Ola Electric Becomes First to Get Nod for Rare-Earth-Free Motor

Ola Electric has become the first electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer of two-wheeler vehicles in India to receive government certification for the rare-earth-free ferrite motor developed in-house, a significant advancement for India’s electric vehicle ecosystem.

This certification represents India’s commitment to halting its reliance on imported rare-earth materials and solidifying its EV supply chain.

The certification came from the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) in Tamil Nadu after various performance and power tests were completed under AIS 041—in accordance with the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Also Read: What the Rare Earth Crisis Means for the EV and Electronics Industry

According to Ola Electric, the newly certified ferrite motor achieves performance parity with conventional rare-earth permanent magnet motors in both 7 kW and 11 kW versions, in addition to providing comparable overall efficiency, durability, and power, while reducing manufacturing costs and insulating the organization from global supply shocks.

The company revealed the motor in August 2025 at its 'Sankalp 2025' event, and now with the certification, Ola Electric intends to outfit the ferrite motor throughout the entirety of its product offerings, while also improving specifications related to performance, affordability, and sustainability.

This milestone not only underscores Ola Electric’s innovation capabilities but also signals a broader industry shift toward locally developed, sustainable EV technologies that can power India’s clean mobility future.