India’s electric vehicle scene is heating up, and this time, it’s not just about speed or style—it’s about survival on the streets.
Ather’s Safety Revolution Hits Bengaluru
At this year’s Ather Community Day, the crowd wasn’t just cheering for tech—they were witnessing a shift in how urban riders stay safe. AtherStack 7.0, the brand’s latest software update, stole the show with a live demo of Pothole Alerts. Imagine riding through Bengaluru and your scooter warns you—out loud—about a pothole just ahead. That’s not sci-fi; that’s now.
The system uses real-time data from thousands of Ather scooters to map out hazardous patches. Riders called it a “game-changer” for India’s unpredictable roads. And it’s not just Bengaluru—live maps showed Pune lighting up too, proving this isn’t a beta test. It’s rolling out fast.
Crash Alerts & Emergency Response—Instantly
Another standout feature? Crash Alerts. If a rider meets with an accident, the scooter can automatically share their location and display emergency contacts on the dashboard. That’s not just smart—it’s life-saving.
More Than Just Safety: AtherStack 7.0 Brings the Fun Too
The update also includes:
- ParkSafe: Warns you if you’re parking in a risky spot.
- LockSafe: Alerts you to potential theft.
- Cricket Dashboards: Because, well, it’s India.
- Voice Commands: Hands-free control while riding.
And yes, it’s backward compatible. Even older models like the Rizta Z and 450X Gen 3 will get the upgrade.
Ola’s Big Reveal: Sports Scooters, AI, and a Factory That Means Business
Meanwhile, Ola Electric made headlines with its Sankalp 2025 event at the Krishnagiri Gigafactory—India’s first lithium-ion cell plant. The company unveiled its “India Inside” vision, showcasing wireless charging scooters, AI-powered MoveOS 6, and even a sneak peek at electric motorcycles.
But here’s the twist: Ola’s market share dipped from 19.9% to 17.2% in just a month, narrowing its lead over Ather to a mere 526 units. The race is tighter than ever.
Financial Face-Off: Ather Gains, Ola Struggles
Ather’s revenue soared while losses narrowed. Ola, despite bigger numbers, saw a sharp revenue drop and rising losses. Still, Ola’s scale—over 4,000 stores and global R&D—keeps it in the fight.
Final Word: The EV Battle Isn’t Just About Machines—It’s About Mindset
Ather is betting on community-powered safety and smarter rides. Ola is going all-in on innovation and scale. One is protecting riders; the other is reinventing the ride. FY26 might just be the year India’s EV future takes a decisive turn.
