Ola Electric CEO Bhavish Aggarwal acknowledged that servicing challenges have affected customer trust, as the company navigates rapid expansion in India’s competitive EV market.
India’s EV transition is accelerating — but operational consistency remains a hurdle.
Ola Electric’s CEO has admitted that servicing gaps have impacted brand trust, highlighting a common scaling challenge for hardware-driven startups.
Rapid growth in electric scooter sales created demand pressure on after-sales networks, exposing bottlenecks in service infrastructure.
Growth versus reliability
Ola Electric quickly became one of India’s prominent EV manufacturers.
However, scaling production and sales must be matched by:
- Service center expansion
- Spare parts availability
- Technician training
- Customer support responsiveness
Shortfalls in any of these areas can erode consumer confidence.
Brand perception in EV markets
In electric mobility, reliability perceptions are critical.
Early adopters influence broader adoption trends.
Negative service experiences can ripple through online communities and social media, affecting brand reputation.
Acknowledging the issue publicly may signal an attempt to reset expectations.
Competitive pressure intensifies
India’s EV ecosystem now includes legacy automakers and new entrants.
As competition grows, service quality may become a decisive differentiator.
Hardware startups face unique scaling pressures compared to software platforms.
Trust as strategic capital
In mobility, trust extends beyond marketing.
It encompasses:
- Product durability
- Service turnaround times
- Warranty transparency
Ola Electric’s admission suggests internal recognition that operational refinement is necessary for sustained growth.
