Ola Electric Denies Battery IP Theft Allegations; Alleges Rival's "Fear" Over New 4680 Bharat Cell

Ola Electric has issued a strong rebuttal to media reports alleging the company was involved in an attempt to acquire intellectual property from a former LG Energy Solution executive. The company labeled the claims "misleading and completely baseless," suggesting they are an attack by a "foreign rival" prompted by the commercial launch of its indigenous 4680 Bharat Cell.

The statement addresses a South Korean publication's claim that a former LG executive attempted to pass "pouch cell technology IPs" to Ola.

Ola's Rebuttal: Cylindrical 4680 Cell vs. "Dated" Pouch Tech

Ola Electric clarified that the "old and dated pouch cell technology" mentioned in the reports is "not even an area of research or commercial interest" for the company.

Instead, the company is focused on its 4680 Bharat Cell, which it describes as India's first indigenous large-format cell. According to Ola, this cell is built on "the most advanced dry electrode technology in a cylindrical form factor," which it claims "surpasses the pouch cell" technology cited in the alleged leaks.

Motive Alleged : "Fear of Losing Market Opportunities"

Ola alleges that the "insidious media report" and "selective leak" are "dubious at best." The company highlights the timing, noting the reports have emerged just as its 4680 Bharat Cell has entered commercial production and is set to "directly compete with the Korean majors" in the Indian market.

The statement claims the "fear of losing market opportunities, including a significant customer in Ola Electric, is prompting the foreign rival to attack an indigenous battery innovation."

Ola argues that "a misleading narrative of tech intrigue is being weaponised to undercut India's emergence as a global player in advanced energy technology" as the company scales up its cell production.

Backing Indigenous R&D: Gigafactory and Patents

To substantiate its position as a technology innovator, Ola Electric provided the following facts:

• Patents : The company has 720 patent filings, with 124 already granted.

• Talent : Its Battery Innovation Centre (BIC) in Bengaluru employs over 250 specialists from top global cell technology companies.

• Infrastructure : Ola Cell Technologies has established India's first operational Gigafactory with a cumulative investment of ₹2500 crore.

The company concluded by framing its work as part of India's vision for "technological self-reliance" and stated it "will not allow business rivalries or motivated media speculation to derail India’s push toward global leadership in clean energy and battery innovation."