Two separate incidents of fires at Ola Electric showrooms within a month have raised serious questions about the safety of the company’s electric scooters and their service operations.
Kalaburagi Incident
On September 10, 2024, a disgruntled customer, identified as Mohammad Nadeem, intentionally set fire to an Ola Electric showroom in Kalaburagi. The incident occurred after Nadeem experienced ongoing issues with his newly purchased electric scooter. Frustrated with the company’s customer service, he decided to take drastic measures.
Karnataka: A customer set an Ola showroom in Kalaburagi on fire after facing issues with the ongoing service of his new bike.
Following a verbal argument with the showroom owner yesterday evening, he set the showroom on fire. A case has been registered at Kalaburagi Chowk… pic.twitter.com/AItGyakP4f
— IANS (@ians_india) September 11, 2024
The fire resulted in the destruction of six electric scooters and caused damages estimated at ₹8.5 lakh (approximately $10,200). Thankfully, no one was injured as the showroom was closed at the time. Nadeem has been arrested and is facing charges for arson.
Indore Incident
Just two weeks earlier, on August 29, 2024, a massive fire broke out at an Ola Electric showroom in Indore. The fire, which started in the showroom housed in a 6-story commercial building, forced the evacuation of nearly 2,500 people, including students attending coaching classes.
Fire in Ola Showroom at Geeta Bhawan, Indore… pic.twitter.com/SQwI64yTwZ
— Sanyam Jain (@modivanibharat) August 29, 2024
While no casualties were reported, the fire caused significant damage to the showroom and several electric scooters. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest it may have been due to a short circuit or battery explosion.
Safety Concerns and Customer Dissatisfaction
These incidents highlight the growing concerns about the safety of electric vehicles and the need for stringent quality control measures. The repeated fires at Ola Electric showrooms also point to potential issues with the company’s customer service and after-sales support.
As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to rise, it is crucial for manufacturers to prioritize safety and customer satisfaction. The incidents in Kalaburagi and Indore serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting these essential factors.
A Video Thread of Frustrated Ola Electric Users
#OLA की बारात के बाद पेश है ओला पर हथौड़ा प्रहार..@Olacabs @OlaElectric लेते समय ग्राहक भगवान और ऐसे समय में.?
वीडियो कहां का है कब है नहीं पता मगर #OLA_CUSTOMER का frustration लेबल देखिए, खरीदते समय जो एक-दो लाख रुपए अपने हाथ से खर्च करता है उसे खुद हथौड़े से तोड़ रहा है! pic.twitter.com/lVWkGuRFSz— Dr. Awadhesh Mishra (@AwadheshMishra_) September 7, 2024
Worst service
After having ola care plus they charge
And they deny home services too
In Bidar we experience Worst service and customer experience too @OlaElectric should focus on service too not only on sales hope they understand it fast 💨 @bhash @akhandelwal pic.twitter.com/aQKTriVI12— Ola scooter owners club (@OlaScooter) September 8, 2024
@OlaElectric @OlaScooter @OlaElectrick This is the condition of my scooter. I have complained around 30 times in 2 months but no one cares. pic.twitter.com/Eyre9UAHnz
— smruti ranjan 🇮🇳 (@Smruti_Indian) September 9, 2024
These are scenes from Nanded, where around 90-100 Ola electric scooters are not working! Many customers bought these scooters hoping to reduce carbon emissions. However, the service center and agents are not cooperating to correct the faults. Who should be held accountable for… pic.twitter.com/kh1tJ6OPfC
— Dr.Sanjay MD (@DrSanjay277) September 9, 2024
LAST CHANCE @OlaElectric! My scooter’s dead, displaying “NOT DRIVER” & refusing to turn on! Zero assistance from your team despite my efforts. I’m left with no choice but to take my case to the Consumer Court & expose your inadequate service! #ConsumerRights #OlaElectric pic.twitter.com/SbuWyV4gps
— Mahaveer Katighar (@__Mahaveer__) September 10, 2024
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