As electric scooters in India are gaining popularity due to their environmental benefits, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency, so is the responsibility of timely maintenance.
An important aspect of this maintenance is the replacement of the battery. Over time, battery performance can degrade due to regular use and charging cycles, making it essential for owners to be aware of replacement requirements and associated costs.
In this article, we will delve into why electric scooter batteries need to be replaced, the factors influencing the replacement frequency, and the expected costs.
Focusing on Ola Electric, a leading player in India’s electric scooter market, we aim to provide an overview of the costs of replacing an Ola Electric scooter.
Firstly, let’s explore the reasons behind electric scooters needing battery replacement:
Why Do Electric Scooters Need Battery Replacement?
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Reduced Range:
If your scooter struggles to maintain its usual range, it could be due to the battery’s diminished capacity to hold a charge as it ages.
This reduction means shorter distances can be covered on a single charge. If you find yourself unable to travel as far as you once could, it may be time to consider replacing the battery.
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Slow Charging Times:
Longer charging times can indicate battery issues.
A healthy battery charges efficiently, whereas a degraded one takes longer and may struggle to hold its charge.
Monitoring the battery’s performance is crucial; if charging becomes noticeably slower or the battery can’t hold a charge, it’s likely nearing the end of its life and might need replacement.
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Age of the Battery:
Batteries have a finite lifespan, even with proper care. Over time, natural degradation of the battery cells occurs, reducing their ability to hold a charge.
Ola electric scooter batteries come with an 8-year warranty, but their longevity also depends on usage and charging habits. If your scooter’s battery is several years old, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan and could require replacement to maintain optimal performance.
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Frequent Power Drops:
If your scooter experiences frequent power drops or sudden power losses during rides, this could be a sign of a failing battery.
These power drops can be dangerous and indicate the battery cells are no longer functioning properly. Replacing the battery can help ensure a smoother and safer ride.
Ola S1 Pro Battery Warranty Coverage
First, let us briefly know about the warranty offered by Ola Electric on its batteries
OLA ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED guarantees that each new scooter model covered by this warranty will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and maintenance for the specified warranty period. Ola Electric Technologies Private Limited offers the following warranty plans for your vehicle’s battery:
- Ola Electric Battery Base Warranty Plan: 8 years or 80,000 km (whichever comes first).
- Ola Electric Battery Top-up Warranty Plan: 8 years or 100,000 km (whichever comes first).
- Ola Electric Battery Top-up Warranty Plan: 8 years or 125,000 km (whichever comes first).
Warranty Coverage (Vehicle and Battery)
The warranty period is defined as the coverage till 96 months or 125,000 km (whichever is earlier). The warranty is transferable to subsequent owners for the remaining period and is valid only in India.
The Company will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts acknowledged to be defective in manufacturing or workmanship within the warranty period.
The decision to repair or replace the part lies with the Company, and replaced parts become Company property. All labor costs for such repairs or replacements during the warranty period are covered by the Company.
Repaired or replaced battery parts are only covered for the original warranty period.
Now, let’s move on to the main topic which is the Cost of Battery Replacement in India.
Ola S1 Pro Battery Replacement Cost in India
Let’s have a look at the battery replacement cost of Ola S1 and S1 PRO, one of the selling models of Ola Electric:
The battery in the Ola scooter is backed by an 8-year warranty. Any manufacturing defects within this period will be addressed by Ola at no cost to the owner.
Ola also predicts that advancements in battery technology will lead to lower battery pack costs in the future. As of now, replacing the battery in the Ola S1 Pro costs approximately ₹87,298.
The Ola S1 battery price starts at Rs 66,549 for a 3 kWh pack and goes up to Rs 87,298 for a 4 kWh pack.
Ola Electric sources NMC-based lithium-ion batteries for the S1 Pro scooter from LG Chem in South Korea. The 4 kWh battery pack consists of 224 cells and features a curved design with an IP67 rating, ensuring protection against dust and water.
Things to Follow When Replacing the Battery in Electric Scooters
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions:
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines provided with your battery. These instructions are designed to ensure safe and correct installation.
Safety First:
To prevent injuries, remove any wristwatches and jewelry, such as rings, before handling the battery. Use tools with insulated handles to avoid electrical shocks.
Locate and Remove the Old Battery:
Find the battery compartment, disconnect the wires from the battery terminals, and carefully remove the old battery.
Insert the New Battery:
Place the new battery into the compartment and reconnect the wires to the battery terminals, ensuring they are securely attached.
Recycle the Old Battery:
Properly recycle the old battery according to local regulations to help protect the environment.
Ola Electric’s Future Factory and Gigafactory
Ola Electric’s Futurefactory, located in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, spans an impressive 417 acres, making it the largest integrated and automated electric two-wheeler manufacturing plant in India.
With an initial production capacity of one million units per year, the Futurefactory is designed to scale up to ten million units annually, utilizing cutting-edge automation technologies and AI-driven quality management systems. Operating on Industry 4.0 principles, the facility boasts a fully automated setup, incorporating numerous robots to enhance efficiency and maintain high-quality standards.
Complementing this is the Gigafactory, also situated in Krishnagiri, covering 115 acres.
The Gigafactory is set to be a critical component of Ola’s manufacturing strategy, beginning with an initial capacity of 5 GWh and aiming to expand to 100 GWh.
This facility will produce advanced 4680 lithium-ion battery cells, crucial for reducing reliance on external suppliers and improving cost efficiency.
Future Prospects: Reduced Battery and Replacement Costs
As Ola Electric develops its gigafactory and enhances its production capabilities, there is a strong potential for a reduction in battery and replacement costs.
The in-house production of batteries, combined with economies of scale and technological advancements, is likely to lower the overall cost.
By manufacturing batteries domestically, Ola can streamline its supply chain, decrease dependency on imports, and benefit from government incentives.
These factors, along with improved battery technology, are expected to make batteries more affordable in the future, thereby reducing the replacement costs for Ola Electric vehicles.