“Our competitors, who had said that EV is a fake business and there is no money to be made, have pretty much eaten their words by their actions. Ab maidan mein sab kood parein hain (now everyone has jumped into the fray), without the right tools and weapons. All of them are losing money in EVs, while I am profitable. They will have to go through the journey of investing in technology. In the last four years, I have invested almost $1 billon, which they have not done. EV is not an assembly game, it is a very strong technology game,” Aggarwal instructed TOI.
One in each 5 scooters bought in India is now an EV, which the startup founder believes is coming of age for a section that was not seen to be viable. Those like Rajiv Bajaj of Bajaj Auto have been sceptical of EVs.
“It is good that they (rivals) are in the maidan (field), because it will increase consumer mindshare of EVs, but it will be hard for them to compete on product performance, profitability and growth because they just don’t have the foundation required in terms of technology,” he stated.
Aggarwal stated there’s now “rhythm” in the electrical two-wheeler area, with the whole infrastructure falling into place – from suppliers to distribution and charging ecosystem.
“In scooters, ICE production should stop because customers have enough options. The ICE industry is doing dis-service to the nation by continuing to produce ICE… The market forces are in good rhythm to scale up the charging network, distribution, service network and supply chains. The ICE makers in national interest should shut down ICE… If they don’t take EVs seriously, if they don’t invest, their shareholders will punish them in the future,” he stated.
Ola Electric, which listed not too long ago, has lined up plans to add 1,000 non-company shops to increase its capability of 850 dealerships and can launch its motorbikes in the March quarter, having unveiled three fashions, with eight variants, on Independence Day. “There is continued focus on vertical integration to bring in newer technologies and reduce costs. Our overall strategy is to drive profitable growth,” he stated, whereas repeatedly emphasising on the need to hold prices low.
Aggarwal didn’t rule out an entry into three-wheelers, though he certified it by saying that the corporate has by no means introduced any launch date. “The entire technology and product development for two-wheelers is easily transferable to three-wheelers. The cost advantage, the profitability can be easily transferred. As and when we choose to get it, another advantage we will have is that three-wheeler drivers are already on the Ola Cabs platforms. We know their requirements, their problems, their financing needs and we have a relationship with them.”
