Ather Energy delays Konarc model launch as high demand stretches factory output

Ather Energy is pushing back the release of its entry-level Konarc variant to the final quarter of fiscal year 2027. The company previously planned to bring out the Konarc S 100 in the first quarter of 2027. Factory output cannot keep up with strong customer interest right now.

Production Pressure

Pre-orders from buyers more than doubled compared to the previous year, reaching roughly 1.80 lakh units during the July to September period of 2026. Monthly production averaged about 33,000 units while the Hosur factory ran at up to 98 percent of its total capacity. Tarun Mehta noted on an analyst call that the company is missing out on about 18,000 to 20,000 units of monthly retail sales because it simply cannot build scooters fast enough. Releasing a cheaper entry-level model right now would also take away sales from higher-priced scooters that bring in better profit margins.

Factory Expansion

The board of directors approved a spend of Rs 122 crore to boost yearly output by 2.25 lakh units. Up to Rs 58 crore will upgrade the Hosur plant to lift its yearly output from 4.2 lakh to 4.95 lakh units by December, alongside a new battery line scheduled for the third quarter of fiscal year 2028. Another Rs 64 crore will fund the AURIC plant located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, which starts commercial production in December with a starting yearly output of 5 lakh units. Combined yearly capacity will jump from 9.2 lakh units to about 11.45 lakh units.

Rollout Plans

The Konarc model will reach buyers in stages. Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan get the scooter first, followed by other states in the northern, central, and western regions. Southern states will receive the vehicle later as factory output grows.

Context

Electric vehicle makers in India often face scaling challenges when consumer demand spikes faster than factory floors can expand. Upgrading manufacturing plants requires heavy capital investment and months of engineering work before new assembly lines can safely begin rolling out vehicles.