Ather Energy, India’s first intelligent electric scooter manufacturer, recently hosted ‘Warp vs Petrol’, an event for motorcycle and racing enthusiasts to experience the Warp mode of Ather 450X on a racetrack and to push its limits. Unlike most traditional automobile events, this gave the motorcycle enthusiasts a chance to experience the performance of an electric vehicle when set against the big motorcycles they already love and ride. Six internal combustion engine-driven motorcycles – 250cc Dirt, 250cc Sport, 390cc ADV, 390cc Sport, 400cc ADV and 650CC Classic were pitted against the Ather 450X at this event.
The first-of-its-kind event was organized at Aruani Grid, Sarjapur in Bengaluru. It brought together 7 riders with varied experiences, including professional rally riders, stunt bikers, auto journalists along with veteran auto enthusiast and founder of Indimotard Adventure, Anand Dharmaraj to pit their bikes against the Ather 450X in a series of intense and fun challenges. The challenges included a 100-meter drag race, an obstacle and slalom course, ending with a 4×1500 meter relay race.
The event wasn’t a competition to see who wins, but to give hardcore bikers and auto enthusiast a feel of what an electric vehicle is capable of. The unlikely pairing of a 650CC vehicle against a 125CC electric scooter, not only stunned the bikers but brought a sense of disbelief on the performance of the ATHER 450X. The day began with scepticism, including questions like ‘Are you sure an electric scooter belongs at a race track?’. It ended with disbelief on the part of the riders, who experienced first-hand just how well an electric scooter matched up to more powerful machines. The sentiment was perfectly captured by the fact that participants ended the day taking dozens of additional laps on the Ather 450X even after the challenges were completed. The ATHER 450X managed to bag positions in top 5 for most of the races including a very close 3rd in the obstacle race.
Sharing his thoughts on the exciting event, Ravneet Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, “Most of the petrol heads think electric vehicles lack performance and are a ‘soft option’. Through warp vs petrol, we wanted to create an opportunity for them to experience the instant power and fun of riding an electric vehicle. The warp mode of Ather 450X is super responsive, engaging and fun to ride with, just like any other high-powered and high-performance two wheeler. We would love to recreate this event across the country and look forward to more riding enthusiasts being able to experience the thrill of the Ather 450X.”
Ather Energy is considering hosting similar challenges across the country to give petrol heads a chance to challenge the Ather 450X. Enthusiasts are sharing their ‘petrol resumes’ which highlight their riding experience and credentials on the Ather Forum to participate in the event.
