Ola S1 Z and Gig Commercial Scooter Launched: It's 'Most-Affordable' Two-Wheeler

Ola Electric, led by CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, has introduced two new electric scooter models— the Ola S1 Z and Gig range— with starting prices as low as Rs 39,000. The models aim to revolutionise the electric vehicle (EV) market in India by focusing on affordability and accessibility for a wider audience.

Affordable Prices for Semi-urban and Rural Markets

The new Ola S1 Z and Gig electric scooters are designed to cater to semi-urban and rural regions, where affordability remains a critical factor in EV adoption. The company is positioning these models as ideal solutions for customers looking for cost-effective transportation options. Reservations for both models have been opened, with deliveries expected to start in April 2025.

Ola PowerPod: A Portable Inverter with a 1.5 kWh Battery

In an innovative move, Ola Electric also introduced the Ola PowerPod, a portable battery pack priced at Rs 9,999. This device not only serves as an EV battery charger but also functions as a home inverter, providing essential household power. The PowerPod is equipped with a 1.5 kWh battery and offers a maximum output of 500W, making it capable of powering devices such as LED bulbs, ceiling fans, TVs, mobile chargers, and Wi-Fi routers for up to three hours.

The PowerPod is specifically targeted at households in rural and semi-urban areas, where frequent power outages are common. This sustainable solution is designed to address the growing demand for affordable energy alternatives, ensuring people can continue their daily activities even during power cuts.

Boosting Domestic Manufacturing of Lithium-Ion Cells

In line with its ambitious growth plans, Bhavish Aggarwal revealed that Ola Electric is actively working on manufacturing its lithium-ion cells. This move aims to make electric vehicles more affordable by reducing the reliance on imported batteries. Aggarwal emphasized that integrating indigenously developed cells into their vehicles by early next year would bring down costs and provide long-term benefits for the Indian EV industry.

Strategic Importance of the Gigafactory

Ola Electric’s Gigafactory, under the leadership of battery manufacturing veteran Hyun Shik Park, plays a crucial role in the company’s cell production initiative. Park, who has more than 36 years of experience with South Korea’s LG, is overseeing mass production at the Gigafactory, which is expected to be a game-changer for the Indian electric vehicle market. His expertise and the facility’s capabilities are pivotal to Ola Electric’s efforts to establish a self-sufficient EV supply chain and reduce costs.

With the introduction of affordable scooters and innovative energy solutions like the PowerPod, Ola Electric is set to make a significant impact on the Indian electric vehicle landscape. The company’s focus on local manufacturing and sustainable technology development positions it as a leader in the country's transition to greener, more affordable transportation options.