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Ola Cabs Ditch Google Maps: Rs 100 Crore Saved Annually
Ola Cabs has replaced Google Maps with its own Ola Maps, a move expected to save the company ₹100 crore annually. This change follows the company's recent departure from Azure. Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO of Ola Cabs, shared this update on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the cost savings and urging users to update their Ola app.
In October 2021, Ola acquired GeoSpoc, a Pune-based geospatial services company. This acquisition led to the development of Ola Maps, which now supports the company's primary ride-hailing application. The new navigation system will also be integrated into Ola's electric scooters through a software update in January.
Ola Maps Features and Future Plans
Aggarwal mentioned that several new features would be added to Ola Maps in the coming months. These include street view, neural radiance fields, indoor images, 3D maps, and drone maps. These enhancements aim to provide a comprehensive mapping solution for users.
Ola Electric is also focusing on developing solid-state battery technology for its electric scooters and upcoming motorcycles. The company is in the early stages of research and aims to incorporate this technology into its vehicles soon.
Battery Production at Gigafactory
The company is constructing a Gigafactory in Pochampally, Tamil Nadu, where it plans to manufacture battery cells for its electric vehicles. These battery packs will not only be used in Ola's products but will also be sold to other EV manufacturers.
Aggarwal's post on X stated: "After Azure's exit last month, we've fully exited Google Maps. We used to spend ₹100 crore a year but we've made that zero this month by moving completely to our in-house Ola maps! Check your Ola app and update if needed." He also mentioned that the Ola Maps API is available on Krutrim cloud.
This strategic shift underscores Ola's commitment to developing indigenous technologies and reducing dependency on external services. The integration of advanced mapping features and solid-state batteries highlights the company's focus on innovation and sustainability.
The transition from Google Maps to Ola Maps marks a significant step for the company. It not only reduces operational costs but also enhances control over its technological infrastructure. As these new features roll out, users can expect an improved navigation experience tailored specifically for Ola's services.
By investing in localised solutions like solid-state batteries and advanced mapping technologies, Ola aims to strengthen its position in the competitive EV market. The company's efforts reflect a broader trend towards self-reliance and technological advancement within India's automotive industry.
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