Ola Electric Files Patent for New Compact EV in India, Signals MG Comet Rival

Ola Electric is expanding its ambitions beyond the electric two-wheeler market, filing a new design patent for a compact electric car in India. This move signals a significant step towards Ola's entry into the passenger four-wheeler segment, with a design that appears to take direct aim at the budget-friendly city EV market.

A Closer Look at the New Ola EV Design

The newly filed patent showcases a tall, hatchback-style electric vehicle. Key design features include:

• Compact, Tall-Boy Stance : The design is reminiscent of the MG Comet EV, prioritizing interior space within a small footprint.

• Four-Door Practicality : Unlike the two-door MG Comet, Ola's patented design features four doors, suggesting a strong focus on practicality and appealing to small families.

This design indicates Ola is targeting the mass-market, urban mobility segment, a space currently dominated by a few key players.

Expected Platform : Gen 4 and 4680 Cells

While battery and range specifications are not yet public, this new compact EV is expected to be built on Ola's advanced Gen 4 modular platform. The company has previously stated this versatile architecture is compatible with various vehicle types, providing economies of scale.

Furthermore, the new Ola electric car will likely be powered by Ola's indigenously developed 4680 battery cells. These cells recently received approval from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), paving the way for their use in Ola's future products. The in-house production of battery cells could be a key factor in Ola's ability to price the new EV competitively.

Market Context: A New Challenger in India's EV Race

This compact car patent follows earlier reports of an Ola electric sedan, the development of which was reportedly paused. This new filing suggests a strategic pivot to the high-volume compact segment first.

By targeting a design profile similar to the MG Comet, Ola Electric is positioning itself as a direct competitor in the entry-level EV space. The addition of four doors could be a significant unique selling proposition (USP) for attracting Indian consumers. As Ola navigates customer service and sales challenges in its scooter division, a successful launch of this new electric car could be a transformative moment for the company's four-wheeler ambitions.