Ola S1 Pro Gen2: Initial impressions highlight substantial upgrades to Ola's flagship model
Delhi : Ola Electric the second-generation S1 Pro at its FutureFactory in Tamil Nadu. Since it was first unveiled in August 2021, the electric scooter has seen significant changes. However, this time, in addition to the multiple over-the-air (OTA) revisions the model has had over the years, the hardware has also undergone improvements.
A redesigned platform, a stronger engine, and a safer battery pack are all included with the Gen2 Ola S1 Pro. According to Ola, these modifications were required as an evolutionary phase in the lifecycle of the product, which was influenced by functionality, price, and overall user experience. Here are our short impressions of the Gen2 Ola S1 Pro after our brief ride on it.
Ola S1 Pro Gen 2: What has changed?
The Ola series, which includes the S1 Air and the brand-new S1X, is now supported by a new platform, which the Gen2 Ola S1 Pro has upgraded to. The rear subframe of the new chassis has been completely overhauled, switching from a tubular frame to a hybrid construction. It uses 70% less components than it did previously, which results in a 14% lower frame weight. As we observed with the S1 Air, the redesigned frame also makes room for a flat floorboard.
Ola has also switched from the Gen1 version's single-sided rear swingarm to a double-sided one. Both sides of the panel coverings have been removed. As a result, the swingarm has visible welds and housing a single shock absorber at the rear, making them appear less finished than they did on the Gen1 S1 Pro.
As opposed to the single-sided front fork design found on the Gen1 version, the Gen2 S1 Pro now incorporates telescoping front forks. This is a significant development for the corporation, which has previously bragged about the durability of its single-sided fork design. Instead, all models in the lineup now come standard with telescopic forks. Ola claims that the new forks are not only affordable but also achieve the same stiffness outcomes that the front monoshock did in the past.
The S1 Pro Gen2 receives slight design updates. Despite having updated internals, the headlamp's design remains the same. The LED taillight is smaller and has been given the "smoked" look. The single-piece unit from the S1 Air that appears to be built to cost takes the place of the split grip rails. The new 5-spoke alloy wheels, which are reportedly lighter and more cost-effective, have taken the place of the multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Additionally, the updated design reduced the under-seat storage volume by two liters, bringing it down to 34 liters. It's still a sizable area with a flat bottom that can hold a variety of items, including two half-face helmets, food bags, and a portable charger. Here, a full-size helmet will still not fit. The Gen2 variant has a ground clearance that is 3 mm lower at 160 mm and is 5 mm taller at 805 mm. The ByBre disc brakes on either end of the bicycle and the horizontally stacked rear single-shock are other components that are unchanged.
A centralized computer system is now employed by the new S1 Pro. As a result, the vehicle's wire harness is shorter, combining all essential functions, and it weighs 8% less and uses 25% less energy. The car should become more dependable across the board as a result. The Gen2 S1 Pro is manufactured for around 25% less money overall.
Ola S1 Pro Gen2: New engine
The motor control unit (MCU) has been integrated into the revised electric motor used in the Gen2 Ola S1 Pro. Overall, the motor is lighter as a result, and it is 30% more powerful than before.
As opposed to a peak of 8.5 kW (11.3 bhp) and continuous power of 5.5 kW (7.3 bhp), peak power is 11 kW (14.7 bhp) and constant output is 5 kW (6.7 bhp). The end result is an increased top speed of 120 kmph, compared to the Gen1 S1 Pro's 115 kmph, and an 0-40 kmph time of just 2.6 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds quicker than the predecessor.
In comparison to its predecessor, the Gen2 battery pack has 33% less parts and a newer Battery Management System (BMS), which improves thermal performance. Although it is still a 4 kWh unit, the wiring and insulation have been improved. With a claimed range of 195 km on a single charge as opposed to 181 km on the Gen1 model, the improvements serve to make it more efficient.
