Ola Electric denies LG Energy battery tech leak claims; says foreign rival attacking India’s battery innovation

Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola Electric has refuted allegations that it received leaked battery technology from a former LG Energy Solution researcher, calling the reports “misleading and completely baseless.”

The controversy began when a South Korean publication reported that South Korean authorities announced that a former principal researcher at LG Energy Solution, identified as Mr. A, had been referred to prosecutors for allegedly leaking pouch-type ternary battery technology, designated as national core technology, to an Indian company, reportedly Ola Electric.

Mr. A had worked at LG’s Nanjing plant in China before joining Ola in November 2023. Police investigations in Seoul allege that he shared confidential information related to next-generation high-energy-density secondary batteries, including manufacturing methods, material ratios, and production processes.

Responding to the reports, Ola Electric said that the alleged technology “is not even an area of research or commercial interest” for the company. The Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer clarified that its ongoing work is focused on the 4680 Bharat Cell, a cylindrical battery based on advanced dry electrode technology that it claims “surpasses the pouch cell touted in media leaks.”

The company said that the timing of these allegations coincides suspiciously with the commercial rollout of its 4680 Bharat Cell, India’s first indigenous large-format battery cell.

“The fear of losing market opportunities, including a significant customer in Ola Electric, is prompting the foreign rival to attack an indigenous battery innovation,” Ola said.

Ola Electric also highlighted its extensive intellectual property portfolio and domestic manufacturing efforts. The company said it has filed 720 patents, with 124 already granted, and operates a Battery Innovation Centre in Bengaluru with over 250 specialists from leading global cell technology firms. Ola’s cell manufacturing arm has also established India’s first operational gigafactory, built with an investment of Rs 2,500 crore.

“India’s progress in advanced cell technology, exemplified by the 4680 Bharat Cell, is the direct result of this vision for technological self-reliance. We will not allow business rivalries or motivated media speculation to derail India’s push toward global leadership in clean energy and battery innovation,” Ola said in its statement.