Ola Electric showcases Bharat cell, rare earth-free motor at ‘Sankalp'

Economic Times

a day ago

Company Images Ola Electric on Friday launched its first indigenously manufactured 4680 Bharat cell battery and a rare earth metal-free motor at its annual 'Sankalp' event, held at the company's Gigafactory in Tamil Nadu. This was Ola's first public showcase at the 107-acre lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility.
The 4680 Bharat cell, available starting today, offers 10% higher energy density and a battery life of around 15 years, the company claimed. It can be used in Ola vehicles, energy storage devices such as solar units, and even drones. Ola Electric also unveiled the new S1 Pro+ scooter, powered by the 4680 cell, with a top speed of 141 km/h and a promised range of 501 km. Its price has been cut from Rs 1,99,999 to Rs 1,69,999, with deliveries beginning September 22.
Ola's second major announcement was a motor built with ferrite instead of neodymium, eliminating the need for rare earth magnets. These magnets, typically the strongest permanent magnets, have become a supply risk for India's auto industry as China tightens exports. 'The next generation of motor technology does not need rare earths. And your company has already built it,' said founder Bhavish Aggarwal at the event.
The company also introduced MoveOS 6, its upgraded operating system that follows MoveOS 5. The new version adds features such as a voice assistant, camera, customisable motor sounds, personalised ride insights, and speed boost. According to Ola, MoveOS 6 will improve energy efficiency by 15%, reduce weight by 25%, and cut costs by 43%. These Gen4 upgrades are scheduled for release early next year. As part of the MoveOS 6 rollout, Ola will launch the S1 Pro Sport, a sport-segment scooter priced at Rs 1,49,999 (tentative), expected in January 2026. The company also revealed its upcoming electric bike, Diamond Head, targeted for mid-2027.Ola has hosted its annual event on August 15 since 2021, when it launched its first S1 electric scooter range. Last year, it introduced its first lineup of electric motorcycles under the Roadster brand, offered in three variants, Roadster Pro, Roadster, and Roadster X, with introductory prices ranging from Rs 74,999 to Rs 2,49,999.Within the Gigafactory, Ola aims to mass-produce its homegrown NMC 2170 lithium-ion cells. At present, it imports cells from LG Chem in South Korea for its electric scooters, according to reports.The latest announcements come as the company faces regulatory scrutiny and a sharp decline in market share. Ola's share in the electric two-wheeler segment has fallen from over 50% a year ago to 16.8% in the first two weeks of July, placing it behind TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto, ET reported on July 28.Financial pressures add to the challenge. Ola Electric reported a net loss of Rs 428 crore in the June quarter, compared to Rs 327 crore a year earlier, though narrower than the Rs 870 crore loss in the March quarter. The company posted operating revenue of Rs 611 crore in the March quarter.
With the 4680 Bharat cell, rare earth-free motor, and new vehicle launches, Ola is betting on technology and in-house manufacturing to regain its edge in India's fast-growing EV market.
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