Ola Electric Denies Tech Leak Claims, Reinforces Focus on Indigenous Battery Innovation

In reaction to recent media accusations claiming a technological breach involving a former LG Energy Solution official, Ola Electric Mobility Ltd. has released an explanation. Declaring that the claimed pouch cell technology is neither a priority of its research nor a component of its business strategy, the corporation rejected the allegations as unfounded and deceptive.

Ola underlined that its flagship 4680 Bharat Cell is based on cutting-edge dry electrode technology, highlighting its dedication to domestic innovation in the face of growing competition. In an exchange filing, the business stated that the media's claims of technological intrigue involving Ola Electric, which unfairly disparage the company's world-class battery research capabilities, are false and wholly unsubstantiated. To correct the record, a South Korean media outlet recently asserted that an unidentified former LG Energy Solution official tried to transfer pouch cell technology intellectual property to Ola Electric.

Ola Blames Unethical News Reporting for the Chaos

Additionally, the business said that the damning media revelation comes at a critical moment, right after Ola's 4680 Bharat Cell went into commercial production. In the local market, the 4680 Bharat Cell directly competes with the Korean majors and is India's first homegrown large-format cell. The foreign competitor is attacking a local battery innovation out of concern of losing market prospects, including a big customer in Ola Electric. The timing of this selective leak to South Korean media and its quick, unconfirmed replication by a segment of the Indian press, Ola added, seem questionable at best.

Investigations are on to Get to the Root Cause

The Seoul Metropolitan Police, LG Energy Solution, and South Korea's National Intelligence Service are reportedly looking into a former LG researcher who may have given Ola Electric access to confidential pouch-type ternary lithium-ion battery production techniques and expertise.

According to reports, the researcher acknowledged sharing the data but stated he was unaware that it contained private information. Ola also stated that it has filed 720 patents, 124 of which have been awarded, and that it has over 250 experts working at its Battery Innovation Centre (BIC) in Bengaluru. To build India's first working Gigafactory, the business has committed INR 500 crore.