India: Ola Electric launches e-scooter with indigenous LFP cells

Ola Electric, one of India's leading electric two-wheeler brands, has launched its first e-scooter featuring LFP cells developed and manufactured in-house: the S1Z. It has priced the new electric scooter in the same range as traditional petrol-powered scooters, making it accessible for the masses.

The company is offering two battery variants: 3.1 kWh and 5.1 kWh, both with 46-series LFP cells. It developed these cells at the Battery Innovation Centre in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and manufactures them at the Ola Gigafactory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, and says this deep indigenisation has significantly lowered battery costs.

The S1Z can travel up to 179 kilometres on a single charge with the 3.1 kWh LFP battery. Charging it from 0 to 80 per cent takes 5 hours and 42 minutes. With the 5.1 kWh LFP battery, the range goes up by 68 per cent to 301 kilometres. Charging the larger battery from 0 to 80 per cent takes 6 hours and 16 minutes.

A 4 kW mid-mounted motor powers the S1Z. The standard-range variant can accelerate from 0 to 40 kph in 4.6 seconds, and further to 60 kph in 9.6 seconds, while the long-range variant takes 4.9 seconds and 10.1 seconds, respectively. Both have the same top speed of 70 kph.

As an introductory scheme, Ola Electric is offering the S1Z for 79,999 rupees (724 euros) with the 3.1 kWh LFP battery and for 99,999 rupees (904 euros) with the 5.1 kWh battery. The company has yet to disclose the regular pricing. It plans to commence deliveries of the standard-range variant this December, followed by the long-range variant in March 2027.

Commenting on the S1Z launch, Ola Electric Chairman & Managing Director Bhavish Aggarwal said: “It is the first scooter range to bring our made-in-India LFP technology to the heart of the market, where millions of customers make their mobility decisions. We believe affordability shouldn’t mean settling for less.”

Ola Electric has traditionally relied primarily on NMC cells for its electric scooters. With the S1Z’s LFP cells, it is addressing not only affordability but also thermal safety, an important consideration in India’s hot climate.

While consumer response will not become clear until sales commence, investors appear to have given a positive response to the introduction of the S1Z. On Monday, the first full day of trading following the launch, Ola Electric’s shares rose as much as 8.1 per cent on the BSE and closed 5.3 per cent higher.

Press release by email, olaelectric.com, bseindia.com