Ola enters the EV bike market with the Roadster and Roadster X+
Ola has launched their first-ever EV range of bikes, the Roadster and Roadster X+, priced from Rs. 74,999/-. As a result, the Indian automaker aims to enter the competitive and growing EV bike segment. The deliveries of these bikes are likely to commence in mid-March. Let’s take a closer look at what the bikes offer.
The Ola Roadster Series has two basic trim levels: Roadster X, and Roadster X+. These variants are poised to take on the growing market and attract buyers at attractive prices and offering ranges up to 501 km!
Design & Technology
The Ola Roadster series is designed in a way where it has a sleek design and a modular platform which can perform in a variety of conditions. The integration of the mid-drive motor delivers performance combined with safety. The powertrain which features a chain drive and an integrated MCU helps in producing efficient torque transfer, excellent acceleration and improved range with the benefit of reduction in costs.
There is also the introduction of flat cables, the first time for motorcycles. These cables help to reduce packaging and excess weight as well as boost thermal performance. However, it remains to be seen whether this will improve the overall reliability of the product.
All roadsters are available with ride-by-wire with single-channel ABS and smart MoveOS 5 with features like advanced regeneration, cruise control and reverse mode. The battery of the Roadster platform is modular which can adapt across different capacities. These batteries are also IP67 certified with waterproof and dust-proof certification. There is also the introduction of a Battery Management System (BMS) which should give the owners an easier time maintaining the battery.
Ola Roadster X
The Ola Roaster X is powered by a 7 kW mid-drive motor. It has three variants: 2.5 kWh, 3.5 kWh and 4.5 kWh. It can do a top speed of 105 km/hr (for 2.5 kWh) and 118 km/hr (for 3.5 kWh and 4.5 kWh). The Roadster can provide a range of 140 km, 196 km and 252 km for 2.5 kWh, 3.5 kWh and 4.5 kWh variants respectively.
The 2.5 kWh variant can accelerate from 0-40 km/hr in a respectable 3.4 seconds, and the bigger 3.5 kWh and 4.5 kWh can do it in just 3.1 seconds! The Roadster X will have three riding modes: Sports, Normal and Eco, catering to specific riding scenarios. A 4.3-inch LCD screen with MoveOS 5 will be offered with smart connectivity and USB. This trim level will offer personalisation in the form of four colour options which are Industrial Silver, Anthracite Stellar Blue, Pine Green and Ceramic White.
Ola Roadster X+
The Ola Roadster X+, as the name suggests, is the version that offers higher battery capacity and higher range. It is available in two variants: 4.5 kWh and 9.1 kWh. It is powered by an 11 kW motor with a top speed of 125 km/hr. It will accelerate from 0-40 km/hr in just 2.7 seconds! The Roadster X+ will offer an impressive 252 km and 501 km range for the 4.5 kWh and 9.1 kWh variants respectively.
The Roadster X+ will also feature the same 3 riding modes and the 4.3-inch screen with MoveOS 5 as the Roadster X. The Roadster X+ is also available in the same colours as the Roadster X and which means there will be small ways of distinguishing both in terms of design.
Pricing & Warranty
The pricing for the Roadster Lineup is priced competitively. The Roadster X 2.5 kWh variants i.e. 2.5 kWh, 3.5 kWh and 4.5 kWh will be priced at Rs. 74,999/-, Rs. 84,999/- and Rs. 94,999/- (ex-showroom) respectively. The Roadster X+ 4.5 kWh will be priced at Rs. 1,04,999/- whilst the 9.1 kWh will be available from Rs. 1,54,999/-. The Roadster Series will come with a standard warranty of 3 years/50,000 km.
Outlook
Ola Electric, as a brand, has received multiple complaints and has been embroiled in controversies regarding the maintenance and servicing of its batteries. The new Roadster lineup with better-designed batteries aims to solve these problems. Whether these problems are solved can only be discussed after the customers can experience these machines.
