India’s electric mobility sector has reached an important milestone as Ola Electric announced that it has received certification from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for its in-house-developed 4680 “Bharat Cell” battery pack. This approval places Ola among a select group of global companies capable of manufacturing advanced lithium-ion cells domestically, marking a big stride toward India’s goal of technological independence in clean transportation.

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The newly certified 5.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack meets the AIS-156 Amendment 4 safety standards issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. These norms regulate the performance, durability, and safety of “rechargeable electrical energy storage systems” used in electric vehicles. The pack was subjected to a demanding testing regime, including protection against short circuits, overcharging, vibration, and water exposure (IPX7 rating).

By clearing this certification, Ola Electric becomes the first Indian EV manufacturer to validate its own 4680-form-factor cell technology for real-world use—a development that could redefine local battery production.

Ola’s achievement carries major implications for India’s EV future.

1. Pioneering local manufacturing

Most Indian EV makers still rely heavily on imported battery cells from China, South Korea, or Japan. Ola’s move toward self-produced cells reduces this dependence, supporting India’s long-term vision of “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” Vertical integration also means tighter control over quality, cost, and intellectual property.

2. Technological and performance leap

The company claims that the 4680 Bharat Cell achieves an impressive energy density of about 275 Wh/kg, significantly higher than earlier 2170-type cells. Greater energy density translates to better range, faster acceleration, and more efficient power delivery. The certified 5.2 kWh pack will first appear in the upcoming Ola S1 Pro + scooter, potentially setting new benchmarks for Indian two-wheelers.

3. Strengthening India’s EV supply chain

Ola has channelled heavy investments into its battery subsidiary, Ola Cell Technologies (OCT), recently approving an additional ₹199 crore to accelerate manufacturing. This deepens the company’s footprint in the EV value chain while positioning India as a credible player in global battery innovation.

The company has confirmed that its first batch of vehicles powered by the Bharat Cell will launch soon. In its regulatory filing, Ola stated:

“With the ARAI certification of our 4680 Bharat Cell battery pack, we are ready to deliver our first vehicles powered by our own cells.”

Beyond scooters, Ola plans to deploy this cell architecture in future motorcycles and explore battery energy storage systems (BESS) under the “Ola Shakti” brand, which would serve home and commercial applications.

Despite the certification triumph, several hurdles remain. Mass production must be scaled up efficiently without compromising quality or safety. Competitors such as Ather, TVS, and Bajaj are also investing in battery localisation, meaning Ola’s first-mover advantage could narrow quickly.

Financially, the company faces pressure to turn profitable—its Q1 FY26 loss widened by 23% year-on-year to ₹428 crore, while revenue declined nearly 50%. In a fast-evolving battery landscape, sustaining innovation and managing supply-chain volatility will be key.

The success of the Bharat Cell is not just about one company—it echoes India’s ambition to become a global EV powerhouse. A domestically certified high-energy-density battery can transform how electric vehicles are designed, built, and priced in the country.

Local battery manufacturing will reduce import bills, generate employment, and inspire an ecosystem of component suppliers, recyclers, and research hubs. For consumers, it promises improved range, durability, and potentially lower costs as economies of scale kick in.a

Ola Electric’s ARAI-certified 4680 Bharat Cell represents more than a technological victory—it’s a statement of intent. It demonstrates that Indian companies can develop world-class energy solutions within the country’s borders.

The next challenge lies in execution: achieving consistent quality at scale, maintaining safety standards, and delivering products that win consumer trust. If Ola can deliver on those fronts, this milestone may well become the spark that propels India’s electric-mobility revolution into its next phase.