Ola Electric’s IPO: A Strong Debut Driven by EV Optimism

Ola Electric Mobility’s shares surged 20% on their trading debut in Mumbai, reflecting strong investor optimism in India’s rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market. The company’s IPO, valued at $734 million, is the largest in India so far in 2024, pushing Ola Electric’s market capitalization to $4.8 billion.

Initially listing flat at its IPO price of 76 rupees, the stock quickly rose to 91.20 rupees, outpacing the broader market, which saw a 1% rise. This positive momentum was attributed to improving market sentiment and investor confidence in the EV sector’s potential growth in India, the world’s largest two-wheeler market.

Ola Electric, which holds a 39% market share in the electric scooter segment, is expanding its product lineup to include electric motorcycles, expected to launch soon. This expansion has fueled investor enthusiasm, particularly among those who missed out on the IPO allocation.

Despite its rapid revenue growth—up 90% year-on-year—Ola Electric is not yet profitable, with losses widening by 8% in the last fiscal year. Founder Bhavish Aggarwal emphasized the company’s focus on achieving profitable growth, particularly through its investment in battery cell manufacturing. Ola Electric aims to start commercial production of its battery cells by early 2025, a move expected to lower costs and enhance profitability.