Ola Sankalp 2025 Event: Bharat Cell, Rare-Earth-Free Motor
On Independence Day, Ola Electric unleashed a series of announcements at its annual ‘Sankalp 2025 Event’ aimed at accelerating India’s EV industry. The company unveiled India’s first 4680 “Bharat Cell” battery, rare-earth-free motor technology, newly updated scooters, and the next-generation MoveOS 6—along with price cuts across several models. The stage was Ola’s 107-acre Gigafactory campus, sending a clear message: India Inside, Technology In-House.
4680 “Bharat Cell”: More Power, Longer Life, Multi-Use
Ola’s new 4680 form-factor “Bharat Cell” battery, according to the company, can store approximately 10% more energy and has a lifespan of nearly 15 years. This means more range, better performance, and longer durability in a single package. Interestingly, this battery is not limited to scooters—it can also be used for solar storage, drones, and various other applications. Ola has started integrating it into its scooters as well, including models like the S1 Pro+ and Roadster X+.
Rare-Earth-Free Motor: Smart Ferrite Innovation
Amid global supply-chain pressures and China’s dominance in rare-earth magnets, Ola introduced a motor based entirely on ferrite magnets, making it completely rare-earth-free. This translates to cost savings and supply reliability. The company claims that its next-gen motor technology requires no rare-earth materials, and the Roadster X platform showcased the motor’s performance metrics, drawing significant attention.
New Scooters, Lower Prices: High Speed, High Value
- S1 Pro+: Equipped with a 5.2kWh Bharat Cell, this scooter claims a top speed of 141 km/h and an IDC range of 320 km. The price has been reduced from ₹1,99,999 to ₹1,69,999, with deliveries expected around September 22/Navratri, focusing on bookings.
- Roadster X+: Featuring a 9.1kWh pack, 501 km IDC range, 125 km/h top speed, and 0-40 km/h acceleration in just 2.7 seconds—delivering a new “twist-and-go” experience. Price reduced from ₹2,24,999 to ₹1,89,999, making it an attractive option for long-range seekers.
- S1 Pro Sport: Designed for high-performance riders, this sporty scooter claims a top speed of 152 km/h. Introductory pricing is ₹1,49,999, with deliveries slated for January 2026, signaling activity in the sporty scooter segment.
MoveOS 6 and Gen-4 Platform: Feature-Rich, Smart Ride
Ola’s MoveOS 6 is more than just a software update—it upgrades the entire ride experience. It includes built-in voice assistant, camera support, custom motor sounds, personalized ride insights, and speed boost features that enhance the joy of riding. The company also showcased its new Gen-4 architecture, designed with lower weight, higher efficiency, and more power. Notably, this platform is not limited to two-wheelers; it can be scaled for 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, drones, and industrial robotics.
India Inside: Game-Changing Vertical Integration
From batteries to motors to software, Ola’s major play is in-house technology—reducing costs, lowering supply risk, and keeping innovation control within the company. The 107-acre Gigafactory campus stands as a symbol of the ‘Made-in-India’ vision, integrating everything from cells to scooters within a single ecosystem.
Market Reality: Falling Share, Rising Expectations
In recent months, Ola has faced stiff competition from TVS and Bajaj in the EV scooter market. Despite significant losses in the recent quarter, the company is focusing on cost-cutting and tech upgrades to regain ground. Price reductions, the 4680 Bharat Cell, and rare-earth-free motors are all part of this strategic push.
What Matters Most to Consumers?
- Price cuts combined with higher range and performance claims—strengthening the value-for-money position just before the festive season.
- New motor and battery technology promising better availability and potential long-term maintenance and cost benefits in the coming months.
- A feature-packed MoveOS 6 rollout making the digital ride experience more personal and playful.
Roadmap Ahead
While the S1 Pro Sport is set to hit roads in early 2026, Ola has teased its electric motorcycle ‘Diamondhead’ for mid-2027—indicating strong high-end performance ambitions.
At the ‘Sankalp 2025 Event’, Ola not only showcased new products but also set a new direction. If the company successfully launches these innovations at scale with reliable quality, it could reclaim a strong position in India’s EV scooter market. For now—prices are attractive, technology is impressive, and the coming months promise an exciting ride for riders.
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