Ola Electric faces allegations of stolen LG tech, strains India–South Korea ties
New Delhi: Ola Electric is facing international scrutiny after a financial analyst alleged that the company misappropriated proprietary battery technology from South Korea’s LG Energy Solution (LGES) to develop its “Bharat Cell.”
According to Kashmir Media Service, the claim suggests that core data and know-how for LG’s next-generation, high-density pouch-type battery cells were transferred to Ola by a former LGES researcher hired in November 2023.
The breach was detected by LGES in early 2025, prompting an investigation by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. The researcher was fired by Ola Electric in October 2025 and referred for prosecution for leaking national core technology. Industry experts warn that the controversy challenges Ola’s claims of domestic innovation under India’s PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) scheme, raising doubts over the credibility of India’s “Atmanirbhar” EV manufacturing push.
Observers say the allegations could have wider diplomatic and industrial implications, straining India–South Korea relations and affecting international trust in India’s electric vehicle sector. Ola, which has previously faced legal disputes over technology use, claims extensive patent filings and investments in its Battery Innovation Center, but the ongoing probe threatens to undermine its homegrown credentials.
