Ola Electric has introduced the ‘Bharat’ battery cell, an indigenous 4680 cell that was developed wholly in-house. This new technology was released during the annual Ola Sankalp event, with an objective to expedite the country's electric vehicle (EV) and contributing to India's drive towards self-reliance in battery manufacture.
The ‘Bharat’ cell represents aims at bringing technological advancement for Ola Electric and the larger Indian EV industry. Aggarwal emphasised the company's commitment to innovation, saying, "We didn't import the tech; we built it ourselves." With over 70 patents, the Bharat cell is intended to provide five times the energy density of the 2170 cells now used in Ola's electric scooters.
Along with battery innovation, Ola Electric is preparing to introduce the Indian motorbike market with its electric motorcycle line. Aggarwal emphasised the strategic significance of this decision, pointing out that motorbikes account for almost two-thirds of the total vehicle market in India. Ola Electric's entry into this category seeks to take a major share of the developing EV market, bolstering its position as an industry leader.
Aggarwal's remark is consistent with the Indian government's desire for domestic production and technological self-reliance, particularly in the rapidly expanding EV sector. The Bharat cell, which was fully developed in India, represents this national aim by potentially lowering reliance on imported battery technology and encouraging domestic innovation.
Ola Electric has already built a strong foothold in the electric scooter market with its popular S1 and S1 Pro models. Electric motorcycles are likely to extend their popularity by catering to a larger range of consumer demands.