Ather opens its proprietary fast-charging connector for other OEMs. This will help in improving the overall charging infrastructure. The demand for electric two-wheelers is at an all-time high, with more and more customers entering this segment. But, the charging infrastructure is still at a nascent stage, which is one of the major deterrents. Thus, Ather wants other OEMs to use their wide 200+ fast chargers by introducing this new fast-charging connector. This will pave the way for an interconnected and cross-compatible two-wheeler fast-charging infrastructure in the country. Along with this, other OEMs can also follow this route which will help develop a common standard that will lower the infrastructure investment for e-mobility.
Currently, Ather has confirmed that there are more than 170 charging points across India set up by Ather. Ather Energy currently operates in 23 cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hubli, Hyderabad, Pune, Jaipur, Kochi, Mumbai, and MysoreThis makes Ather’s charging network, also known as Ather Grid, is one of the largest in the country.
This new connector will help to enable the entire ecosystem to work together, thus pushing more customers to buy electric two-wheelers. It is to be noted that four-wheeler charging points can not be used to charge electric two-wheelers. The reason is that the shape and size of the connector used for four-wheelers are not feasible for two-wheelers. Currently, only China follows a standard connector for its electric two-wheelers.
This new connector designed by Ather supports both AC as well as DC charging. This means that this same connector can be used for standard charging as well as fast charging. Further, Ather confirmed three-wheelers can also make use of this connector with the ability of CAN 2.0 communication with control and proximity pilot. Ather claims that the connector will have a low production cost, thus allowing mass-market segment vehicles to use it as well.