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Ola has launched the S1 electric scooter in India, with prices starting from Rs 99,999 (ex-showroom). The S1 scooter, being the first EV offering from Ola, will be launched in two variants – the S1 and the S1 Pro. The scooter promises to offer a lot of features, backed by electric performance and range of 181kms in its long-range spec.
The design of the Ola scooter seems to be inspired by the maxim of minimalism. Apart from the Ola logo garnishing the front apron, the S1’s body looks seamless and clean, with no gaudy lines disrupting the flow. Even the footpegs are neatly integrated into the body shell, as opposed to sticking out on a conventional scooter. There is an LED headlamp on offer along with ten-spoke alloy wheels. Ola offers the S1 in a choice of ten vibrant colours, which include some really eye-popping shades.
The Ola scooter is offered in two variants – the S1 and the S1 Pro. The base S1 offers loads of kit to begin with, you don’t even use a key to start off this scooter! The scooter unlocks itself when it detects your proximity to it, or you can make use of the Ola app. This function can also be accessed using the S1’s 7-inch touchscreen display which is powered by Ola’s Move OS. Making use of an octa-core processor and 3GB RAM, the touchscreen is fully customisable, allowing you to make widgets for commonly used functions. Another neat feature is ‘moods’ – which alters the display and sound of the scooter. The S1 also gets navigation via Ola’s native maps, which can be used offline. Thanks to 4G connectivity, coupled with WiFi and Bluetooth, the S1 also supports over-the-air software updates, along with being able to take phone calls and even play music through the onboard speakers. While the complete feature list of the Ola S1 is exhaustive, some features like voice activated commands, cruise control and hill hold are only available on the higher-spec S1 Pro.
The S1 and the S1 Pro are powered by the same electric motor that makes a peak power of 8.5kW, translating to a shade over 11bhp. The S1 Pro, thanks to an EV’s instant torque, accelerates from 0 to 60kmph in 5 seconds, with a top whack of 115kmph. The regular S1 is two seconds slower to 60, while having a top speed of 90kmph. The S1 Pro also gets a ‘Hyper’ riding mode, in addition to the regular S1’s normal and sports modes. The S1 Pro also gets a bigger battery pack – 3.97kWh compared to the S1’s 2.98kWh. Consequently, the S1 Pro gets more range as well: a claimed 181km of range compared to the S1’s 121km. The longer range S1 Pro, with its 3.97kwh battery pack, takes nearly six and a half hours to charge via a normal 750W portable charger, while making use of Ola’s Hypercharger network can give you 75 per cent of charge in less than 20 minutes.
The entry-level Ola S1 has prices starting from Rs 1 lakh, while the S1 Pro with its longer-range battery, higher top speed and a few more features has prices starting from nearly Rs 1.3 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). These prices are aided by the FAME II and state-specific subsidies for electric vehicles, allowing the Ola S1 to be more affordable. After subsidies, the entry-level Ola S1 will start from Rs 94,999 in Maharashtra and Rs 85,099 in Delhi, making it more affordable than a number of ICE scooters as well! With these state-specific subsidies encouraging a move to EVs, the Ola S1 really is an enticing choice when thinking about making the transition to two-wheeled electric mobility.
