Ola Electric is pivoting from being just an EV manufacturer to becoming the backbone of India’s energy ecosystem. At the Prarambh 2026 event on January 14, the company announced it will allow startups and established businesses to directly purchase its proprietary 4680 Bharat Cells and 1.5kWh battery packs.
This move is designed to accelerate innovation in “Made in India” hardware by providing a reliable, high-density power source for sectors that have traditionally relied on imported cells.
One Cell, Infinite Applications
By opening the Bharat Cell platform, Ola is targeting industries that require high energy density in compact form factors. A company spokesperson confirmed that the cells are now available for:
- Drones & Aviation: High-performance power for the growing Indian UAV sector.
- Humanoids & Robotics: Providing the longevity needed for autonomous machines.
- Portable Medical Equipment: Reliable energy for life-saving devices in remote areas.
- Custom Mobility: Small-scale EV startups can now build their own vehicles using Ola’s proven battery architecture.
Specs and Scaling: The 4680 Advantage
The 4680 cell (46mm diameter, 80mm height) is the same “tabless” technology pioneered by Tesla, offering five times more energy than standard 2170 cells. Ola’s version is engineered specifically for the harsh, high-temperature climates of India.
| Product Offering | Details |
| Direct Cell Purchase | Individual 4680 Bharat Cells |
| Battery Pack | 1.5kWh 4680 Modular Pack |
| Production Source | Ola Gigafactory, Tamil Nadu |
| Manufacturing | Fully Indigenous (Designed & Engineered in India) |
The Launch of Ola Shakti BESS
Alongside the platform opening, Ola officially opened sales for Ola Shakti, India’s first fully indigenous residential Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
- 3kW/5.2kWh Model: Priced at ₹1,49,999 (Deliveries from mid-February 2026).
- 6kW/9.1kWh Model: Priced at ₹2,49,999 (Deliveries from end of January 2026).
- Capabilities: The system can power heavy-load appliances like ACs and induction cookers with a backup of up to 1.5 hours on full load.
Conclusion: Powering the “Viksit Bharat” Vision
By opening its Gigafactory output to the wider market, Ola Electric is positioning itself as a central utility provider for the next decade of Indian engineering. For startups that previously struggled with the high cost and logistical hurdles of importing lithium-ion cells from China, the 4680 Bharat Cell platform offers a faster, more reliable path to commercialization.
