'Save the marketing cost': Ola Electric CEO on EV companies making 'cute ads' to grow sales

Bengaluru-based electric vehicles (EV) maker Ola Electric CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), advised other EV makers to save on marketing costs and focus more on supply chains and technology.

"I see some EV companies trying to make ‘cute’ ads in a bid to grow their stagnant sales," Aggarwal wrote.

He said the electric vehicles is a supply chain and manufacturing business.

"Pro tip for them: Electric vehicles is a supply chain and manufacturing business. Save the marketing and sales ₹₹ and invest it into supply chains and tech to lower your product costs.," Aggarwal added.

I see some EV companies trying to make ‘cute’ ads in a bid to grow their stagnant sales.

Pro tip for them: Electric vehicles is a supply chain and manufacturing business. Save the marketing and sales ₹₹ and invest it into supply chains and tech to lower your product costs.

— Bhavish Aggarwal (@bhash) July 12, 2024

Netizens reaction

Bhavish Aggarwal shared this post on the morning of July 12, and since then it has garnered over 427,000 views. While some agreed with Aggarwal's point of view, others criticized Ola Electric's product quality and marketing.

"Another pro tip for someone who's trying to sell EV, cloud infra, maps and AI in the name of nationalism. Invest in quality, scale and employees rather than nationalism. Might help in international expansions and long term retentions," a user wrote.

Umm @tarunsmehta @atherenergy are the ones who kickstarted the manufacturing and disrupting supply chain issues to build EVs in india, from scratch. And they've done so better than any incumbents or those who just import and rebadge or those with ultra deep pockets. They can make…

— Shantanu Goel (@shantanugoel) July 12, 2024

"Exactly. Invest in supply chain & tech not in paying Twitter users for getting engagement on your tweets 🥲," another wrote.

Agree man! This focus on strengthening supply chains and investing in advanced tech is precisely why Ola Electric is leading the charge in the EV 2W industry. They prioritize innovation and cost efficiency over flashy marketing, ensuring our customers get the best value and…

— Wellu (@Wellutwt) July 12, 2024

You raise a valid point! Cute ads won’t drive EV sales, but lower costs will!

Instead of flashy marketing, let’s focus on supply chains and tech. That’s where the real revolution happens.

— Amit Misra (@amit6060) July 12, 2024