Ola Electric Faces Penalty for Failing to Meet Commitments Under PLI Scheme
- March 5, 2025
- Brandz Editor Team
- 0

In a significant development that adds to the growing challenges faced by Ola Electric Mobility, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has reportedly issued a notice to the company for failing to meet its commitments under the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Ola Electric, a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, now faces mounting pressure as the government prepares to impose penalties for not fulfilling the conditions of the scheme.
Non-Compliance Under the PLI Scheme
The PLI scheme for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery storage was introduced as part of India’s efforts to boost domestic production of electric vehicle batteries and reduce the country’s dependence on imports. The scheme was intended to accelerate the growth of the EV sector, with the government offering incentives to companies that met their production targets and invested in building the necessary infrastructure for manufacturing ACC batteries.
Ola Electric, along with Reliance Industries and Rajesh Exports, was one of the beneficiaries of the battery PLI scheme. These companies were expected to meet specific production and investment commitments, but according to reports, Ola Electric has failed to fulfill its obligations under the scheme. As a result, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has issued a formal notice, signaling the company’s non-compliance with the agreed-upon milestones.
Penalty Imposed on Ola Electric
As per the notice, Ola Electric will now face a penalty of INR 12.5 lakh per day, starting from January 1, 2025, until it meets its commitments under the PLI scheme. This penalty is a significant financial burden on the company, which is already navigating challenges within the highly competitive EV market.
The imposition of penalties comes as a part of the government’s efforts to ensure that companies uphold their commitments under the PLI scheme. These penalties are designed to encourage compliance and drive investment in the sector to create a sustainable ecosystem for the EV industry in India.
Ola Electric is now under pressure to ramp up its efforts to meet the conditions of the PLI scheme, which include increasing the production of ACC batteries and setting up manufacturing units in India. These efforts are crucial for the company’s long-term growth prospects, as they are closely tied to its ability to scale EV production while reducing reliance on imports for critical components like batteries.
Other Companies Also Facing Penalties
Ola Electric is not alone in facing scrutiny under the PLI scheme. Reliance New Energy Limited (RNEL), led by Mukesh Ambani, and ACC Energy Storage, the entity representing Rajesh Exports, have also been issued notices by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Both companies are also facing penalties for not meeting their commitments under the scheme.
While Reliance and Rajesh Exports will face a penalty of INR 5 lakh per day, Ola Electric’s penalty is significantly higher due to its failure to fulfill more extensive commitments under the program. The penalties will continue to accrue until the companies meet their obligations, which is a critical concern for these players, especially as the government is keen on building a robust, self-reliant EV ecosystem.
The Road Ahead for Ola Electric
For Ola Electric, which has been at the forefront of India’s electric vehicle revolution, this development adds to its mounting challenges. The company had ambitious plans to establish itself as a leader in the Indian EV space, and the failure to meet its commitments under the PLI scheme is a setback in this journey.
The company must now quickly address the issues raised by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, ramping up production of ACC batteries and fulfilling its obligations under the PLI scheme to avoid further penalties. It is also likely that Ola Electric will have to reassess its strategy and work on aligning its operations with government requirements to ensure continued support and incentives.
In conclusion, the penalty imposed on Ola Electric highlights the challenges faced by the electric vehicle sector in India, particularly with respect to meeting government commitments. With increasing pressure from both the government and competitors, Ola Electric will need to act swiftly to meet its obligations and maintain its position in the rapidly evolving EV market.