New battery tech and pricing for Ather family scooters in Nepal
Ather Energy has rolled out a battery and charging upgrade for its Rizta family scooter and 450 Series performance scooters, first announced for the Indian market and now highly relevant for Nepali buyers following the launch of the Rizta line in Nepal. Additionally, the price of the Ather Rizta S has been increased by Rs 20,000, bringing the new price to Rs 314,900.
According to the announcement, Ather is introducing LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery technology on the Rizta for the first time. LFP batteries are known for better thermal stability and longer cycle life compared to traditional NMC packs, which can be reassuring for buyers concerned about battery safety and durability.
Ather Rizta: LFP option with same claimed range
For the Ather Rizta, the new update brings two battery choices:
- Rizta LFP variant: 2.7 kWh LFP battery, with a claimed range of around 123 km per charge (IDC, as per Ather figures).
- Rizta NMC variant: 3.5 kWh NMC battery, with a claimed range of about 161 km per charge.
In India, Ather had previously offered the Rizta with 2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh NMC packs, but the new LFP option uses a slightly smaller 2.7 kWh pack while keeping the claimed 123 km range unchanged, according to the company. For Nepali buyers, the Rizta S currently on sale is listed with a 2.7 kWh battery, 123 km IDC range, 4.3 kW peak motor and 80 km/h top speed, and this aligns with the new LFP specification according to Vaidya Energy’s recent launch details.
The Rizta S was initially launched in Nepal in March with an official price of Rs 294,900, and an introductory price of Rs 274,900 for the first 150 customers. The price revision reflects ongoing market adjustments.
Ather 450 Series: NMC retained, pack resized
On the Ather 450 Series performance scooters, Ather continues with high energy-density NMC chemistry. The company says the larger battery pack has been reduced from 3.7 kWh to 3.5 kWh, yet the certified range remains at 161 km.
There will also be a 2.9 kWh option on the 450 Series, with an indicated range of around 122–126 km, aimed at riders who want a lower-cost pack while keeping daily usable range similar.
Faster portable charger for both models
Alongside the battery changes, Ather is introducing a new 900 W portable charger for the larger battery variants of both Rizta and 450 Series.
- New charger: 900 W portable unit, 0–80% in about 3 hours 12 minutes, as per Ather’s figures.
- Old charger (replaced): 700 W portable unit, 0–80% in around 4 hours 30 minutes.
For users relying on regular home charging, this is a notable time saving, especially on larger packs.
What it means for Nepali buyers
Ather has already entered Nepal with the Rizta EV scooter, priced around Rs 3.8 lakh ex-showroom for the high-range variant, with a 159 km IDC range and 5-year/60,000 km battery warranty according to the distributor. The new LFP and charger updates strengthen the Rizta family lineup by offering:
- Safer, longer-life LFP battery on the lower-range Rizta variant.
- Improved home charging times on bigger battery options.
- No compromise on claimed range, despite reduced battery capacity on some trims.
For everyday riders in Nepal comparing electric scooters for city use, the key takeaway is that Ather’s latest Rizta and 450 Series updates focus on battery safety, longevity and faster charging, while keeping headline range figures intact. The price revision for the Rizta S reflects the ongoing adjustments in the market, ensuring competitive offerings for Nepali consumers.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
