Remember the last time you walked up to an ice cream cart and asked for a cup of plain ice cream? Yeah, the ice cream man must have handed you a cup labelled ‘Vanilla’, and you probably didn’t give it much thought. Vanilla is one of the most labour-intensive and expensive flavouring substances but somehow is still overlooked just because people perceive it to be a basic flavour. Much like that, as urban transportation continues to evolve, the market has been flooded with EVs that have various tacky features and otherworldly claims, and we tend to overlook things that come across as basic.
Ampere, the EV company parented by Greaves Electric Mobility is not a new name in the electric mobility sector. Having products like the Magnus, Zeal and Primus already in the market, it has had time to work on fine-tuning the tech and engineering that goes into its latest offering, the Nexus ST. Now, the question is what the manufacturer did with all this technical expertise, and how it translates to the EV in question.
At first glance, the Nexus ST carries a sleek and modern but minimalistic look to it, featuring flush panels and piano-finish buttons in place of switches, which needs some getting used to. It gets LED lighting all around and auto cut-off indicators too. The build quality feels fairly sturdy and decent, in comparison to most of the new EVs available today. It features a 7-inch TFT console with Bluetooth connectivity, which feels pretty refined and easy to use. When connected to the app, it also has navigation mirroring and media controls, among other features, on the console.
The Ampere Nexus ST is claimed by the manufacturer to have the strongest-in-class chassis, and apart from that, an IP67-rated battery pack. That takes care of the durability factor of the EV. In terms of storage, the under-seat compartment can accommodate a half-face helmet, along with a few other knick-knacks. Equipped with a 4-kW motor, the Nexus ST is claimed to be able to reach speeds of up to 93 kph, although the unit we got only went up to 91 kph during testing. The acceleration feels smooth, making it comfortable to manoeuvre through traffic. The scooter handles inclines well, and its 3 kWh LFP battery unit offers a range of about 100 km in the real world, depending on riding conditions.
The Ampere Nexus ST gets three riding modes, namely Eco, City and Power, and an additional reverse function, which is a common feature in EVs today. Switching between the different riding modes on the go is straightforward, allowing users to choose between Eco mode for extended battery life or Power mode for increased speed and responsiveness. City mode is a fine balance between the two, but I kept it locked in Power mode for the duration of the ride.
Coming to the ride quality and ergonomics of the Nexus ST, the suspension setup effectively absorbs shocks and provides stability, making it ready to take on Indian roads. The ergonomics feel pretty relaxed and the long seat is more than accommodating for both short and tall riders alike, although I felt the cushioning could be a tad softer. The brakes have more than decent bite, and engage quickly and smoothly, which is necessary for navigating busy and unpredictable urban environments.
The Ampere Nexus ST offers a well-rounded package for those looking to invest in an EV for urban commuting. Its combination of performance, design, and safety features makes it a good option in an ever-growing market. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or simply enjoying a leisurely weekend ride, at Rs 1.2 lakh (ex-showroom), the Nexus ST is a reliable and elegant choice that delivers on its promises.
