Foxconn Group firm to make BMS, components for Ather Energy

Bangalore-based smart electric two-wheeler company Ather Energy has partnered Bharat FIH, a Foxconn Technology Group company, to develop and manufacture key components for Ather scooters.

As per the understanding, Bharat FIH will offer a host of manufacturing services that include Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assemblies for BMS, dashboard assembly, peripheral controlling units, and drive control modules. These products will be manufactured on a ‘Turn-Key' model, including managing the supply chain logistics and raw material procurement for Ather Energy. Bharat FIH has already begun the production of parts for Ather scooters at its facility.

Tarun Mehta, co-founder and CEO, Ather Energy said “The EV industry continues to witness growth at an unprecedented rate with strong demand across segments. Ather Energy also finds itself in the midst of phenomenal growth as we continue to expand our retail footprint across the country. We are working towards strengthening our supply chain to cater to the rising demand for our scooters. Towards this, we are delighted to partner with Bharat FIH to provide us with the capacity, supply chain capability, and process expertise to achieve our volumes and projections. Bharat FIH has demonstrated incredible capability over the last few months by ramping up very quickly to meet our requirements. This partnership also reflects the opportunities that large auto component manufacturers today recognise in the EV industry."

Till date, Ather Energy has sold more than 26,000 e-scooters. The company claims in the last 12 months it has registered a growth of 20 percent MoM.

Josh Foulger, MD, Bharat FIH said, “We are excited and hold in high regards for our partnership with Ather Energy in supporting their electric vehicle journey in India. With electronics being a significant integral part of an intelligent electric vehicle, we look forward to extending our electronics manufacturing services and technical expertise for the entire range of Ather’s electric scooter offering. "

The EV maker says it has established a strong local supplier base with nearly 99 percent of the products being indigenously built and sourced for manufacturing. Furthermore, to cater to the growing demand over the longer term, Ather Energy announced the scaling up of its production from 120,000 to 400,000 units per annum at its Hosur facility and has recently acquired more land to increase production. Over the next three years, Ather plans to increase its annual production capacity to a million scooters; install 5,000 fast chargers across India; develop new products and increase its network to 600 stores. At present, the company has 30 experience centres (retail outlets) across India.