Ola,
one of the world’s leading mobility companies, announced that it is launching a
new electric vehicle category on its ride hailing platform, which will allow
riders to specifically book rides in a fully electric vehicle.
The
category, called Ola EV, is a global first for Ola and will be available across
London from today and over time will roll out to other cities around the world
where Ola is operational. The Ola EV category will cost riders the same as a
comfort category on the Ola app. Ola EV has 700 drivers across London and this
is expected to grow quickly over the coming months.
This
is the first step in a series of measures Ola will make over the coming months,
detailing its commitment to green transport networks, zero-emission travel and
further supporting the Mayor of London’s bold plans to improve air quality
across the capital.
To
incentivize drivers to use the new Ola EV category, Ola will offer a
market-leading 0% commission rate for the first 3 months for all electric
rides. Post the launch, Ola plans on extending offers through key partnerships
to provide easy and affordable options for drivers and riders to shift to fully
electric vehicles.
This
driver-centric approach will help to significantly increase the number of fully
electric Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) in use and will also empower riders with
an additional green option for their travel needs.
Ola
has taken a holistic approach to sustainability and electric mobility. The
company recently announced the launch of the world’s largest two wheeler
factory in Tamil Nadu, to build its range of electric two wheelers. Ola is
building this Future factory at record speed, with its first phase expected to
be operational this summer and the full factory ready by next year. The
company’s electric two-wheelers will be produced in this facility which will be
spread across 500 acres of land with 10 production lines and a staggering
capacity of 10 million units/year. Ola plans to launch the vehicle in the UK
and Europe in the near future.
Ola
will also provide charging solutions to all its electric two-wheeler customers
with the recently unveiled the Ola Hypercharger Network, the charging network
for its upcoming two wheeler products starting with the Ola Scooter to be
launched in the coming months. Ola will offer the most comprehensive set of
charging options to its electric vehicle customers through a combination of
widely deployed high-speed Ola Hyperchargers and the home-charger that will
come bundled with the Ola Scooter.
Marc
Rozendal, Managing Director of Ola UK, said: “Since launching in the UK, Ola
has consistently looked to innovate and help solve the toughest mobility
challenges. The launch of Ola EV is another great example, offering riders and
drivers the opportunity to play their part in the journey to emission free
rides. I am especially proud of the initiatives we are putting in place to help
drivers make the switch to fully electric vehicles and that we have been able
to do this at no extra cost to riders. I am excited to launch this category as
a global first for Ola and while Ola EV will start in London, we can’t wait to
begin expanding it across the country and cities around the world.” Drivers looking to sign up for Ola’s new
category Ola EV can register at https://ola.co.uk/