Ather Grid Congestion in Visakhapatnam – Need Balanced Charging Access

Hi everyone,

I want to raise a serious concern regarding Ather Grid availability in Visakhapatnam.

Over the past few months, most Ather Grid stations here are consistently occupied by VIDA scooters. This is making it increasingly difficult for Ather owners to charge, especially in urgent low-battery situations.

A major issue is that many VIDA scooters come with dual-battery configurations. Naturally, they require longer charging sessions, which means charging points remain occupied for extended durations. This leads to longer waiting times and frequent congestion at key Grid locations.

At the same time:

  • Ather owners cannot access VIDA charging stations at Hero showrooms.

  • VIDA showroom chargers are often switched off after business hours.

  • Because of this, VIDA owners depend heavily on Ather Grid infrastructure.

  • The load imbalance is affecting Ather users directly.

This creates an asymmetric system where one group has broader access while the other does not.

One of the main reasons many of us chose Ather was the strength and reliability of the Ather Grid network. If congestion continues without infrastructure balancing, it will directly impact the ownership experience.

Possible solutions could include:

  • Clear communication about Ather–VIDA charging access policy.

  • Time limits or smart session management during peak hours.

  • Reciprocal access if network sharing continues.

  • Ensuring VIDA chargers remain operational beyond showroom hours.

  • Increasing the number of VIDA Grid stations in Visakhapatnam to reduce dependency on Ather Grid.

This is not about targeting VIDA owners — it’s about infrastructure fairness and sustainable scaling as EV adoption grows.

Would like to hear if others in Vizag (or other cities) are facing similar issues.

8 Likes

Vida currently doesn’t charge any amount for fast charging in both Ather grid and vida fast chargers this is another reason why vida owners use fast chargers.

Ather is in No mood to take feedback on grid experiences and deficiencies I have recently reported them about vida chargers billing for the time vehicle was connected to charging gun even after 80% is hit and charging gun is unlocked. But only response is its third party charger we don’t control billing copy paste response.

Actually all vida fast chargers should be accessible to Ather owners but like you mentioned some hero dealerships prioritize vida or refuse Ather intentionally or unintentionally.

In came of fast chargers outside Ather dealerships it primarily serving only dealers as they frequently used it for testride Vehicles when grid was free and now for vehicles which are due for delivery occupies charger as it doesn’t bill in factory mode. Why can’t they put slow charging inside instead of occupying fast charger in prime time.

Also vida Vehicles fast charge is restricted at 1.2 km/min. Ather fast chargers at 1.5 to 3 km/min in the latest 3.0 charger

2 Likes