Ola Shakti is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for homes, farms, and small businesses — the first non-vehicle product from Ola Electric. Uses Ola’s in-house 4680 Bharat Cell battery technology. Fully designed, engineered, and manufactured in India at their Tamil Nadu Gigafactory.
Key Specs & Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity Options | Four configurations: 1.5 kWh, 3 kWh, 5.2 kWh, 9.1 kWh |
| Introductory Price | For first 10,000 units: Rs 29,999 (1.5 kWh), Rs 55,999 (3 kWh), Rs 1,19,999 (5.2 kWh), Rs 1,59,999 (9.1 kWh) |
| Booking Cost | Token booking fee of Rs 999 |
| Delivery Timeline | Deliveries start from Makar Sankranti 2026 (mid-January) |
| Usage & Backup | Can run ACs, refrigerators, induction cookers, farm pumps, communication equipment. Offers up to 1.5 hours backup at full load, and charging time ~2 hours. |
| Durability & Safety | Automotive-grade safety, efficiency up to ~98%. IP67 rating (weatherproof, dust/water resilient). Instant changeover during power cuts. Operating voltage range ~120-290V. |
Strategic Implications
- Market Size & Growth: Ola is entering a Battery Energy Storage Systems market in India estimated at ₹1 lakh crore (≈ ₹100,000 crore) currently, expected to grow to ₹3 lakh crore by 2030.
- Gigafactory Load & Capacity Use: The company anticipates its gigafactory usage for BESS to scale up to 5 GWh annually over the next few years — potentially exceeding automotive segment battery demand.
- Diversification beyond EVs: This move signals expansion of Ola Electric’s business beyond electric two-wheelers into the broader clean energy storage / power backup sector. Helps tap into demand driven by unreliable grid power, renewable energy integration, and increasing consumer interest in energy independence.
Challenges & What to Watch
- Maintaining safety, reliability and longevity for home usage applications is critical. Automotive-grade batteries are a high standard; scaling for home/residential conditions presents distinct challenges.
- After-sales service, maintenance, charging infrastructure, and regulatory approvals will matter.
- Pricing beyond initial/trial units (first 10,000 units) will determine broader adoption. Introductory pricing is attractive, but sustaining margins while scaling will be important.
- Competitive landscape: Other players in India also eyeing BESS; success will depend on technology, cost, brand trust, and ecosystem (distribution, install, service).
Bottom Line
With Ola Shakti, Ola Electric launches Ola Shakti marks a significant strategic shift. Not just another EV maker — it’s stepping into energy storage, positioning itself to ride India’s transition to cleaner, more reliable power. If executed well, this has the potential to reshape how households and small businesses back up and consume power, especially in regions with unstable grids or power shortages.
