Ultraviolette’s Tesseract has entered the game, taking on Ola Electric’s S1 Pro in a high-performance showdown
The electric vehicle (EV) landscape in India is witnessing a dynamic shift, with companies striving to capture the burgeoning market. Among the prominent players, Ultraviolette and Ola Electric have emerged as key contenders, each bringing unique strategies and offerings to the table. This article delves into their recent developments, market positions, and the evolving competition between them.
Ola Electric’s Market Leadership and Challenges
Ola Electric has established itself as a significant player in the electric two-wheeler segment. In January 2025, the company recorded 22,656 registrations, achieving a 65% month-on-month growth and securing a 25% market share. This resurgence was bolstered by the expansion of its sales and service network to 4,000 stores across India. The launch of eight new scooter models under the S1 brand, priced between ₹79,999 and ₹1,69,999, further strengthened its market presence.
However, Ola Electric has faced challenges in maintaining its dominance. In February 2025, the company experienced a 26% decline in sales compared to the previous year, selling 25,000 units. Despite this drop, it maintained a 28% market share in the electric two-wheeler segment. The company attributed the temporary decline to renegotiations with vehicle registration agencies aimed at reducing costs and streamlining processes.
Financially, Ola Electric reported a consolidated loss of ₹5.64 billion for the October-December period, up from ₹3.76 billion the previous year. This increase in losses was due to substantial discounts offered to counter rising competition and expenses incurred to enhance service quality. The company also faced regulatory scrutiny, with the Indian heavy industries ministry ordering an audit of its service centers following consumer complaints about delayed and subpar after-sales services.
Ultraviolette’s Strategic Entry with the Tesseract
Ultraviolette, initially recognized for its high-performance electric motorcycle, the F77, has strategically entered the electric scooter market with the launch of the Tesseract. Priced at an introductory ₹1.20 lakh for the first 10,000 customers, the price is set to increase to ₹1.45 lakh thereafter. This move signifies Ultraviolette’s ambition to capture a broader audience in the electric two-wheeler market.
The Tesseract boasts impressive specifications, including a top speed of 125 km/h and a range of 162 km on a single charge. These features position it as a strong competitor to existing models like the Ola S1 Pro, which offers a top speed of 117 km/h and a range of 176 km per charge. Ultraviolette’s entry into the scooter segment is part of its aggressive product expansion plan, targeting the launch of 12 new models over the next three years and aiming for annual sales of 100,000 units within the next three to four years.
Comparative Analysis: Tesseract vs. S1 Pro
When comparing Ultraviolette’s Tesseract and Ola Electric’s S1 Pro, several factors come into play:
Performance: The Tesseract offers a higher top speed (125 km/h) compared to the S1 Pro (117 km/h). However, the S1 Pro provides a slightly longer range per charge (176 km) than the Tesseract (162 km).
Pricing: The introductory price of the Tesseract is ₹1.20 lakh, which is ₹5,001 higher than the base model of the S1 Pro priced at ₹1.14 lakh. This pricing strategy reflects Ultraviolette’s positioning of the Tesseract as a premium offering in the electric scooter market.
Features: Both scooters come equipped with advanced features such as digital displays, multiple riding modes, and connectivity options. The choice between the two may ultimately depend on individual preferences regarding performance, design, and brand perception.
Market Dynamics and Future Outlook
The competition between Ultraviolette and Ola Electric underscores the rapidly evolving nature of India’s electric two-wheeler market. Ola Electric’s extensive sales network and diverse product portfolio have contributed to its significant market share. However, challenges related to service quality, financial losses, and increased competition have impacted its dominance.
Ultraviolette’s entry into the scooter segment with the Tesseract represents a strategic move to diversify its offerings and capture a larger market share. Its focus on high-performance specifications and an aggressive product expansion plan indicate its intent to challenge established players like Ola Electric.
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow in India, factors such as product innovation, pricing strategies, service quality, and regulatory compliance will play crucial roles in determining market leadership. Both Ultraviolette and Ola Electric will need to navigate these aspects effectively to establish and maintain their positions in the competitive EV landscape.
The battle for EV dominance between Ultraviolette and Ola Electric reflects the dynamic and competitive nature of India’s electric two-wheeler market. While Ola Electric has leveraged its extensive network and diverse product range to capture a significant market share, it faces challenges related to service quality and financial performance. On the other hand, Ultraviolette’s strategic entry with the Tesseract and ambitious expansion plans position it as a formidable competitor. The coming years will reveal how these companies adapt to market demands, innovate their products, and address operational challenges to lead the EV revolution in India.
