Ola Electric Faces 80,000 Complaints – Can They Resolve Them Before the Raahi Launch?

Ola Electric has been in the spotlight in India’s electric vehicle (EV) market for its high-tech scooters and ambitious goals. But lately, the company has faced a huge rise in customer complaints that has put its reputation at risk. Reports reveal Ola Electric receives about 80,000 complaints every month. Customers have voiced concerns over delays in repairs, quality issues, and unresponsive support. To address these problems, Ola recently formed a new service team, but many wonder if this is too little, too late. Meanwhile, Ola is still launching new models, raising questions about whether it’s more focused on growth than customer satisfaction.

What’s behind these complaints?

Many Ola customers say they’re experiencing issues with the quality of their scooters, such as mechanical breakdowns, battery problems, and delayed repairs. Some customers report waiting weeks for repairs, often without clear communication from Ola’s support team. For a company aiming to be the top choice in India’s EV market, this has led to frustration among early adopters who expected a reliable product and dependable service.

The scale of these issues has pushed Ola to set up a dedicated service team to handle complaints. But many customers and industry experts are skeptical. They argue that while forming a new team sounds like a positive step, it may not be enough to address problems of this magnitude, especially if Ola continues to push new models without addressing the service gap.

Controversial responses from Ola’s CEO

Adding to the tension, Ola’s CEO has been outspoken about the company’s plans to expand, but his response to the service issues has left some customers feeling unheard. Instead of addressing customer complaints head-on, he’s often highlighted the company’s big-picture goals and upcoming product launches. While innovation is crucial in a competitive EV market, these statements have left customers feeling that the CEO may be more interested in growth than in listening to their concerns. The lack of clear, direct communication on these service issues has only added to customers' frustration.

Authorities Step In

Recently, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued an order to Ola Electric, instructing the company to address the escalating customer complaints. The CCPA, which protects consumers' interests and ensures fair practices, took this step after receiving numerous reports from Ola customers about delayed repairs, poor-quality products, and lack of responsive service. The authority’s directive is clear: Ola must prioritize resolving these customer grievances, improve its after-sales support, and provide transparent communication about repair timelines and product issues. Failure to comply with these instructions could lead to penalties or further action from the CCPA, putting even more pressure on Ola Electric to reform its service operations. This warning signals that the CCPA is closely monitoring Ola's customer service practices, making it essential for the company to act fast and show measurable improvement.

Why launch new models now?

Despite these challenges, Ola continues to introduce new models, a decision that has puzzled many. While rolling out new products helps keep the brand relevant and exciting, it also stretches the company’s resources further. Many customers and analysts question whether Ola is focused on growth at the cost of quality. They argue that addressing current customer complaints should take priority, as unresolved issues could damage the trust Ola has worked hard to build in the competitive EV market.

What’s next for Ola Electric?

Ola Electric has built a strong brand and leads in the push toward India’s electric future, but it risks losing customer trust. To secure long-term success, Ola must address these rising complaints more effectively. If not, the company could face a decline in customer loyalty and see rivals’ step in to fill the gaps in service. Although Ola has big dreams, it’s clear it needs to take care of the customers it already has before focusing solely on expansion.