Now, one of the leading electric vehicle (EV) companies in India, Ola Electric, has taken a huge step by coming out with what is innovatively named the “Bharat” battery cell, which does not stand for anything else but an all-new 4680 cell that originated completely from within the country. One major thrust towards achieving the dream of making India Atma Nirbhar in Battery Manufacturing, which will then help reduce response to foreign technology while manufacturing batteries for EVs.
According to Ola Electric Chairman and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, the company developed this cell technology in-house, too, and it has filed for over 70 patents related to its innovation.
What Makes the Bharat Battery Cell Stand Out?
Bharat battery cells are promised to provide increased power and be more energy efficient than current batteries. They can provide five times more energy density than the 2170 cells that enable Ola’s electric scooters today.
Energy density is the measure of how much energy a battery can store relative to its size. With this high energy density, Bharat Cell-powered vehicles can run longer miles on a single charge and have an extremely fast recharging time, making it easy for users.
This development is in line with the Indian government’s focus on self-reliance and promoting local manufacturing and technology, mainly through schemes like production-linked incentives (PLI).
The Indian government implements the PLI scheme and shows incentive support to companies making investments in businesses that are of economic importance. However, Ola Electric is working to drive down with the Bharat cell.
Also Read: Ola Cabs Rebranded To Ola Consumer; Ride-Sharing Service Ola Share Relaunched
How Is Ola Electric Planning to Scale Production?
Bhavish Aggarwal, at the Ola Sankalp 2024 event, revealed that the company’s long-term vision is a road map to change energy and battery tech in India. Ola Electric intends to commence production of the Bharat battery cell in bulk and in a phased manner. The company will first achieve 5 gigawatt hours (GWh) of manufacturing capacity in 2024.
For reference, one GWh can fuel about 10,000 electric vehicles. Ola Electric expects capacity to increase to 20 GWh by 2026 and a 100 GWh by the end of this decade in India. The policy is actually a roadmap to help scale up the adoption of EVs and energy storage in India.
Ola Electric will be locally producing these battery cells for its output at Ola Electric’s upcoming Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu-based gigafactory. The plant will be a phased development, with the first phase targeting 5 GWh of production capacity. The factory will play a significant systemic role in supporting India’s move to electric vehicles with locally made batteries that offer high performance for the best experience.
When Will We See the Bharat Cell in Ola’s Vehicles?
Ola Electric has further announced that it will use the Bharat battery cell in its vehicles beginning in April 2025. The release timing reveals the company’s commitment to getting its new tech out here as soon as possible. After they have been localized, Ola expects these batteries to make its electric vehicles more competitive in the Indian and other global markets.
Aside from that, Ola Electric is also working on growing its product portfolio. Motorcycles account for about two-thirds of all vehicles sold in India, and the electric powerplants likely mean Ola will offer some fairly affordable models. The move into electric motorcycles is part of Ola’s efforts to secure a broader slice of the EV market following its rollout of successful electric scooters, namely the S1 and S1 Pro models.
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What Does This Mean for the Future of EVs in India?
The launch of the Bharat battery cell by Ola Electric is a historic step for India’s journey towards electric energy independence and sustainable transportation. This advanced battery technology, with plans for large-scale manufacturing and integration, has been designed to be cost-effective, lightweight, and durable. Ola is well on its way to becoming a key player in the Electric Vehicle ecosystem.
In turn, those efforts not only lessen the cost of EVs in India but also symbolize a pledge for greater use of cleaner and more efficient energy solutions worldwide. As Ola Electric brings new product innovations to the market, this will help drive the process for electric mobility in India and global markets.
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