Over 1,000 Workers are Let go by Ola Electric Due to Growing Losses

According to a media agency, Ola Electric Mobility Ltd., under the leadership of Bhavish Aggarwal, is laying off over 1,000 staff and contract workers in an attempt to reduce the company's growing losses. As the electric two-wheeler (2W) manufacturer goes through a significant reorganisation, the employment cutbacks impact several departments, including procurement, fulfilment, customer relations, and charging infrastructure. In less than five months, this is the company's second round of layoffs. About 500 workers were let go by Ola Electric in November 2024, and the most recent round of layoffs represents more than 25% of the company's 4,000-person employment as of March 2024. However, since they are not included in the company's formal disclosures, contract workers are not included in this statistic.

Ola Grappling with Multiple Challenges

A representative for the company told the media outlet that Ola had automated front-end processes to boost customer satisfaction, cut expenses, and increase margins while removing unnecessary positions to increase efficiency. They did not, however, state how many employees were impacted. The layoffs occur as Ola Electric, which is supported by SoftBank, faces several difficulties. In the December 2024 quarter, the company's net loss increased to INR 564 crore from INR 376 crore in the same period the year before. The business has also had to contend with increasing competition, which has caused it to lose its top spot as India's largest seller of electric scooters. According to government data from December 2024, TVS Motor Co. and Bajaj Auto Ltd. both surpassed Ola Electric as the market leaders. Ola Electric argues that it is still a major player in spite of these failures. The business recorded sales of more than 25,000 units in February 2025, gaining a 28% market share. Aggarwal had set a monthly sales goal of 50,000 units to reach breakeven in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA), but this is well below that amount.

Revamping Plans

In order to reduce expenses, Ola is reorganising its delivery and logistics plans and automating some of its customer service functions. At its showrooms and service centres, workers in sales, service, and warehouse positions are also being let go. To solve issues with accessibility and service, Ola Electric opened 3,200 retail locations nationwide in December 2024 as part of an ambitious expansion. This action was taken in response to a spike in consumer complaints about poor product and service quality. According to some sources, up to 80,000 complaints were sent to Ola Electric each month. Delays in the supply chain have also been a problem for the business. In an effort to reduce expenses and increase efficiency, it renegotiated contracts with two significant vendors earlier this year, alerting investors that this will have an impact on vehicle registrations in February 2025.