Ola refutes claims of tech leak involving former LG Energy executive

This controversy follows a string of developments in Ola Electric’s battery and electric vehicle ecosystem.

Ola Electric has dismissed reports suggesting it received leaked battery technology from a former executive of South Korea’s LG Energy Solution.

The company in a media statement on November 9 said that it has no interest or research focus in pouch cell technology and that its indigenous 4680 Bharat Cell is based on advanced dry electrode technology in a cylindrical form factor.

The statement comes as Ola begins commercial production of the 4680 Bharat Cell, which it claims is India’s first large-format cylindrical battery cell.

The company said the reports appear “motivated,” coinciding with its entry into the battery manufacturing market that directly competes with global majors.

This controversy follows a string of developments in Ola Electric’s battery and electric vehicle ecosystem.

According to news reports, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, Seoul Metropolitan Police, and LG Energy Solution are investigating a former LG researcher for allegedly leaking proprietary pouch-type ternary lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes and know-how to Ola Electric.

The researcher has reportedly admitted to sharing the data but claimed he did not know it contained confidential information.

Ola added that its Battery Innovation Centre (BIC) in Bengaluru employs over 250 specialists and that the company has filed 720 patents, with 124 already granted.

The company has invested Rs 2,500 crore to establish India’s first operational Gigafactory.