Tag - unlaunched EV models

Key highlights Ola Electric reportedly inflated February 2025 sales figures by including bookings for unlaunched models. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has sought clarification on discrepancies in sales data. The company faces scrutiny over its practices, with potential regulatory action looming. Ola Electric is under scrutiny for allegedly inflating its February 2025 sales figures by including bookings for models that have not yet been launched. The controversy has sparked questions about the company’s reporting practices and raised concerns among regulators and industry stakeholders. Official reports confirm Ola inflated numbers According to reports, Ola Electric claimed to have sold 25,207 vehicles in February, citing these as “confirmed orders.” However, data from the VAHAN portal revealed that only 8,600 vehicles were registered during the same period. The discrepancy stems from Ola’s inclusion of bookings for 10,866 Gen 3 Ola S1 scooters and 1,395 Roadster X motorcycles in its sales data. While deliveries for the Gen 3 scooters began in March, the Roadster X has yet to be rolled out commercially. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has asked Ola Electric to revise its February sales figures to reflect only those vehicles that were invoiced and delivered. The ministry has also warned the company of “adverse action” if it fails to provide clarification. Ola responds Ola Electric defended its reporting practices, stating that nearly 90% of the February orders were paid in full at the time of placement. The company attributed the registration gap to a temporary backlog caused by vendor negotiations and claimed that its sales figures represent genuine customer demand backed by financial commitment. The controversy comes at a challenging time for Ola Electric, which has faced regulatory scrutiny and operational hurdles in recent months. The company’s stock has dropped over 60% since its market debut in August 2024, and it has lost market share to competitors like Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor. Industry experts have criticized Ola’s practices, arguing that including bookings for unlaunched models undermines transparency and erodes trust. The incident has also prompted calls for stricter oversight of sales reporting in the automotive sector. Also read: Hero Vida Z could launch soon, spotted testing