A consumer court recently directed Ola Electric to refund ₹1.63 lakh to a customer who experienced issues with their electric scooter. The ruling came after the scooter owner raised concerns over multiple technical malfunctions soon after purchase, which significantly impaired the scooter’s performance and reliability. The court found that Ola Electric had not addressed the customer’s grievances adequately, prompting the refund order.
Background:
The case highlights the rising number of complaints regarding performance issues in electric vehicles, as early adopters face challenges with emerging technologies. In this instance, the scooter owner reported recurring malfunctions soon after acquisition, which included battery performance issues and system errors, undermining the vehicle’s usability.
Court’s Rationale:
The consumer court concluded that Ola Electric had failed to deliver on its promised quality, constituting a deficiency in service. Since the technical issues persisted despite multiple repair attempts, the court decided that a full refund was justified to compensate the consumer.
Existing Measures:
Consumer courts provide a platform for buyers to seek redressal against product or service deficiencies. In recent years, as EV adoption increases, similar complaints have surfaced, emphasizing the need for strong after-sales support from manufacturers.
Conclusion:
The court’s decision serves as a reminder for electric vehicle manufacturers about the importance of reliability and customer support, especially as more consumers transition to EVs. It also reinforces consumer protection mechanisms, encouraging buyers to seek justice if a product does not meet expected standards.