Ola Electric, a subsidiary of ride-hailing company Ola Cabs has released the official images of its first electric scooter that is expected to launch by mid-2021. Earlier, the brand has also signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to set up its first production plant, which will have an annual capacity of 2 million units. With this, it will be the largest e-scooter manufacturing facility in the world.
Ola Electric Scooter – Design & Underpinnings
While the Ola hasn't shared its official name yet, it is likely to be based on the Etergo's AppScooter. For the people not in know, the Etergo is a Netherland-based electric start-up, which was acquired by Ola in May 2020.
Similar to the Etergo AppScooter, the Ola scooter is compact in size and features a simple yet futuristic design. Upfront, it gets split LED headlamps with its human-eye-like character, surrounded by an LED daytime running lamps. The turn indicators are also LED units and they are cleverly integrated into the front apron, giving the e-scooter a neat appearance.
The side fluid lines give it a Vespa scooter-like neo-retro appeal. Its flush finish pillion footpegs, two-piece grab-rail, and well-contoured seat with red stitching give it a premium touch. It also gets two cubby holes on the apron for tiny stuff, a utility hook, and under-seat storage which is likely to be around 50 liters. Unlike the conventional scooters, Ola has taken a minimalistic approach and featured just an embossed logo on the front apron, thus avoiding the large stickers and badging on the side panels.
At the rear, it features horizontally placed LED taillamps and LED turn indicators that complement the overall design.
Talking about the underpinnings, the Ola e-scooter is suspended on a single-sided telescopic fork at the front with stopping power coming from a front disc and a rear drum braking setup.
Powertrain
Powertrain details of the upcoming Ola e-scooter are yet to be revealed. But like its Dutch sibling, it is likely to get a 6kW electric motor that makes 135Nm of torque. This brushless AC motor will draw its power from three modular removable battery setups (each with a charge capacity 1.6kWh), offering a riding range of around 240km (80kms from one battery) on a full charge. Further, like the AppScooter, it would also be able to accelerate from 0-45kmph in simply 3.9 seconds.
Expected Pricing & Rivals
The upcoming Ola e-scooter is expected to be priced at around Rs 1.20-1.30 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will lock horns with the Ather 450X, Bajaj Chetak, and the TVS iQube Electric.
