Ather Energy, an Indian electric vehicle company backed by Hero MotoCorp, is reportedly in talks with several state governments for building a new manufacturing facility in the country.

According to sources close to the move, the EV firm is in discussions with state government officials of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana for setting up a new manufacturing plant with an annual capacity of around 1.5 million units.

The company is in the final negotiations and is expected to finalize the location in the coming month. However, upon questioning, the firm's spokesperson refused to comment or provide any detail on the move.

Ather Energy, which currently sells two electric scooters – namely the 450X and the 450 Plus – is planning to look for 100 acres of land parcel for building its third facility in the country.

Currently, Ather has its plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, with an existing capacity of 120,000 units per annum.

The capacity is expected to extend further to 400,000 units each year with the upcoming new facility in Hosur, expected to commence later this year.

Furthermore, in May 2022, Ather Energy secured funding of USD 128 million from NIIFL (National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Ltd.'s) SOF (Strategic Opportunities Fund) and Hero Motorcorp with some additional investors.

This funding is planned to be used in expanding the manufacturing facilities, investing in R&D, charging infrastructure and enlarging its retail network.

Hero MotorCorp is an early supporter of Ather Energy and has been associated with its growth strategy since 2016.

The firm currently holds around a 35% stake in electric two-wheeler makers. Furthermore, it informed its highest-ever monthly sales in May, which reached 3,807 units.

The firm marks its presence in 32 cities with 38 experience centers. It aims to own 150 such centers in 100 cities by the end of 2023.

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