Ola Electric Scooter Spotted Testing In India For the First Time
The Ather 450-rivaling electric scooter from Ola is slated to launch in the coming months
The Ather 450-rivaling electric scooter from Ola is slated to launch in the coming months
(UPDATE: The Ola S1 has been launched in India with a starting price of Rs 99,999. Head here to read the launch story)
Electric scooters in India are a dime a dozen these days, but we have some rather interesting products lined up for this year. In December 2020, Ola signed an MoU for Rs 2,400 crore with the Tamil Nadu government to set up a manufacturing facility for its electric scooter. The e-scooter has now finally been spotted testing in India, hinting at an imminent launch in the coming months.
The e-scooter has been spied in what seems like a private testing facility. The quirky-looking LED headlamp with LED DRL surround and the unconventional single-sided telescopic fork at the front have been retained from the international model.
The Ola electric scooter is based on the Etergo AppScooter, designed and built by a Dutch brand. The Etergo AppScooter’s motor is capable of producing 8PS and 135Nm. It’s paired to a detachable 1.6kWh ‘banana battery’ that offers a range of 80km. The e-scooter can accommodate up to three batteries. The unique design of the battery allows it to offer a range of up to 240km, without compromising on storage. The e-scooter boasts an impressive underseat storage capacity of 50 litres, capable of gobbling up two helmets, something unheard of in a scooter of this size.
In a price-conscious market like ours, selling a premium electric scooter isn’t an easy job. Hence, Ola Electric is relying on heavy localisation. Ola is reportedly in talks with companies like Bosch and Samsung for the supply of components. The brand has an agreement with Jose Pinheiro, former vice president of manufacturing at General Motors, to help with the setting up of the Tamil Nadu plant. It’s slated to be the world’s largest electric scooter manufacturing unit and will generate as many as 10,000 jobs. The e-scooters will also be exported to Europe, Latin America, and other foreign markets.
As for the Ola Electric Scooter’s India debut, we expect it to make it to the roads by September 2021. The brand could import the initial batches from the Netherlands to gauge the country’s response. While initial prices could be steep, we expect it to go down once the brand starts manufacturing the scooters here. The e-scooter will go up against the Ather 450X, which is the best electric scooter in the market at the moment. Why? Find out in our road test review here.
Ola S1 User Reviews
- I have an ultimate driving experienceI have an ultimate experience of my ola S1 first generation model and its build quality is superb as compared to the newer versions updated by this brand, and the most attractive point about this vehicl, its an extra ordinary money saver object when talk is about travel expense saving, driving experience is too good.Read More
- Best review of my scooterBest performance and best battery, motor battery was not change and the colour is white, in full charge 120 range, the stand was change and first owner scooter, the most futuristic scooter in normal mode 80km/h speed, in sports mode 120 km/h speed, in eco mode 42km/h speed and the acceleration is very smooth.Read More1
- S1 pocket friendly OlaAmazing S1 . Pocket friendly. Excellent for daily city use. Like new. Ola come with charger 15000 included. And took kit. Stress free driving in traffic. Pearl white finish with latest software upgrade. Excellent battery life and vehicle insured until feb 2027. What you thinking just take and drive.Read More3
- OLA S1 PRO GENERATION 01 (2023 MODEL)Best ev scooter in budget with great performance and mileage especially. No fuel cost jo maintenance only enjoy the ride.Now you can buy in an affordable price of only 80,999 with best features new upgraded tyres with all classy looks and front modification. Best electric scooter with a charger you will get it.Read More
- It's Affordable And Won't Affect The EnvironmentPros and disadvantages pros: If you want this for short, everyday trips, get it since it's affordable and won't affect the environment much. It also has more features than any other scooter. Cons: This bike's noise occasionally comes from certain components, such as its headlight and disc brake, and I didn't particularly like the way it looked. It may also not be as effective in rural areas where there is a lack of electricity and electric stations as well as poor roads, making it less likely to perform as well. My recommendation is that you utilise it for daily activities and sporadic trips.Read More1