The electric two-wheeler market in India is rapidly evolving, and Ampere, a brand under Greaves Electric Mobility, is making a strong play with its most premium and feature-rich offering to date: the Ampere Nexus. Positioned as a high-performance, all-round family electric scooter, the Nexus aims to strike a perfect balance between comfort, practicality, and spirited performance to compete with established rivals.
Design and Aesthetics
The Ampere Nexus breaks away from the brand’s earlier, more utilitarian designs with a sharp, contemporary look. It features a boxy yet clean design language, with sleek lines and neatly integrated elements like the front indicators and pillion footrests, lending it a premium feel. Available in attractive colours such as Zanskar Aqua, Lunar White, Indian Red, and Steel Grey, the Nexus is designed to appeal to both younger and family-oriented riders.
The scooter is built on a robust, high-tensile strength chassis, and a key highlight is the ample seating space. The long, wide seat (712 mm) is designed to comfortably accommodate two adults. Practicality is enhanced by a large floorboard space (235 mm) and decent boot space, though it may struggle to fit a full-face helmet with the charger inside.
Performance and Range
Powering the Nexus is a 3 kWh LFP (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate) battery, chosen for its inherent safety and suitability for India’s climate. The battery feeds a 4.0 kW peak power mid-mounted motor, which is a significant upgrade that aids in better handling.
The scooter offers three main riding modes—Eco, City, and Power—along with a Limp Home and Reverse mode.
- Power Mode: Unlocks the maximum performance with a claimed top speed of 93 km/h.
- City Mode: A more balanced option with a top speed capped around 63 km/h.
- Eco Mode: Prioritises range, limiting speed to about 42 km/h.
The acceleration is generally smooth and linear. Ampere claims a CMVR certified range of approximately 136 km, while real-world range is expected to be around 100-105 km on a mixed-mode use, which is adequate for most daily commutes. Crucially, the charging time is competitive, with a full charge taking about 3.3 to 3.5 hours with the included charger.
Technology and Features
The Ampere Nexus is packed with modern technology, particularly in its top-spec ST variant.
- Instrument Console: The ST variant boasts a bright 7-inch TFT touchscreen display (the EX variant gets a 6.2-inch PMVA display).
- Connectivity: The top model includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, offering features like music controls, call/SMS alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation (though it does not support Google Maps). It also supports OTA (Over-The-Air) software updates.
- Riding Aids: Key features include Hill Hold for easy starts on inclines, a Reverse Mode, and a USB charging port.
- Suspension and Braking: It employs a standard hydraulic telescopic fork at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is handled by a disc brake at the front and a drum at the rear, with a combined braking system (CBS).
Variants and Pricing
The Ampere Nexus is primarily available in two main variants:
Variant | Key Features | Ex-Showroom Price (Approx.) |
Nexus EX | 6.2-inch PMVA Cluster, Basic Connectivity | ₹ 1,19,900 |
Nexus ST | 7-inch TFT Touchscreen, Advanced Connectivity, OTA | ₹ 1,29,900 |
Export to Sheets
(Prices are ex-showroom, subject to change and local subsidies)
Verdict
The Ampere Nexus represents a considerable leap forward for the brand, offering a genuinely all-round electric scooter that is comfortable, practical, and capable. Its strong points are its nimble handling, decent real-world range, comfortable seating, and a modern, feature-rich top-end variant. While some minor refinements in build quality and switchgear ergonomics could be made, the Nexus emerges as a serious contender in the family electric scooter segment, putting it in direct competition with popular models like the TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak. For buyers looking for a well-balanced, contemporary, and reliable electric scooter for everyday commuting, the Ampere Nexus is a compelling new choice.