Ola Electric Scooter With Swappable Batteries Incoming

The need for last-mile connectivity is on the rise. The upcoming Ola scooter will target the commercial segment, showing faster adoption rates. It will be the first from Ola to feature swappable batteries. According to the current trend, there is an increasing demand for last-mile connectivity.

The patent images of the commercial scooter look quite bare-bones. It seems like function has taken priority over design, which is well-suited for the needs of this segment. Additionally, it allows the scooter to be built at a minimum cost without unnecessary panels.

It will have a simple tubular chassis with two downtubes emerging from its triple T. The handlebar will also be a straightforward single-piece unit. A small instrument cluster, most likely an LCD unit will be used to display speed and range. The headlight will be a sleek horizontal unit located at the front apron. The suspension consists of a telescopic fork and dual shocks.

The battery is expected to be positioned under the seat, leading to a flatter footboard for carrying cargo. The wheels are expected to be 10 inches, equipped with tubeless tyres. The scooter is designed with a one-piece seat and a sufficiently spacious luggage rack for additional cargo.

The battery is expected to be around 3 kWh, providing a real-world range of approximately 150 km. The performance is likely to be mild, aligning with its intended applications. A rear hub motor is a possibility just like the one we have seen in the Ola S1 Air.

Considering that Ola is making an effort to position batteries under the seat, these might very well be swappable batteries too. Swappable batteries, as a feature, don't have sealed connection points. However, it's worth noting that weatherproofing might be a concern with this design.

This approach aligns perfectly with the needs of the commercial segment, minimising downtime that is typically spent on charging.