Ola Cabs Rebrands As Ola Consumer; Introduces Automated Dark Stores & AI Innovations

Ola Cabs has officially rebranded as Ola Consumer highlighting the company's expanding ambitions beyond transportation. Founder Bhavish Aggarwal confirmed the news during the company’s Sankalp 2024 event, where he outlined the firm's plans to broaden its consumer services portfolio.

Aggarwal emphasised that this shift aims to cater to a broader market and enhance consumer experiences across various sectors.

At the Sankalp 2024 event, Ola showcased its automated dark stores - compact retail warehouses designed for rapid deliveries. Aggarwal revealed that these dark stores will feature robotic systems to minimise human involvement and will be accessible to all kiranas and brands within the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) network, not just Ola.

In addition to the dark stores, Ola introduced Krutrim, an AI startup founded by Aggarwal, which has now integrated its AI customer care tool with both Ola Electric and Ola Cabs. Krutrim became India's first AI unicorn earlier this year with a $50 million funding round at a $1 billion valuation.

Ola Electric Mobility, which made its stock market debut last week also released its new 'Roadster' series of e-motorcycles. Aggarwal highlighted the rapid evolution of Ola Electric, noting that the company which was merely a vision three years ago has now become India’s leading EV manufacturer and the fifth largest globally by market capitalisation.

Furthermore, Ola is advancing its battery technology with the development of the 4680 cell, branded as 'BharatCell.' Aggarwal shared that this battery cell will be the first to be developed in India.