Though the listed price of Ola Electric’s S1 scooter was Rs 99,999 (ex-showroom), prospective buyers can get it for much less—if they live in Gujarat.
Thanks to the state’s electric EV policy, which offers a subsidy of up to Rs 20,000 for electric two-wheelers, an Ola Electric S1 can be had for around Rs 79,999 in Ahmedabad, around the same price as the scooter segment leader, Honda Activa.
The S1 Pro, which has a 3.97 kWh battery compared to the S1’s 2.98 kWh unit, can be had for Rs 1,099,99.
In June, Gujarat had announced an EV policy providing incentives of up to Rs 10,000 per kWh for electric vehicles, offering subsidy on all FAME-II eligible vehicles with a subsidy cap of 40 per cent on the vehicle’s retail price and a maximum ex-factory price of Rs 1.5 lakh for two-wheelers.
Other states also offer EV subsidies. After Gujarat, Delhi will be the most affordable version of the baseline Ola S1, which will cost Rs 85,099 in the national capital. In Maharashtra, it will cost Rs 94,999; in Rajasthan Rs 89,968.
Some states club together various incentives: Maharashtra has a Rs 10,000 per KwH subsidy n addition to a Rs 15,000 early bird incentive for those who buy an EV before December 31, 2021. EV bikes are also exempt from road tax and registration charges, while petrol two-wheeler owners who switch to EVs can also get Rs 7,000 as a scrappage incentive.
Ola claims a top speed of 115kmph, a range of up to 181km, and a 0-40kmph sprint in just 3 seconds. Via Ola’s hypercharger network, the company promises 0-50 per cent charge in 18 minutes, allowing 75km of range. Ola plans over one lakh charging points in over 400 cities.
The scooter also comes with Ola’s “Move OS” which allows users to customise the interface of the display, which is a 7” touch screen backed by a 1.8Ghz octacore processor, 3GB on on-board RAM, and a 4G capability. The display can sync with the user’s phone and also provide directions to the nearest Ola charging station. There is also a reverse gear mode.
The company will officially open Ola S1 for purchase from September 8, and start deliveries across 1,000 cities and towns in October.
Till September 8, the company will keep accepting the bookings at Rs 499.