Ola Electric’s scooters have been spotted on the Buddh International Circuit track ahead of the upcoming MotoGP Bharat 2023, scheduled between September 22 and 24, 2023. Also, three-time MotoGP world champion and the safety advisor for the upcoming event, Loris Capriossi was seen taking the Ola electric scooter for a spin on the BIC track. The electric vehicle manufacturer has posted several images on social media of its scooters on the BIC tracks. The EV company is the industry partner of the event.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 20 Sep 2023, 13:31 PM
Former world champion Loris Capriossi takes Ola electric scooter for a spin on BIC tracks
Ola Electric is expected to showcase its Diamondhead electric motorcycle at the upcoming MotoGP Bharat event. The Diamondhead is the superbike concept that the EV manufacturer revealed on August 15 this year. This futuristic sportsbike is slated to launch within a few years as part of Ola Electric’s range of electric motorcycles, which were showcased in concept forms in August.
Watch: Ola Electric motorcycle concepts breaks cover | To launch in 2024
The Ola Diamondhead comes with a diamond-shaped panel at the front, which paved the way for the nomenclature. The diamond panel gets a sleek LED strip, while the actual LED headlamp sits beneath the beak. The concept sportsbike was showcased as a semi-faired model.
The pure electric Ola sportsbike gets disc brakes on both front and rear wheels, while the rear wheel comes covered in order to achieve better aerodynamic efficiency. Another exciting fact about this bike is that the front suspension looks completely unconventional as it is positioned almost parallel to the ground. Other design elements of the Ola Diamondhead include a sleek LED strip at the tip of the tail section acting as a taillight.
Besides the Ola Diamondhead, Ola Electric is also expected to showcase its other electric motorcycle concepts at the event. The other models include a cruiser, a roadster and an adventure motorcycle, which all were showcased in August this year.
Ola Electric invited HT Auto to its FutureFactory in Tamil Nadu to sample the second-generation S1 Pro. The electric scooter has seen massive upgrades since it was first revealed in August 2021, only this time the upgrades extend to the hardware apart from the numerous over-the-air (OTA) revisions that the model received over the years.
By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor | Updated on: 16 Aug 2023, 17:14 PM
The Gen2 Ola S1 Pro is based on a heavily redesigned platform along with a new and more powerful electric motor and battery pack
The Gen2 Ola S1 Pro is now underpinned by a new platform and gets a more powerful motor and safer battery pack. Ola says that these changes were necessary as an evolutionary step in the product’s lifecycle, determined by functionality, costs and overall user experience. We had a brief ride astride the Gen2 Ola S1 Pro and here are our quick impressions of the same.
The Gen2 platform is ligther, stiffer and stronger than before. It also makes way for a double-sided swingarm on the new S1 Pro
Gen2 Ola S1 Pro: What’s changed?
The Gen2 Ola S1 Pro has moved up to the new platform that now underpins the Ola range including the S1 Air and the all-new S1X. The new chassis has moved from a tubular frame to a hybrid architecture with a redesigned rear subframe. It uses 70 per cent fewer parts than before, which translates to 14 per cent lighter weight on the frame itself. The new frame also makes way for a flat floorboard as we saw on the S1 Air.
Ola has also moved to a double-sided swingarm at the rear instead of a single-sided unit on the Gen1 version. The panel covers have been dropped on either side. The result is a swingarm with exposed welds and houses the single-shock absorber at the rear, all of which are visible to the eye and look rather unfinished than they did on the Gen1 S1 Pro.
The single-sided front fork has been replaced by telescopic forks on the Gen2 S1 Pro. These are said to offer the same rigidity as the older model while being more cost-effective
The Gen2 S1 Pro has also moved to the conventional telescopic front forks as against the single-sided front fork design seen on the Gen1 version. This is a big step for the company considering it claimed the robustness of its single-sided fork design over the last few years. Instead, the telescopic forks are now standard across the lineup. Ola says the new forks are not only cost-effective but also provide the same results as the front monoshock did previously in terms of rigidity.
On the design front, the S1 Pro Gen2 gets subtle changes. The headlamp design is the same but now houses new internals. The LED taillight is slimmer and gets the smoked treatment. The split grab rails make way for the single-piece unit from the S1 Air that looks built to cost. Lastly, the multi-spoke alloy wheels have been replaced with new 5-spoke alloy wheels, which we are told are lighter and more cost-effective.
Under-seat storage capacity is down by 2 litres to 34 litres but it’s still an ample-sized unit. The new utilitarian single-piece grab rail is shared with the S1 Air
Furthermore, the revised design has shrunk the under-seat storage capacity by two litres, which now stands at 34 litres. It’s still a sizeable space with a flat bottom and will store everything from a portable charger to grocery bags, two half-face helmets and more. A full-size helmet still won’t fit here. The Gen2 model sits taller by 5 mm at 805 mm, while the ground clearance is reduced to 160 mm, down by 3 mm. Other cycle parts remain the same including the disc brakes at either end from ByBre and the horizontally-stacked rear single-shock.
