Ola Electric appears to be working on a compact electric car as a new design patent surfaces online. The patent hints at a shift in the company’s focus from premium sedans to affordable, urban electric vehicles aimed at mass adoption.
The design, filed in India, showcases a futuristic compact hatchback with short overhangs and a minimalist exterior. The model seems to have a two-row layout and a full-width LED light bar at the front. The overall design suggests a city-friendly car tailored for dense urban environments.
According to reports, the upcoming model will likely use Ola’s Gen 4 platform. This new modular platform can support two-, three-, and four-wheeled electric vehicles. Ola aims to use it for scooters, small cars, and light commercial vehicles.
The company’s in-house developed 4680 Bharat cell could power the car. The locally produced cell promises better energy density and lower cost, helping Ola reduce dependence on imported components. This aligns with Ola’s plan to make India self-reliant in electric mobility technology.
The compact EV marks a clear change in Ola’s product strategy. The firm had earlier teased a sleek performance-oriented electric sedan, but the latest patent shows a move toward the volume-driven small car segment. Industry experts say this decision could open new opportunities in the growing affordable EV market.
If Ola succeeds, it could compete directly with the Tata Tiago EV, MG Comet EV, and Citroën eC3, all positioned below ₹10 lakh in India. A well-priced Ola hatchback with a real-world range of around 200 to 300 km could attract first-time EV buyers and daily city commuters.
However, challenges remain. Manufacturing a car requires large investments in design validation, safety testing, and production infrastructure. Ola’s experience so far lies mainly in electric scooters. Scaling up to four-wheelers will test its technical and operational capabilities.
The company has not confirmed specifications, pricing, or launch timelines yet. But experts expect the first compact EV from Ola to arrive by 2026 or 2027, following the completion of its cell manufacturing facility and platform readiness.
If executed well, the compact EV could become a game-changer for Ola and for India’s electric mobility landscape. With localized batteries, a scalable platform, and an urban-friendly design, Ola Electric might finally bring a truly homegrown electric car to Indian roads.
