Updated Ampere Magnus Launch Soon, CTO Speaks On Battery Tech, AI Impact And More

Bengaluru-based Greaves Electric Mobility’s electric two-wheeler sub-brand Ampere is all set to update the Ampere Magnus Grand as well as the Ampere Magnus G Max with new features by April 2026. We also recently got a chance to catch up with Greaves Electric Mobility’s CTO (Chief Technology Officer) Ram Rajappa, wherein he shared his insights on the brand’s future products and also general industry developments. Here are the key highlights:

Updates To The Existing Lineup:

The current 3.5-inch LCD console in both the Magnus Grand and G Max electric scooters will be replaced by a larger, more info-packed 5-inch unit, complete with standard Internet Of Things (IoT) connectivity. IoT is optional at the moment, and it allows users to access features such as geo-fencing, last-parked location and other details on the dedicated smartphone app. Expect a price bump of around Rs 2,000 their current prices. For perspective, the Magnus Grand costs Rs 89,999, whereas the G Max costs Rs 99,999 (both ex-showroom, pan-India).

Current-gen console shown for representation

It’s been close to two years since the launch of the Ampere Nexus, the brand’s flagship scooter meant to take on the likes of other mainstream premium e-scooters. So expect feature updates to the Nexus as well in the coming months. Interestingly, the Nexus S Tourismo and Exec variants were unveiled at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo (also known as Auto Expo), so we might just see the new features in these variants. 

On Electric Motorcycle Segment, And The Ampere Xyber:

Speaking about the electric motorcycle segment in general, Ram said that electric motorcycles are yet to give the kind of advantages electric scooters give over their petrol-powered counterparts. He elaborated by saying there are technical challenges that need to be tackled, including requiring a larger powertrain for moving a larger 17-inch wheel (most commonly used on bikes), larger batteries, and as a consequence, heavier weight.  He opined that the technology is there in the premium segment, but it is yet to get to a level where it can get affordable and usable (by the masses). He added, “I’d say probably about 18-24 months away”

The brand had also unveiled the Ampere Xyber electric bike concept back at the 2025 Auto Expo. Not many details were revealed, but Ampere did mention that it had a claimed range of up to 200km from its lithium ferro phosphate battery pack. It even had a claimed top speed of 100kmph, and seemed to be an ideal alternative to a 150cc petrol-powered bike. However, as mentioned above, Ampere still feels the feasibility of an affordable electric bike is still a year or two away. Ram said that they will look at this segment at the right time. He also added that as of right now, they are not working on it. 

It makes sense for Ampere to play the waiting game to see how the segment shapes up in the coming months. Afterall, Revolt seems to be the only big player in the affordable electric bike segment. Ola Roadster hasn’t really hit the mark, whereas brands like Ultraviolette and Raptee are catering a segment above. Sure, Ultraviolette technically “launched” the relatively more affordable Shockwave electric bike, but its deliveries are yet to begin. The brand mentioned it will start in the first quarter of 2026, but we’re already in March, and have not received updates from the brand yet. 

Waiting might just work in Ampere’s favour as it will be able to learn from other players and be flexible accordingly. 

Regarding The Impact Of AI In The EV Industry:

The recent boom in AI development has impacted multiple industries. With respect to AI helping EV manufacturing in particular, Ram said that there is a tremendous opportunity. 

He said, “A lot of decision making, lot of quality fixes can happen right then and there in the station, you don’t have to wait for the vehicle to be built and look for. So potential is there, and I think a lot of companies are working on it.”  He also added that the brand is working on a lot of things (to use AI to accelerate R&D), so we will see (the impact) in time.

Parting Thoughts:

With the updates to its existing lineup, and a strong capacity at Ampere’s Ranipet plant in Tamil Nadu, the brand seems to be right on its path to go head-to-head with mainstream legacy EV players like Bajaj, TVS, and Ather. In fact, as per Vahan data, Ampere sold 4,479 electric two-wheelers in February 2026. While this may be a decent 9% month-on-month jump compared to January 2026, it’s important to note that the brand became one of the top 5 best-selling EV makers in that month. It even overtook Ola Electric scooter sales by 588 units, and now commands a 4.2% market share in the e-scooter segment. 

As for its exports, the brand also recently launched its flagship scooter, the Ampere Nexus in Nepal. Ampere entered the country in December 2023, and now with the launch of the Nexus there, the EV maker will have a better chance of going up against the Ather Rizta, which was launched in Nepal back in August last year. With more brand awareness and dealership expansion, Ampere should be able to slowly climb up the ranks of the best-selling EV segment soon.