Ola Electric Mobility Ltd. has strongly refuted allegations of involvement in a technology leak from South Korea's LG Energy Solution, dismissing claims that a former executive attempted to transfer proprietary pouch cell battery intellectual property to the company. In an exchange filing on November 9, 2025, the Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker described the reports—originating from a South Korean publication and amplified in Indian media—as "misleading and completely baseless," emphasizing that pouch cell technology holds no research or commercial interest for its operations. The company highlighted the suspicious timing of the allegations, coinciding with the commercial rollout of its indigenous 4680 Bharat Cell.

Ola Electric asserted that its flagship 4680 Bharat Cell relies on advanced dry electrode technology in a cylindrical form factor, which it claims surpasses the "old and dated" pouch cell format referenced in the leaks. Developed entirely in-house at the company's Battery Innovation Centre in Bengaluru—staffed by over 250 specialists from global firms—the cell represents India's first indigenous large-format battery and has entered production at Ola's Gigafactory in Tamil Nadu, backed by a Rs 2,500 crore investment. With 720 patent filings (124 granted), Ola positioned the breakthrough as a milestone in national self-reliance, recently earning ARAI certification for integration into vehicles like the S1 Pro+ scooter.

The firm suggested the controversy stems from competitive pressures, alleging that a foreign rival—implicitly LG Energy Solution—fears losing market share in India, including Ola as a key customer, prompting an "orchestrated attack" on homegrown innovation. South Korean authorities are reportedly investigating the ex-LG researcher, who admitted transferring data but claimed ignorance of its confidentiality, under strict laws protecting "national core technology." Ola decried the "insidious" narrative as an attempt to undermine India's emerging role in advanced energy technology, crediting government initiatives for fostering domestic R&D.

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As Ola scales up 4680 Bharat Cell production and expands into residential energy storage with Ola Shakti, the dispute underscores intensifying global rivalries in the EV battery sector. The company vowed to defend its intellectual property commitments, stating that business rivalries will not derail India's push toward clean energy leadership. Industry observers note the allegations arrive amid Ola's efforts to reduce reliance on imported cells, potentially boosting margins and positioning it against established Korean suppliers.

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