Ola Electric Mobility Ltd's payments to Krutrim SI Designs Pvt., an AI company owned by Chairman Bhavish Aggarwal, nearly quadrupled to ₹100 crore in the fiscal year 2026, according to company documents reviewed by livemint.com. This increase occurred even as Ola Electric's overall expenses almost halved to ₹3,245 crore during the same period as the company focused on cost-saving measures.
The surge in payments to Krutrim SI Designs reflects Ola Electric's growing reliance on AI technologies developed by the firm. Bhavish Aggarwal, who chairs both companies, has overseen this strategic shift. The documents indicate that while Ola Electric aggressively cut operating expenses, it simultaneously increased investments in AI capabilities through Krutrim, underscoring the importance of AI in its business operations.
This development highlights a broader trend of electric vehicle manufacturers integrating AI to enhance product offerings and operational efficiency. Ola Electric's move to channel more funds to its AI subsidiary aligns with industry patterns where technology adoption is critical for competitiveness. The nearly fourfold increase in payments contrasts with the company's overall expense reduction, signaling a targeted allocation of resources toward innovation.
Ola Electric's financial disclosures for FY26 show the ₹100 crore payment to Krutrim SI Designs as a key line item amid total expenses of ₹3,245 crore. This figure provides a concrete measure of the company's prioritization of AI investments within its cost structure, as reported by livemint.com.