Ola Electric opens first dealer-led stores across seven states

Ola Electric on Friday said it has opened its first set of dealer-operated stores across seven states, as the electric two-wheeler maker shifts towards a partner-led retail network.

The first batch of network-partner stores has gone live across Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Bihar, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, the company said in a statement.

The Bengaluru-based company had so far followed a fully company-owned retail model since launching its first electric scooter five years ago.

"Ola Electric built its early growth through company-owned stores... That foundation is now set. The establishment of a dealer-led network is a strategic move that takes our product ecosystem deeper across every corner of India," Manoj Murali, Chief Business Officer, Ola Electric, said.

The company said the partner-led distribution model will help it expand its presence in regional markets, improve accessibility and respond faster to customers.

According to Ola Electric Chairman and Managing Director Bhavish Aggarwal, company-owned stores will focus on showcasing the brand and products, while dealers will take the experience to customers across towns and neighbourhoods.

Aggarwal said last month that the company initially relied on its own stores because consumer trust in EVs had to be built gradually, but dealer partners are better positioned to serve local markets at scale.

Ola Electric said its existing company-owned stores will transition into brand product experience centres as it expands the dealer network.

The company currently has more than 10 lakh electric two-wheeler customers and said its S1Z range starts at ₹79,999.

It is targeting a dealership footprint of more than 500 outlets over the next couple of quarters.

Dealers interested in joining the network can apply through Ola Electric's partner portal, the company said.