The new S1 Pro now uses a centralised computing system. This brings a shorter wiring harness across the vehicle integrating all the critical functions and reducing the weight by 8 per cent and energy consumption by 25 per cent. This should also make the vehicle more reliable with most functions. Overall, the Gen2 S1 Pro is about 25 per cent cheaper to manufacture.
The mid-drive motor is now 30% more powerful, making the S1 Pro one of the fastest electric scooters on sale at the moment
Gen2 Ola S1 Pro: New powertrain
The Gen2 Ola S1 Pro utilises a redesigned electric motor that integrates the Motor Control Unit (MCU). The result is a lighter motor overall, which is also 30 per cent more powerful than before. Peak power stands at 11 kW (14.7 bhp) with continuous output at 5 kW (6.7 bhp), as against a peak of 8.5 kW (11.3 bhp) and continuous power of 5.5 kW (7.3 bhp). The end result is a higher top speed of 120 kmph, as against 115 kmph on the Gen1 S1 Pro, while 0-40 kmph comes up in just 2.6 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the predecessor.
The Gen2 battery pack uses 33 per cent fewer parts than before and gets an upgraded Battery Management System (BMS) for improved thermal performance. Still a 4 kWh unit, it’s been redesigned for better insulation and wiring. The changes help make it more efficient with a claimed range of 195 km on a single charge, as opposed to 181 km on the Gen1 model. We’ll need to spend some more time with the new S1 Pro to determine its range in real-world conditions.
The Gen2 Ola S1 Pro feels faster, especially in the Hyper mode, but throttle input isn’t the most seamless
Gen2 Ola S1 Pro: Riding experience
The overall changes have helped shave off 5 kg from the Gen2 S1 Pro, which now has a kerb weight of 116 kg. On the move, the electric scooter feels faster and there’s a notable difference in acceleration, especially in the Hyper mode. In our brief ride within the factory premises, the Gen2 S1 Pro impressed with its acceleration and there’s a certain excitement whenever you twist the throttle. It’s not clear though how long can we hold on to the top speed or sustain high-speed acceleration without heating up the battery pack.
Some of the older issues also crop up. It’s not as smooth as some of its rivals and the e-scooter tends to accelerate with a lag of a few milliseconds after giving the input. The motor cuts off the moment you brake, which will make riding in crawling traffic a problem. That said, braking remains strong with little and the ride quality was gentle for the most part. The riding posture remains comfortable as ever and is a highlight of the scooter.
Ola has also managed to retain the 7-inch touchscreen digital console, which is shared with the S1 Air. The unit gets a lower resolution now at 800×480 but it does not largely hamper your viewing experience. However, fit and finish still remain key problematic areas with the S1 Pro. From panel gaps to exposed welds, there’s plenty Ola can do to make the model better finished before it reaches customers.
₹7,500 ” src = “https://images.hindustantimes.com/auto/img/static/1x1_img.gif” onclick=”sendGa(this);” title=”The Gen2 Ola S1 Pro receives substantial changes over its predecessor and still remains attractively priced despite the increment of ₹7,500 ” style=”width:auto;” >
The Gen2 Ola S1 Pro receives substantial changes over its predecessor and still remains attractively priced despite the increment of ₹7,500
Gen2 Ola S1 Pro: Should you buy?
Priced at ₹1.47 (ex-showroom), the Gen2 Ola S1 Pro gets significant upgrades that make it more capable in the segment. The new offering is about ₹7,500 more expensive than its predecessor, which is marginal considering the bulk of changes. If you’ve been eyeing to bring the S1 Pro home, this version does much better on most counts even though cost-cutting remains evident. A more detailed review will come up soon once we get the e-scooter in our hands.
Bengaluru-based start-up Simple Energy has trademarked ‘Dot One’ and ‘Simple Dot One’ nameplates in India hinting at two new electric scooters in the works. The two new e-scooters will most likely be variants of each other with a few differences. Sources suggest the upcoming Simple Dot One and Dot One e-scooters will be positioned below the Simple One, launched earlier this year. The upcoming offerings will take on the newly-launched Ather 450S, Ola S1 Air and TVS iQube in the segment.
By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor | Updated on: 11 Aug 2023, 15:15 PM
Simple Energy will bring two new electric scooters to the market by October that will be positioned below the One in its stable
The Simple Dot One and Dot One e-scooters are expected to arrive as early as October with a range of about 180 km on a single charge. The company is likely to use the same platform as the One but plonk a smaller battery and fewer features to make it more cost-effective.
