Ola Electric achieves milestone with PLI certification

Ola Electric Mobility Limited, one of India’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, has announced a significant milestone in its journey towards strengthening domestic manufacturing and expanding its electric motorcycle portfolio.

The company has received Production Linked Incentive (PLI) certification for its Roadster X+ 4.5 kWh motorcycle, marking a major step forward in its localisation and innovation strategy.

This development was shared through an official press release dated April 3, 2026, submitted to both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

First Roadster motorcycle to receive PLI certification

The Roadster X+ 4.5 kWh has become the first motorcycle in Ola Electric’s Roadster portfolio to receive this certification. This achievement is particularly important as it validates the company’s efforts in:

• Deep localisation of components
• Building an indigenous EV ecosystem
• Strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities

The certification was granted by the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) under the PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components (PLI-Auto Scheme).

What PLI certification means

The PLI-Auto Scheme is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at boosting:

• Domestic manufacturing
• Technological innovation
• Global competitiveness in the auto sector

For companies, receiving PLI certification means they have met stringent criteria related to:

• Domestic Value Addition (DVA)
• Local sourcing of components
• Advanced manufacturing capabilities

In the case of Ola Electric, the certification confirms that the Roadster X+ 4.5 kWh meets minimum DVA requirements, making it eligible for financial incentives under the scheme.

Benefits of the certification for Ola Electric

The PLI certification provides multiple strategic advantages to the company:

1. Financial incentives

The Roadster X+ 4.5 kWh will now be eligible for government incentives, which can improve profitability and support scaling efforts.

2. Validation of localisation strategy

The certification is a strong endorsement of Ola Electric’s focus on local manufacturing and supply chain development.

3. Competitive positioning

With certified products, the company can strengthen its position in the rapidly growing EV market in India.

4. Expansion into electric motorcycles

This milestone supports Ola Electric’s entry and growth in the electric motorcycle segment, which is still in its early stages in India.

Focus on deep localisation and indigenous ecosystem

Ola Electric has been consistently working towards building a fully integrated EV ecosystem in India.

The company’s strategy focuses on:

• Vertical integration of manufacturing
• Development of in-house battery technology
• Reducing dependence on imports
• Creating a self-reliant supply chain

According to the company, the PLI certification is a validation of its commitment to deep localisation and indigenous innovation.

Company’s official statement

Commenting on the achievement, an Ola Electric spokesperson stated that the certification reflects the company’s efforts to build a technology-driven and locally manufactured EV ecosystem.

The spokesperson highlighted that the Roadster lineup aims to make electric motorcycles:

• Accessible to a wider customer base
• High-performing and technologically advanced
• Available at competitive price points

This aligns with the broader vision of accelerating EV adoption in India.

Role of battery innovation and Gigafactory

A key pillar of Ola Electric’s strategy is its focus on battery technology, particularly through its 4680 Bharat Cell.

The company recently announced a significant price reduction for its Roadster X+ 9.1 kWh model, driven by:

• Economies of scale at its Gigafactory
• Increased production efficiency
• Deep vertical integration

The price was reduced from ₹1,89,999 to ₹1,29,999, making it more accessible to customers.

This demonstrates how local manufacturing and scale efficiencies can directly benefit consumers through lower prices.

Strengthening India’s EV ecosystem

Ola Electric’s latest milestone contributes to the broader goal of strengthening India’s EV manufacturing ecosystem.

The company plays a key role in:

• Developing advanced automotive technologies
• Supporting Make in India initiatives
• Reducing dependence on imported components
• Creating employment opportunities

The PLI certification further establishes Ola Electric as a major contributor to India’s EV ecosystem.

Expansion of electric motorcycle segment

The electric two-wheeler market in India has primarily been dominated by electric scooters. However, the electric motorcycle segment is now gaining momentum.

With the Roadster lineup, Ola Electric is aiming to:

• Enter a new category of EVs
• Attract motorcycle buyers transitioning to EVs
• Compete with traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles

The PLI certification provides an added advantage in this expansion by enabling cost benefits and regulatory support.

Manufacturing and R&D capabilities

Ola Electric’s manufacturing and research infrastructure plays a critical role in its growth:

Ola Futurefactory

Located in Tamil Nadu, this is one of India’s largest EV manufacturing facilities. It focuses on:

• Production of EVs
• Manufacturing of critical components
• Scaling up operations

Battery Innovation Centre (BIC)

Based in Bengaluru, the BIC is dedicated to:

• Advanced battery research
• Development of next-generation cell technologies
• Improving energy efficiency and performance

Global R&D presence

The company also has research operations in:

• India
• United Kingdom
• United States

This global presence allows Ola Electric to stay at the forefront of EV innovation.

Direct-to-customer business model

Ola Electric operates a direct-to-customer distribution model, supported by:

• Thousands of company-owned experience centres across India
• A strong online sales platform

This approach enables the company to:

• Maintain better control over customer experience
• Reduce distribution costs
• Expand reach across urban and semi-urban markets

Impact on customers and market

The PLI certification and localisation efforts are expected to have a positive impact on customers:

• Lower prices due to cost efficiencies
• Improved product quality and reliability
• Access to advanced EV technology
• Wider availability of electric motorcycles

For the market, this development signals increased competition and innovation, which can accelerate overall EV adoption in India.

Industry outlook for EVs in India

India’s EV market is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade, driven by:

• Government incentives like PLI schemes
• Rising fuel prices
• Increasing environmental awareness
• Advancements in battery technology

Electric two-wheelers, in particular, are expected to lead this growth due to their affordability and practicality.

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