Ather Energy has enhanced its Product Testing & Validation Centre in Bengaluru, bolstering its research and development efforts for electric two-wheelers. The newly expanded center, known as The Juggernaut, now covers 38,692 square feet and is dedicated to improving the quality, reliability, and performance of its products while accelerating development timelines.
The updated facility includes specialized labs for structural durability, battery testing, electrical systems, and vehicle environment simulations. A standout feature is the 4 DOF Road Simulator, capable of completing a 100,000 km endurance test in just 15 days—much faster than the decade it would take to conduct the same test on actual roads.
“Electric vehicles are fundamentally different from internal combustion engine vehicles and require comprehensive testing of every component,” explained Swapnil Jain, Co-founder and CTO of Ather Energy. “With this expansion, we’re significantly enhancing our testing capabilities, which will help speed up innovation and product development.”
The center also conducts extensive battery validation, including thermal, water wading, drop, and vibration tests. Ather’s battery packs undergo 272 different tests and meet the IPX7 waterproof standard as well as AIS 156 compliance.
As of December 31, 2024, Ather had completed 4,535 unique tests for its electric two-wheelers. The company’s R&D expenditure was ₹2,388 million, representing 15% of its total revenue, with nearly half of its workforce dedicated to research and development.
Ather Energy operates three R&D facilities in Bengaluru, one of which is officially recognized as an in-house R&D unit by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The company follows a rigorous product development process, requiring eight quality reviews before launching any new product.
Ather currently manufactures two scooter models—the Ather 450 and the Rizta—designed to cater to the performance and convenience segments of the market. It was the first in India’s electric two-wheeler industry to introduce features such as touchscreen dashboards, navigation, internet connectivity, and cloud integration.
The company operates two manufacturing plants in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, for vehicle assembly and battery production, with a third facility under construction in Bidkin, Maharashtra. Founded in 2013, Ather Energy has become a major player in India’s rapidly growing electric vehicle market, which is expanding as the country accelerates its efforts to reduce emissions and fuel dependence.
