Ola Electric Unveils Game-Changing Bharat Cell and Rare Earth-Free Motor to Drive Homegrown Innovation

At its Sankalp 2025 event on August 15, Ola Electric showcased two breakthrough technologies at its Krishnagiri Gigafactory—the 4680 Bharat Cell and a ferrite motor that removes reliance on rare-earth materials. The public launch signals Ola’s push toward its “India Inside” vision, aiming for self-reliant supply chains and sustainable EV innovation.
The 4680 Bharat Cell, developed in-house, offers around 10% higher energy density than conventional cells and a life span of nearly 15 years. Its design enables use across Ola scooters, drones, and energy storage systems, reinforcing the company’s emphasis on performance and localisation in battery technology.
Complementing the cell is a ferrite-based motor, which eliminates the need for rare-earth magnets—a critical but geopolitically vulnerable resource. By shifting away from global supply dependencies, Ola aims to build resilience into its EV ecosystem. The phased rollout of this motor highlights its long-term strategy to reduce risk while ensuring continuity in production.
Founder Bhavish Aggarwal stressed that these advancements represent more than product upgrades—they mark India’s growing capability to engineer and manufacture advanced EV technology domestically. By vertically integrating key components like batteries and motors, Ola is strengthening its manufacturing base within India.
The timing is crucial, as Ola’s share in India’s electric two-wheeler market has dipped. These innovations are expected to help the company regain competitiveness by offering longer-lasting products, lowering input risks, and achieving cost advantages through localization.
The Krishnagiri Gigafactory, now central to Ola’s strategy, consolidates cell production and motor development under one roof, creating a hub for indigenous innovation. Beyond boosting its own portfolio, Ola’s new technologies reflect India’s emergence as a global EV player, blending sustainability with strategic independence.