The electric vehicle (EV) landscape in India is buzzing with new entrants and innovations, and the Ampere Nexus has emerged as a significant contender in the electric scooter segment. Launched by Greaves Electric Mobility, the Nexus aims to be a reliable and versatile companion for daily commutes and beyond, targeting families and individual riders alike.
Design and Build Quality
The Ampere Nexus showcases a contemporary design language that blends clean lines with subtle sporty elements. The front fascia features an attractive LED headlight, while the rear maintains a refined yet dynamic appearance. Notably, the scooter exhibits commendable build quality with a good fit and finish, devoid of noticeable panel gaps. The switches offer a premium tactile feedback, enhancing the user experience. A long and spacious seat ensures comfortable rides for both the rider and the pillion. Practicality is further enhanced with a deep and roomy glove box in the front apron, along with a luggage hook. While the under-seat storage of 24 liters can accommodate a full-face helmet, space for the charger is not available within.
Performance and Range
At the heart of the Ampere Nexus is a mid-mounted motor with a peak power output of 4kW. The scooter offers three primary riding modes: Eco, City, and Power. Eco mode prioritizes maximum range with a top speed limited to around 45 kmph. City mode offers a balance between performance and range, making it suitable for everyday commuting. Power mode allows for a more spirited ride, achieving a top speed of 93 kmph. The power delivery across all modes is smooth and progressive.
The Nexus is equipped with a 3kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery, known for its better thermal stability, especially crucial for Indian weather conditions. The company claims a certified range of 136 km under standard testing conditions. However, real-world range may vary depending on riding conditions and mode selection. Some user reviews suggest a real-world range of around 70-75 km in Eco mode, which might decrease in City or Power modes. The battery takes approximately 3.3 hours to charge fully using the standard 15A charger. An optional 25A fast charger is also available for quicker charging.
Ride and Handling
The Ampere Nexus offers a planted and stable ride at various speeds. Its lightweight design and nimble handling make it well-suited for navigating city traffic. The suspension setup comprises telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. While the ride quality feels reasonably pliant at lower speeds, it tends to become firmer over rougher roads, which some riders might find slightly uncomfortable, especially on longer journeys. The braking system includes a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear, offering adequate stopping power, although a firm squeeze on the levers might be required for maximum effectiveness.
Features and Technology
The top-end Nexus ST variant boasts a 7.0-inch color touchscreen TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to connect their smartphones and access features through the Ampere Connect app. The display is reasonably legible even under sunlight and features adaptive lighting. Other notable features include LED lighting all around, a USB charging port, hill-hold assist, hazard lights, and a reverse mode, enhancing convenience and safety.
Market Positioning and Competition
The Ampere Nexus is positioned as a premium family electric scooter. Its pricing places it in a competitive segment alongside rivals like the Ather Rizta, TVS iQube, and Bajaj Chetak. While the Nexus offers a compelling package with its design, features, and performance, the Ampere brand might not have the same level of brand recall as some of its established competitors. The company has a growing network of showrooms across India, which is crucial for sales and after-sales service.
Conclusion
The Ampere Nexus represents a significant step forward for the manufacturer in the electric scooter market. It offers a well-rounded package with a stylish design, decent performance, a good range for daily commutes, and a host of modern features. While there might be room for improvement in ride comfort over rough roads and real-world range consistency, the Nexus stands out as a strong contender for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich electric scooter for urban mobility. As the Indian EV market continues to expand, the Ampere Nexus has the potential to become a trusted companion for a wide range of riders.
