Ola Electric Denies Allegations of Stolen Battery Tech, Points to Indigenous Innovation
Table of Contents
Ola electric vehemently denies claims of acquiring proprietary battery technology through illicit means, asserting that recent allegations are “baseless” and aimed at undermining its advancements in the energy storage sector.The company is emphasizing its commitment to homegrown innovation with its new 4680 Bharat Cell, a cylindrical battery utilizing advanced dry-electrode technology.
LG Energy Solution Investigation Sparks Controversy
The dispute stems from a report by a south Korean news outlet detailing a government investigation into LG Energy Solution. The investigation centers on allegations that a former researcher transferred key manufacturing processes for pouch-type lithium-ion batteries to an Indian electric vehicle manufacturer – widely speculated to be Ola Electric.LG Energy Solution has filed a complaint with the Korean National Police Agency, and the investigation is ongoing. Though, no one at Ola Electric has yet publicly commented on the investigation.
Ola Electric Rejects Claims, Highlights Indigenous Battery Progress
Ola Electric firmly refuted the accusations, stating that the company has no commercial or research interest in the older pouch cell format mentioned in the reports. “The media reports alleging tech intrigue involving Ola Electric… are misleading and entirely baseless,” a company statement released Sunday night declared.
Rather, Ola Electric is focusing on its 4680 Bharat Cell, which the company claims surpasses the capabilities of the pouch cell technology at the centre of the controversy. The 4680 Bharat Cell represents India’s first domestically produced large-format cell and is designed to compete directly with established Korean battery manufacturers within the Indian market.
A Strategic Response to rising Competition?
According to Ola Electric, the timing of the reports is suspect, coinciding with the commercial production launch of the 4680 Bharat Cell. The company suggests that fears of losing market share are driving competitors to discredit its indigenous battery innovation. “A misleading narrative of tech intrigue is being weaponized to undercut India’s emergence as a global player in advanced energy tech,” the company stated.
Ola Electric alleges that a selective leak to South Korean media, followed by unverified replication in the Indian press, points to a deliberate attempt to damage its reputation.
Investing in R&D and Manufacturing
Ola Electric is demonstrating its commitment to battery technology through significant investment in research and development (R&D) and manufacturing infrastructure. The company currently holds 720 patent filings, with 124 already granted.Its Battery Innovation Center in Bengaluru employs over 250 specialists with expertise drawn from leading global cell technology companies.
Moreover, Ola Cell Technologies has established india’s first operational Gigafactory, representing a cumulative investment of ₹2,500 crore. The company underscored its dedication to intellectual property and the importance of rigorous innovation.
Supporting India’s Technological self-Reliance
Ola Electric expressed gratitude for the indian government’s support of domestic R&D and manufacturing initiatives, which it believes have fostered a powerful ecosystem for innovation.”India’s progress in advanced cell tech… is the direct result of this vision for technological self-reliance,” the company asserted. “We will not allow business rivalries or motivated media speculation to derail India’s push toward global leadership in clean energy and battery innovation.”
Expanding Energy Storage Solutions
Looking ahead, Ola electric launched Ola Shakti in October 2025, India’s first residential battery energy storage system powered by the Bharat 4680 cell. Shakti offers extended lifespan and improved efficiency compared to customary lead-acid systems, integrates with rooftop solar installations, and provides 5-10 hours of home backup power. The company projects ₹100 crore in revenue from Shakti in the fourth quarter of 2025-26, increasing to ₹1,000-1,200 crore annually by 2026-27 (FY27) with gross margins of 40-50 percent.
By the first quarter of FY27, Ola Electric plans to expand into containerized energy storage systems for commercial, industrial, and utility-scale applications, offering systems ranging from 100 kilowatt-hour to 5 megawatt-hour capacities. The company aims to scale its total cell manufacturing capacity to 20 gigawatt-hour by the second half of FY27.
