- Indian electric vehicle maker Ola Electric Mobility saw a 20% surge in share prices on Friday, reaching a valuation of $6.99 billion, following the launch of a new electric motorcycle line and plans to use in-house batteries, which are expected to reduce costs.
- Morgan Stanley noted that Ola Electric’s motorcycle range targets both the mass and premium markets, with its pricing closely aligned to that of traditional motorcycles, which is expected to heighten competition in the sector.
OUR TAKE
Ola Electric’s surge highlights the potential for EV adoption in India. The company’s decision to manufacture in-house batteries and focus on domestic production signals a strong commitment to India’s electrification journey. This move, alongside the new motorcycle line, could significantly impact the market and reshape the two-wheeler sector.
–Vicky Wu, BTW reporter
What happened
Indian electric vehicle manufacturer Ola Electric Mobility witnessed a significant 20% surge in share prices on Friday, reaching a valuation of $6.99 billion. This boost followed the unveiling of a new line of electric motor cycles and expectations of reduced costs through the use of in−house batteries.
The company, which debuted on the stock market on August 9 following a $734 million initial public offering (IPO), has seen its shares soar by 75% from the launch price of 76 rupees. Prior to the IPO, Ola Electric was valued at $5.4billion in a funding round conducted in September 2023. However, the company reduced its valuation target to $4 billion for the IPO, partly in response to a correction in global technology stocks and to entice more participants to the share offering.
Ola Electric’s strategy to manufacture its own batteries and produce most of its electric vehicle (EV) components domestically is expected to appeal to investors interested in India’s electrification journey.
Also read: Ola electric’s $734M IPO fully subscribed amid market volatility
Also read: India’s Ola Electric IPO gains $2B of bids from big institutions
Why it’s important
This development marks a pivotal moment in the Indian automotive industry, as Ola Electric’s entry into the motorcycle market is poised to escalate competition against established players such as Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor, and Hero Motocorp.
With two-wheelers dominating Indian roads, the introduction of affordable and high-quality electric motorcycles could significantly impact the market. Despite facing challenges like limited charging infrastructure and concerns about resale value, the growing adoption of EVs in India presents a promising opportunity. Ola Electric’s move to equip its vehicles with proprietary batteries by next year is anticipated to further drive down costs and enhance the company’s competitive edge.
Financial analysts, including HSBC, have expressed confidence in Ola Electric’s long-term prospects, citing government support and the firm’s cost-reduction capabilities. Morgan Stanley also highlighted the strategic positioning of Ola Electric’s new motorcycle line, which targets both mass-market and premium segments, potentially reshaping the landscape of India’s two-wheeler sector.
