Ola Refutes Reports on LG Energy Tech Leak Probe

Ola Electric has strongly denied media reports claiming its involvement in a leak of South Korea’s LG Energy Solution’s proprietary pouch cell technology. The company called the allegations “baseless and misleading”, reaffirming its focus on India’s first homegrown advanced cylindrical battery — the 4680 Bharat Cell.

The controversy began after a South Korean outlet reported that LG Energy Solution was under investigation for an alleged transfer of key pouch-type lithium-ion battery technology to Ola Electric. The probe, led by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service and Seoul police, reportedly involves a former LG researcher.

According to reports, the leaked data pertains to an older pouch cell format — a battery design Ola says it neither researches nor uses. In its statement, Ola clarified that its 4680 Bharat Cell relies on dry-electrode cylindrical technology, a newer and more efficient format already in commercial production.

The company noted that these reports surfaced just as its Bharat Cell production gained momentum — a milestone representing India’s first indigenous large-format battery cell. Ola suggested that fears of competition from Indian innovation might be driving attempts to cast doubt on its achievements.

Ola Electric currently holds 720 patent filings, including 124 granted patents. Its Battery Innovation Center in Bengaluru employs over 250 specialists from leading global cell technology firms. The company also operates India’s first Gigafactory, established with an investment of ₹2,500 crore.

In October, Ola launched Ola Shakti, a residential energy storage system powered by the 4680 Bharat Cell. The system promises twice the lifespan and higher efficiency than traditional batteries and is expected to generate up to ₹1,200 crore in annual revenue by FY27.

Looking ahead, Ola Electric plans to expand into large-scale energy storage systems and increase its total cell manufacturing capacity to 20 gigawatt-hours by the second half of FY27 — a move positioning India firmly on the global clean energy map.