₹1.45 lakh, going up to ₹1.58 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru after subsidy). The new models will undercut this pricing” src = “https://images.hindustantimes.com/auto/img/static/1x1_img.gif” onclick=”sendGa(this);” title=”Prices for the Simple One start at ₹1.45 lakh, going up to ₹1.58 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru after subsidy). The new models will undercut this pricing” style=”width:auto;” >
Prices for the Simple One start at ₹1.45 lakh, going up to ₹1.58 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru after subsidy). The new models will undercut this pricing
Currently, the Simple One is priced from ₹1.45 lakh (ex-showroom, after FAME II subsidy) onwards, which positions itself at the premium end of the electric scooter segment. Do note that the One was originally announced with an asking price of ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom). However, the revision in FAME II subsidies meant the pricing witnessed a significant price bump, much like the rest of the competition.
The more affordable Simple Dot One and Dot One aim to make the e-scooter more accessible. At present, the One e-scooter comes equipped with an 8.5 kW (11.3 bhp) electric motor with a continuous power output of 4.5 kW (6 bhp) and a peak torque of 72 Nm. The model can sprint from 0-40 kmph in 2.77 seconds with a top speed of 105 kmph, which makes it one of the fastest scooters in its class.
The Simple Dot One will be produced at the company’s facility in Tamil Nadu and is likely to share its underpinnings with the One e-scooter
The Simple One gets a claimed range of 212 km on a single charge from its 5 kWh battery pack. The charging time will also differ, should the model not get fast charging. The Simple Dot One and Dot One will be built at the company’s facility in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu, with an annual production capacity of 10 lakh units. At the time of launch, Simple Energy said that it had over 1 lakh bookings for the One e-scooter, and the numbers should increase further when the Dot One hits the market. The start-up has begun deliveries of the One only in Bengaluru so far, while other cities should get the model in the coming months.
Ather Energy has released a new teaser on social media, which reveals that they will be launching the three electric scooters on 11th August. What has been confirmed is the launch of the 450S, which will be the most affordable electric scooter in Ather’s lineup. As of now, the manufacturer is selling only the 450X in the Indian market. It is offered in two versions – with the Pro Pack and without the Pro Pack.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 08 Aug 2023, 15:43 PM
Image of Ather 450X used for representational purpose only.
So, it can be expected that the two remaining scooters will be updated versions of the 450X electric scooter. One gripe that many people have reported is the charging time of the Ather 450X without the Pro Pack. So, there is a possibility that Ather might just reduce the battery size to reduce charging times. Apart from this, there is a possibility that Ather will also update the 450X electric scooter. However, nothing has been confirmed yet. The manufacturer will not be introducing a new design language or platform as of now. This was confirmed when Ather launched Atherstack 5.0.
Speaking of the new scooter, the Ather 450S will look more or less the same as the 450X. However, it will come with a new LCD display with coloured elements. So, it is expected that the 450S will miss out on Google Maps and connected technology. Ather is promising a claimed range of 115 km on a single charge and a top speed of 90 kmph. It is expected that the 450S will use the same electric motor as the 450X, considering the top speed of both electric scooters is the same.
Ather Energy has already revealed the pricing details of the upcoming 450S electric scooter. It will be available at an introductory price of ₹129,999 (ex-showroom). Ather has not revealed to what extent the introductory pricing will be available for consumers.
Ather Energy is all set to unveil its next big electric scooter on August 3. The EV startup has been teasing its upcoming Ather 450S for the last few weeks. Slated to be unveiled on August 11, the Ather 450S is going to be the brand’s most affordable electric scooter, which will compete with rivals like Ola S1 Air, just like the Ather 450X competes with the Ola S1 Pro. The upcoming electric scooter will arrive as a toned-down and cheaper version of the manufacturer’s flagship model 450X.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 02 Aug 2023, 15:29 PM
The Ather 450S will get an LCD console in a bid to be more cost-effective over the 450X with the touchscreen console
Ather Energy has already revealed the pricing details of the upcoming 450S electric scooter. It will be available at an introductory price of ₹129,999 (ex-showroom). Ather has not revealed to what extent the introductory pricing will be available for the consumers. The design of the upcoming 450S remains a mystery.
Watch: Ola S1 Pro vs Ather 450X vs Okinawa Praise Pro: Range, charging, performance compared
Ather has revealed that the Ather 450S will come featuring a different instrument cluster compared to the 450X. It would feature an LCD panel with a lack of connectivity and navigational features compared to 450X. It could miss out on cloud connectivity, Google Map functionality and Bluetooth connectivity as well. Also, expect it to come with a joystick for controlling the screen.
The Ather 450S is claimed to come promising a 115 km range on a single charge, at a top speed of 90 kmph. However, the EV manufacturer has not revealed any further specification details of the upcoming scooter. Considering the top speed of the 450S same as the 450X, it could come powered by the same motor as the flagship model. The electric motor is capable of churning out 8.58 bhp of peak power and 26 Nm of maximum torque. Ather 450X gets energy from a 3.7 kWh battery pack that delivers a 146 km range on a single charge. Considering the fact that 450S will offer a 115 km range on a full charge, it could come powered by a smaller 3 kWh battery pack.