Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Ola Electric Shifts Focus to Energy Storage Amid Profitability Struggles
Ola Electric, known for its electric scooters, is facing money problems because it's spending more than it makes, and its sales have gone down.
Its stock price has also dropped a lot.
To try and fix this, Ola is now focusing on making batteries for homes and businesses, called 'Ola Shakti,' and also on making its own battery cells.
They hope this new energy storage business will bring in more money.
While this could be good in the future, it means they are investing more, which could make things harder in the short term.
They are also trying to control costs and improve the quality and service of their scooters, but competition is tough.
It's a big change from their earlier 'grow at all costs' approach, and it's uncertain if these new plans will lead to making a profit soon.
Ola Electric is diversifying into battery energy storage systems (Ola Shakti) and increasing cell manufacturing capacity to address profitability challenges.
The company reported a reduced net loss of INR 418 Cr in Q2 FY26 but saw a significant 43% YoY drop in operating revenue.
Ola Electric's auto segment achieved EBITDA positivity in Q2 FY26 due to cost-cutting and improved margins, despite declining vehicle sales and market share.
Competitors' aggressive discounting tactics have contributed to Ola Electric's loss of market share in the electric two-wheeler segment.
Ola Electric is also working on improving its after-sales service network and addressing quality concerns, viewing its spare parts platform as a potential high-margin growth area.
- Who
- Ola Electric, led by Bhavish Aggarwal
- What
- Shifting business focus from solely electric vehicles to include energy storage (Ola Shakti) to address profitability issues, while scaling cell manufacturing capacity.
- When
- Q2 FY26 financial results, with plans extending to FY27 and FY29.
- Where
- India (company operations and market)
- Why
- To improve profitability, mitigate challenges from intense competition and slowing EV market growth, and address declining vehicle sales and market share.
Ola Electric's Strategy & Challenges
Industry Analyst Concerns
Profitability and Growth
Ola Electric's Strategy & Challenges
Ola Electric is focusing on cost control, margin expansion, and entering new segments like energy storage (Ola Shakti) to achieve profitability, even if it means slower vehicle sales growth. The auto segment reported EBITDA of INR 2 Cr in Q2 FY26. They aim for 40% gross margin in the auto segment by FY26 and significant revenue from Ola Shakti.
Industry Analyst Concerns
Industry analysts like Deb Mukherji view Ola Electric's constant shifts in focus (scooters, motorcycles, cells, Shakti) as a sign of struggling core business, leading to plummeting sales, quality issues, and value destruction for shareholders. The profitability remains a distant dream, with investments in new segments potentially straining the bottom line further.
Market Share and Competition
Ola Electric's Strategy & Challenges
Ola Electric acknowledges slipping market share in the two-wheeler EV market below competitors due to aggressive discounting by rivals. They aim to regain a top-two position with ~25% market share but are cutting sales guidance due to competition and slowing market growth.
Industry Analyst Concerns
Aggressive discounting and incentives by competitors are cited as reasons for Ola's market share decline. The overall electric two-wheeler market is experiencing slowing growth, exacerbating competitive pressures.
After-Sales Service
Ola Electric's Strategy & Challenges
Ola Electric acknowledges challenges in its service network and a lack of trained technicians. They are trying to address this by opening their HyperService platform for direct purchase of spare parts through their app and website, viewing it as a high-margin growth avenue.
Industry Analyst Concerns
Past attempts like the one-day service guarantee have failed to resolve timely servicing issues, indicating persistent challenges in after-sales support.
- Q2 FY26 Net Loss
- INR 418 Cr (down 15% YoY, 2.3% QoQ)
- Q2 FY26 Operating Revenue
- INR 690 Cr (down 43% YoY, 16.7% QoQ)
- Auto Segment EBITDA (Q2 FY26)
- INR 2 Cr
- Auto Segment Gross Margin (Q2 FY26)
- 30.7%
- Projected Auto Segment Gross Margin (FY26)
- approx. 40%
- Projected Operating Expenses Reduction
- to INR 225 Cr by Q1 FY27
- Projected Ola Shakti Revenue (FY27)
- INR 1,000-2,000 Cr
- Cell Manufacturing Capacity Target
- 20 GWh by H2 2027