Ola Electric to refund Rs 130 crore to customers for overcharging on charging accessories/offboard chargers
Ola Electric has announced that it will refund Rs 130 crore to customers who purchased charging accessories/ offboard chargers for their vehicles. This decision comes after an investigation initiated by the FAME found that the accessories were being sold at an additional price, in violation of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme guidelines.
Under the FAME scheme guidelines, integral parts such as chargers and proprietary software are not supposed to be sold as accessories above the price of the vehicle. This is to ensure that vehicle prices remain within a limit and to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. Violations of these guidelines can result in subsidies being withheld from the companies.
Ola Electric faces consequences for violating FAME guidelines on charging accessory prices
Ola Electric sold off-board chargers as accessories for its S1Pro scooter at a price ranging from Rs 9,000 to Rs 19,000, which resulted in an overcharge of Rs 130 crore to customers.
Ola Electric accepted the findings of the investigation and agreed to refund the overcharged amount to customers. The reimbursement applies to billings generated from FY 2019-20 until March 30, 2023.
Ola Electric’s refund: a victory for electric scooter customers
The decision to refund Rs 130 crore to customers who purchased charging accessories for their Ola S1Pro scooter is a significant win for them. Customers who were overcharged will receive their money back, and this move will help to increase the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. It also sets a precedent for other companies who have violated FAME guidelines to follow suit and refund their customers.
A lesson for companies to follow FAME pricing and accessory guidelines
Ola Electric’s decision to refund its customers is a step in the right direction towards encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in India. It also sends a clear message to other companies that violations of FAME guidelines will not be tolerated, and they will be held accountable for their actions. Going forward, it is essential that all companies adhere to the guidelines set by the government to ensure that the transition to electric vehicles is smooth and successful.
In conclusion, the refund of Rs 130 crore by Ola Electric to its customers who purchased charging accessories for their vehicles is a welcome move. It not only benefits customers but also sends a clear message to other companies that FAME guidelines must be followed. This decision will go a long way in encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in the country, and it is hoped that other companies will follow suit.
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