Ola Electric has made a big splash in the electric vehicle market by launching a commercial e-scooter called 'Gig', priced at Rs 1.19 lakh. However, the company is facing scrutiny from India's consumer protection agency for alleged poor service and quality issues. These developments come amidst a push for more electric vehicles in the country, with a number of other EV companies also making headlines.
Electric Scooter Revolution in India: Rise of Ola Electric and Honda Activa's Transition
The electric vehicle (EV) industry in India is witnessing a rapid surge in popularity, particularly in the scooter segment. Two major players in this market, Ola Electric and Honda Activa, are dominating headlines with their latest developments.
Ola Electric's Ambitious Launch Amid Scrutiny
Ola Electric, a Bengaluru-based EV startup, made an audacious debut in the commercial e-scooter market with the launch of the 'Gig' model priced at Rs 1.19 lakh. However, its entry into the market has been met with mixed reactions.
While the Gig's affordability and advanced features have attracted attention, Ola Electric has faced scrutiny from the Consumer Protection Authority of India (CCPAI). The agency has received complaints alleging poor service, quality issues, and delayed deliveries, leading to a notice being issued to the company.
Honda Activa's Electric Transformation
On the other hand, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI), the parent company of the iconic Honda Activa, has signaled its intent to enter the electric scooter market. The company has showcased several electric scooter concepts at various auto shows, hinting at a potential launch in the near future.
Activa's transition to electric is expected to be a significant move, given its dominant position in the Indian scooter market. The brand's reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency could give it an edge over competitors in the EV space.
Top 5 FAQs Related to Electric Scooters in India
1. What are the benefits of electric scooters?
2. What is the range of electric scooters?
3. How long does it take to charge an electric scooter?
4. Are electric scooters safe?
5. What are the challenges facing the EV industry in India?
The Adani Group companies saw a significant surge in their share prices as SEBI gave a clean chit to the conglomerate in connection with the allegations made in the Hindenburg report. The market regulator confirmed that no penalties or liabilities would be imposed on the group, stating that the allegations could not be substantiated. This decision brings a major relief for the Adani Group, as the proceedings against key entities and top executives have been officially closed.
The Indian equity benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, opened on a negative note on Thursday, as the Sensex fell by 67.92 points and the Nifty by 13.4 points. However, the broader indices traded in green in the opening session. From the Sensex pack, Adani Ports, Infosys, Maruti, Hindustan Unilever, and NTPC were among the major gainers, while Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Finance, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, and State Bank of India were among the laggards. The Nifty 50, an early indicator for the Nifty, also opened in the red with a fall of 59 points. Asian shares traded mixed on Friday as Wall Street rose after Nvidia and Intel announced a deal that includes a $5 billion investment.
The Indian government has stepped in to support its exporters amidst high tariffs imposed by the US. This includes providing assistance and facilitating access to domestic buyers for exporters. However, India may face challenges in the coming months with additional tariffs on Russian oil, impacting its export growth to the US.
After nearly four days of striking and thousands of passengers being stranded, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and Air Canada have reached a tentative agreement, bringing a halt to the strike. The airline plans to gradually resume flights starting Tuesday evening, but warns that it could take up to a week before operations return to normal. The deal, still to be ratified by union members, addresses key issues such as pay and hours, and is described as bringing "transformational change" for workers and the industry. Passengers are advised to only head to the airport if they have confirmed bookings.
Indian equity markets saw a positive start on Thursday, September 18, 2025 due to the US Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points. The Sensex and Nifty indices opened with significant gains, with major tech companies like Infosys and HCL tech leading the pack. However, Bajaj Finance and other financial institutions faced some losses in the opening session. With Gift Nifty indicating a positive start and strong investments by Foreign and Domestic Institutional Investors, experts predict better market conditions in the coming days.
After nearly four days of cancelled flights and stranded passengers, Air Canada has reached a tentative agreement with the union representing its cabin crew. The company plans to resume operations gradually on Tuesday evening, but it could take a week for full service to resume. The deal, which still needs to be ratified by union members, includes "transformational change" for workers and the industry. Passengers are advised to only head to the airport if they have confirmed bookings.
The US Federal Reserve announced a 25 basis point cut in interest rates, which was widely expected by economists and investors. The decision was approved by a stronger than expected 11-1 vote, signaling unity within the central bank. The US markets reacted positively to the news, with the Dow Jones and Nasdaq trading higher. The impact of this rate cut on Indian markets is yet to be seen, but Nifty futures suggest a gap-up opening.
As VMS TMT Ltd. prepares to launch its initial public offering, the grey market premium for its mainboard issue is already showing signs of high demand. The company, which manufactures TMT Bars and deals in scrap and binding wires, is set to go public on Wednesday, September 17. With the GMP currently at Rs 23 per share, investors are estimating a potential listing gain of 23.23% per share. The company is offering 1.5 crore shares at a price band of Rs 94 to Rs 99 per share, with a minimum investment of Rs 14,850 for retail investors.
Despite President Trump's dismissal of a top Federal Reserve official, investors shrugged off concerns and pushed stocks higher. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all finished the day in positive territory, with the Dow hitting a new record closing high. While the move to remove the official raises questions about the Fed's independence, investors are focused on upcoming economic indicators, including a report on inflation and highly anticipated earnings reports from tech giants like Nvidia. Meanwhile, the digital currency Bitcoin continues to struggle, dropping below $110,000 for the first time in two weeks.
In an effort to reduce reliance on China for key minerals used in advanced technologies, India is exploring partnership with a rebel group in Myanmar to secure rare earth samples. The Ministry of Mines has directed state-owned and private companies to collect samples from Kachin Independence Army-controlled mines and test them in domestic labs. This move comes in light of China's recent export restrictions on rare earth magnets, causing disruptions in global supply chains.