The Ampere Nexus is Greaves Cotton’s attempt to carve a niche in India’s competitive electric scooter market. With established players like Bajaj Auto, TVS, and Ather Energy dominating, does the Nexus have what it takes to stand out? Launched in April 2024, we’ve finally had the opportunity to ride this scooter. Here’s what we discovered.
Design and Build Quality
Ampere aimed to give the Nexus a distinct look, and it certainly appears more refined than previous models. The scooter’s design features a refreshing color scheme and a contrasting black band down the center. However, upon closer inspection, the build quality leaves something to be desired, with noticeable uneven panel gaps.
Comfort and Practicality
With a seat height of 765 mm, the Nexus is accessible for riders of various heights. However, the seat’s firmness can lead to discomfort on longer rides, causing numbness after 30-45 minutes. Storage options are limited; while there is some space in the apron for a smartphone, the under-seat storage of 22 liters is smaller than that of many competitors. A front USB charging port enhances practicality, but overall, the Nexus falls short in this area.
Features and Technology
The Nexus ST variant boasts a 7.0-inch color touchscreen, providing decent visibility in bright sunlight. However, the touchscreen’s responsiveness is laggy compared to competitors. While it offers Bluetooth connectivity for music, calls, and navigation, the limited functionality detracts from the user experience. Engaging reverse mode is also cumbersome, requiring a hold on the button while applying the throttle.
Performance and Ride Experience
Equipped with a mid-mounted permanent magnet motor delivering 4 kW, the Nexus offers three ride modes: Eco, City, and Power. In Eco mode, it provides enough power for city commuting but is capped at 45 km/h. City mode increases power for a top speed of 63 km/h, while Power mode allows speeds over 90 km/h. Despite its capable handling at higher speeds, the ride can feel firm, particularly on rough roads, making it less comfortable over time.
Range and Charging in Ampere Nexus
The Nexus features a 3 kWh LFP battery, with an advertised range of 136 km under ideal conditions. In real-world use, however, riders experienced closer to 75 km in Eco mode. This limitation poses a significant concern for daily commuting. Charging the scooter with the standard charger takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes, with a faster charger available, though pricing and efficiency details remain undisclosed.
Verdict
The Ampere Nexus represents a significant step forward for Greaves Cotton, showcasing an evolution in design and features compared to its earlier offerings. However, despite its fresh approach, the Nexus faces considerable challenges in a market dominated by established competitors like Bajaj, TVS, and Ather.
While the scooter features a stylish design and a touchscreen interface, the build quality leaves much to be desired, with uneven panel gaps and a somewhat laggy touchscreen. Comfort-wise, the firmer seat may not suit longer rides, and the real-world range of 75 kilometers falls short of expectations, especially compared to rivals that offer better performance and range.
At a price point ranging from ₹1.10 lakh to ₹1.20 lakh, the Nexus competes with several well-established models that provide superior practicality and features. Without standout attributes to set it apart, convincing buyers to consider the Nexus amidst growing competition will be a tough challenge for Ampere. If the company can address these shortcomings and enhance the scooter’s overall appeal, it may carve out a niche for itself in the ever-evolving electric scooter landscape.
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