When Green Turns Grey: Ola Electric and the Sustainability Mirage of EVs - Unmasking the paradox of clean mobility and its hidden toll

Author(s)	Mr. Abhishek Gowda M, Dr. Shaista Banu Harris
Country	India
Abstract	This case study explores the rise of Ola Electric Mobility Pvt. Ltd. as a leading force in India’s electric vehicle (EV) transition. With major investments like a 20 GWh lithium-ion cell Gigafactory under the PLI scheme, Ola reflects the national push to reduce oil dependence and advance sustainable mobility. While EVs offer lower lifecycle emissions and new economic opportunities, the case highlights tensions related to battery materials, manufacturing impacts, safety issues, and end-of-life management. By examining Ola’s growth, this study evaluates whether India’s EV movement represents truly sustainable progress or a reconfigured model of resource-intensive industrialisation.
Keywords	Ola Electric, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Sustainable Mobility, Lithium-ion Batteries, PLI Scheme, Gigafactory, Environmental Impact, Battery Lifecycle, Green Technology, India’s EV Transition, Resource Extraction, EV Manufacturing, Sustainability Challenges.
Field	Business Administration
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-01-07
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.63146
Short DOI	https://doi.org/hbh55k

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research