Bengaluru-based EV startup Ather Energy has put its international expansion plans on hold, for now, thanks to the Covid-19 global crisis. The company has switched its focus from extending its network on a global scale to strengthening its grip in the domestic electric two-wheeler industry.
Based on the earlier reports, Ather Energy was aiming to enter at least two international markets by March 2021. In fact, the EV-maker was already in talks with representatives of a few Southeast Asian countries, where there is a good demand for electric vehicles and has a well-established charging infrastructure and network. Besides Southeast Asia, the electric scooter manufacturer was also eyeing to enter markets in Europe and Latin America. It also aimed to set up local assembly plants in international markets to fulfil the demand.
Unfortunately, all these plans have been put on hold for the time being because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ather Energy will rather put its energy in expanding its footprint here in India.
ArraySpeaking with carandbike, Tarun Mehta, CEO and co-founder, Ather Energy, said:
Let me just clarify this, we are not going international this year. Maybe next year, but not even sure of that! At some point, last year we did have serious plans. We were in active conversations in a few international markets. We were shortlisting our local country partners and then COVID happened and we kind of realised that the amount of effort we are putting in there was significant and the payoffs were really in the future and we have so much work to do in domestic expansion, not in 3,4,5 but like in 10, 15, 30, 50, 100 cities and our energy is better spent opening up the Indian markets so we decided to put on our international plans for hold this year. We will only pick it up sometime next year and given that opening a country takes a long time, I would realistically expect international sales to begin like in 2022, not before that.
Suzuki has unveiled the Swift Sport ZC33S Final Edition for the Japanese market, marking the end of the third-generation Swift Sport. This limited-production model will be available from March to..
Range Rover has officially commenced sales of the 2025 Range Rover Sport in India, with prices starting at ₹1.45 crore (ex-showroom). Locally manufactured, the premium SUV is offered in 3.0L Petrol..
Toyota is set to revolutionize its premium MPV segment with the launch of the Alphard and Vellfire Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) models in Japan. Sales for these luxurious six-seater PHEVs..
When it comes to tuning cars, timeless is a word we don’t hear enough. But every once in a while, a classic design comes along that proves its versatility and enduring appeal, no matter the decade or..
Suzuki has unveiled the Swift Sport ZC33S Final Edition for the Japanese market, marking the end of the third-generation Swift Sport. This limited-production model will be available from March to..
Range Rover has officially commenced sales of the 2025 Range Rover Sport in India, with prices starting at ₹1.45 crore (ex-showroom). Locally manufactured, the premium SUV is offered in 3.0L Petrol..
Toyota is set to revolutionize its premium MPV segment with the launch of the Alphard and Vellfire Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) models in Japan. Sales for these luxurious six-seater PHEVs..
When it comes to tuning cars, timeless is a word we don’t hear enough. But every once in a while, a classic design comes along that proves its versatility and enduring appeal, no matter the decade or..
Honda is set to showcase two bold EV prototypes from its upcoming Honda 0 Series at CES 2025. Scheduled for a global market debut in 2026, these models signify the brand’s next leap in electric..
If you are like many exotic car enthusiasts, you’re eager to hit the road the moment you get your hands on that shiny new ride. But slow down champ! Supercars generally require an adjustment period..