What It Means for India’s EV Future
India’s electric two-wheeler market has been evolving rapidly, fueled by innovation, government support, and shifting consumer preferences. Ola Electric, which once dominated the EV two-wheeler segment, has recently dropped to third place in sales rankings. This development marks a significant shift in the market dynamics and has caught the attention of EV enthusiasts, investors, and industry analysts alike.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
-
What led to Ola Electric’s decline
-
Who are the new market leaders
-
What does it mean for consumers and investors
-
Real-time sales data and market analysis
-
What Ola Electric needs to do next
1. The Shift: Ola Electric Falls to Third Position
-
Ola Electric, known for its S1 range of scooters, has been a household name since its EV launch in 2021.
-
In May 2025, Ola Electric slipped to third place in electric two-wheeler sales, according to data from the VAHAN portal.
-
The top two spots were taken by TVS Motor Company and Bajaj Auto, signalling growing competition from established ICE (internal combustion engine) giants transitioning into EVs.
2. Reasons Behind Ola’s Drop in Market Share
a. Service and After-Sales Concerns
-
One of the biggest complaints from Ola customers has been poor after-sales support and slow service response.
-
Limited service centres and high repair turnaround times hurt consumer trust.
b. Production and Delivery Delays
-
Inconsistent delivery timelines and wait times for popular models like the S1 Pro Gen 2 have driven potential buyers to competitors.
c. Product Quality and Reliability Issues
-
Despite offering tech-rich scooters, there have been reports of software glitches, battery drain, and performance inconsistencies.
-
Customer feedback across forums like Team-BHP and Reddit indicates dissatisfaction with build quality.
3. Who’s Taking the Lead Now?
TVS Motor Company
-
TVS’s iQube series has gained strong traction due to robust dealership networks, timely delivery, and reliable service.
-
Monthly sales now exceed 50,000 units, placing TVS at the top of the chart.
Bajaj Auto
-
Bajaj’s Chetak Electric has seen a consistent rise, thanks to its classic branding, strong offline presence, and customer trust built over decades.
-
Recently launched Chetak variants also address affordability and range anxiety.
4. Real-Time Example: May 2025 Sales Figures
| Brand | Sales (May 2025) | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| TVS iQube | 54,110 | 24.6% |
| Bajaj Chetak | 48,330 | 22.0% |
| Ola Electric | 46,925 | 21.4% |
| Ather Energy | 29,890 | 13.5% |
| Hero MotoCorp | 18,430 | 8.4% |
(Source: VAHAN Dashboard, May 2025)
5. What It Means for Consumers
-
More Choices: Consumers benefit from healthy competition. With multiple brands improving features and pricing, it’s a buyer’s market.
-
Improved Reliability: Established brands entering EVs means higher focus on service, spare availability, and consistent performance.
-
Growing Trust in EVs: Increasing adoption from major players reinforces EVs as the future of urban mobility.
6. Ola Electric: What’s Next?
Strategic Moves Ola Could Consider:
-
Invest in Service Infrastructure: Rapidly expand service touchpoints and provide roadside assistance programs.
-
Product Enhancement: Focus on durability, real-world range accuracy, and battery safety.
-
Community Building: Rebuild trust via user education, transparent communication, and customer care responsiveness.
-
Localisation of Supply Chain: Reduce cost and lead times by enhancing domestic component sourcing.
7. Expert Insights: What Analysts Say
-
According to Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Transport, “The future of mobility is electric, and brands that focus on consumer satisfaction will win.”
-
JMK Research & Analytics reported that “brand loyalty in EVs is still forming, meaning experience and service will determine long-term leadership.”
8. Final Thoughts: Is Ola’s Decline a Concern or an Opportunity?
While Ola’s slip in rankings is notable, it is not irreversible. The brand remains a strong player in the EV space with innovation at its core. But in the face of growing competition, customer experience and product reliability will determine market leadership in the coming years.
