Ola Electric has reached a significant milestone in India’s electric mobility sector with the ARAI certification of its 4680 Bharat Cell battery pack (5.2 kWh). This marks the company’s first use of homegrown battery technology in its vehicles, including the debut of the Ola S1 Pro+. The transition signifies a critical move towards vertical integration, enhancing range, performance, and reducing import dependence. The rigorous certification process included tests for safety and durability, highlighting Ola’s commitment to innovation and quality in electric vehicle technology. This development supports Ola’s mission to lead India’s EV technology and production.
India’s electric vehicle revolution has taken a significant leap forward with Ola Electric securing the prestigious ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) certification for its 4680 Bharat Cell-powered vehicles. This milestone reflects not only a technological triumph but also India’s growing self-reliance in the EV ecosystem. With this certification, Ola Electric is set to bring indigenously developed, high-performance, and sustainable energy solutions to the forefront of the mobility sector The achievement highlights the culmination of years of research and development, as Ola aims to transform from an EV manufacturer into a vertically integrated energy company.
This certification opens the doors for mass production of vehicles powered by Made-in-India lithium-ion cells, which are expected to redefine India’s journey toward clean and sustainable transportation readers unfamiliar, the ARAI certification is the official green signal that validates (Tata Motors) a vehicle’s compliance with Indian automotive safety, performance, and emission standards. It represents Ola’s commitment to producing world-class electric vehicles while aligning with the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision The centerpiece of Ola Electric’s achievement is its 4680 Bharat Cell, a locally developed lithium-ion battery inspired by global best practices but designed specifically for Indian conditions.
This advanced cylindrical cell uses high-nickel chemistry to deliver greater energy density, longer lifespan, and superior thermal stability Unlike conventional prismatic or pouch cells, the 4680 format ensures efficient heat dissipation and enables faster charging, making it ideal for India’s diverse climate conditions. Ola’s adaptation of this cell type reflects deep understanding of India’s mobility needs focusing on affordability, durability, and environmental impact reduction The Ola Gigafactory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, serves as the manufacturing hub for these cells. With the goal of scaling to 100 GWh capacity, this facility will not only meet Ola’s internal demand.
But also supply other OEMs across India. The gigafactory stands as a symbol of technological sovereignty, supporting India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC) and contributing to reduced import dependency on Chinese and Korean battery makers Achieving ARAI certification is not just a procedural step it’s a testament to Ola’s engineering capabilities and its adherence to the highest global standards. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is India’s premier testing and certification agency, responsible for ensuring that all vehicles comply with the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR).
This certification process includes rigorous testing for safety, performance, emission, and efficiency metrics. Ola Electric’s success demonstrates that its 4680 Bharat Cell technology meets and in some areas exceeds the regulatory benchmarks for electric vehicles in India By obtaining ARAI approval, Ola has not only secured the right to sell its vehicles commercially but also built consumer trust. Buyers now have an assurance that their Ola EV is designed, tested, and validated for the highest levels of reliability and safety. You can learn more about ARAI standards at ARAI India’s.
Impact on India’s Electric Vehicle Market
Ola Electric’s ARAI certification is expected to send ripples across India’s rapidly evolving EV market. Until now, most Indian EV manufacturers relied heavily on imported battery cells from China, South Korea, or Japan. With the 4680 Bharat Cell now certified for commercial use, Ola can lead the transition (Railways) toward domestic battery manufacturing This achievement could significantly lower EV prices over the coming years, as battery packs typically account for 40-50% of an electric vehicle’s total cost. By controlling its supply chain from cell to vehicle, Ola Electric can ensure cost efficiency, better quality control, and higher energy sustainability.
In addition, the development aligns perfectly with India’s National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), which aims to have 30% of vehicles on Indian roads powered by electricity by 2030. Ola’s initiative directly supports this goal by ensuring that the backbone of electric mobility the battery is produced indigenously At the heart of Ola’s progress is its integration of cutting-edge technology with sustainability. The 4680 Bharat Cell is designed to optimize energy output while minimizing waste during production is also exploring the integration of battery recycling and second-life applications to ensure the sustainability of its ecosystem.
Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision
In its upcoming electric cars and scooters, Ola plans to incorporate advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) and thermal management architectures to enhance efficiency and safety. The brand’s commitment to a closed-loop supply chain covering everything from cell production to end-of-life recycling positions it among the few global EV companies operating on a fully circular model The ARAI certification for the 4680 Bharat Cell is more than a business win it’s a national achievement that boosts the Make-in-India narrative. By manufacturing battery cells domestically, Ola is helping India transition from an importer of EV technology to a global exporter.
The initiative supports thousands of skilled jobs in Tamil Nadu and across the country while attracting international investments in clean energy manufacturing. The project also accelerates India’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, as outlined by the Government of India Ola’s journey mirrors the success of other Indian clean-tech leaders such as Tata Motors and Mahindra Electric, who are also pushing for sustainable mobility solutions. Together, they represent the collective ambition of India’s automotive sector to compete globally while remaining environmentally responsible With ARAI certification in place, Ola Electric is now preparing to scale up commercial production of 4680 Bharat Cell-powered vehicles.
The first products featuring this technology are expected to be rolled out from its Tamil Nadu manufacturing hub, including the next generation of S1 scooters and the upcoming electric car Founder and CEO Bhavesh Aggarwal envisions Ola not just as an EV maker but as a complete energy company that powers mobility, homes, and industries through advanced clean technologies. The company plans to expand its Gigafactory capacity to over 100 GWh, which would make it one of the largest cell manufacturing facilities in the world In addition to domestic markets, Ola is eyeing global exports to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe where demand for cost-effective EV solutions is on the rise.
This move could put India on the global map as a leader in both electric mobility and advanced cell chemistry The ARAI certification for Ola’s 4680 Bharat Cell-powered vehicles is a transformative milestone that signals India’s readiness to lead the global EV revolution. It marks the beginning of a future where innovation, sustainability, and self-reliance intersect By developing indigenous battery technology, Ola Electric has proven that Indian engineering can rival global standards. As the company scales production, it will not only make EVs more accessible to the masses but also strengthen India’s position in the global clean energy value chain.
Q1. What is the ARAI certification received by Ola Electric?
The ARAI certification is an official approval granted by the Automotive Research Association of India, confirming that Ola Electric’s 4680 Bharat Cell-powered vehicles meet India’s highest safety, performance, and quality standards. It allows the company to begin large-scale production and commercial sales of its new electric vehicles.
Q2. What makes the 4680 Bharat Cell special?
The 4680 Bharat Cell is Electric’s indigenously developed lithium-ion battery technology. It offers higher energy density, faster charging, longer lifespan, and improved thermal stability designed specifically for India’s climate and road conditions. This innovation marks a major step in India’s journey toward energy independence.
Q3. Where is Ola Electric manufacturing the 4680 Bharat Cells?
Ola Electric manufactures these advanced cells at its Gigafactory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. The facility is part of India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells and will expand to a capacity of 100 GWh in the coming years.
Q4. How will this certification impact India’s EV market?
The ARAI certification allows Electric to launch vehicles powered by Made-in-India battery cells, reducing reliance on imports and lowering EV costs. This move will boost domestic manufacturing, create jobs, and help India achieve its EV adoption and net-zero emission goals by 2070.
Q5. When will Ola Electric launch the new vehicles using the 4680 Bharat Cell?
Ola Electric is expected to roll out its first 4680 Bharat Cell-powered scooters and cars soon after commercial production begins at the Tamil Nadu Gigafactory. These models will feature enhanced range, faster charging, and improved performance tailored for Indian consumers.
