upgraded 38,692 sq.ft. facility aims to enhance quality control, reliability testing and performance validation of the company's electric two-wheelers while accelerating product development cycles. “Our products go through rigorous tests that are designed around Indian riding conditions and extreme usage scenarios, reflecting how customers use our scooters. With the expansion of The Juggernaut, we are scaling up our testing capacity & capabilities, enabling us to accelerate innovation and product development while maintaining our focus on performance, quality and reliability,” Swapnil Jain, Co-founder & CTO of Ather Energy.

The centre houses specialised laboratories for structural durability, battery testing, electrical and electronics reliability, and environmental testing of vehicles. A key feature is the 4 DOF Road Simulator/MTS 334, which can compress 1,00,000 km of endurance testing into just 15 days, dramatically shortening the validation process that typically takes years on actual roads. 

With three R&D facilities in Bengaluru, including one recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ather has cumulatively invested ₹2,388 million in R&D last year. This represents 15 per cent of its operational revenue, which is approximately 46 per cent of the company's workforce is dedicated to research and development activities. 

The manufacturer currently produces two scooter lines—the performance-focused Ather 450 and the convenience-oriented Rizta. Production takes place at two manufacturing plants in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, with a third facility under development in Bidkin, Maharashtra. With more products lined up for the future, Ather now seems perfectly poised for an exciting future.