Ola Electric becomes first Indian 2W EV maker to secure certification for in-house rare-earth-free Ferrite motor

Ola Electric, the country’s largest pure-play electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has today announced a significant industry milestone — becoming the first Indian two-wheeler EV company to receive official government certification for its rare-earth-free ferrite motor, developed entirely in-house.

The certification was granted by the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) in Tamil Nadu, following an extensive validation process. Ola’s motor underwent rigorous performance and power output tests in compliance with AIS 041 regulations as mandated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India.

Crucially, the test results revealed that Ola Electric’s ferrite motor matches the performance of traditional rare-earth permanent magnet motors. Specifically, the company’s 7kW and 11kW ferrite motor variants demonstrated parity in net power output when compared to motors employing rare-earth elements.

The development of this motor marks a strategic turning point. By eliminating reliance on imported rare-earth materials — which are both expensive and subject to volatile global supply chains — Ola’s ferrite motor delivers comparable efficiency, durability, and performance at a significantly reduced cost. This advancement is expected to bolster both the accessibility and resilience of electric mobility solutions in India.

Ola Electric first introduced its ferrite motor during its flagship ‘Sankalp 2025’ event in August this year, positioning it as a core innovation in the brand’s long-term technological roadmap.

With certification now secured, the company is set to integrate the ferrite motor across its entire product portfolio. The move is anticipated to further enhance the performance, affordability, and sustainability of Ola’s electric two-wheeler offerings for millions of Indian consumers.