An electric vehicle is a significant consumer purchase, and customers reasonably expect timely repairs, proper servicing, and a safe vehicle after it is returned from an authorised service centre. But what happens when an EV remains under repair for more than 60 days, the alleged battery problem is not effectively resolved, and the vehicle is returned with additional damage? A legal notice issued on behalf of a consumer against Ola Electric Mobility Limited raises important concerns relating to deficiency in service, prolonged repair delays, alleged defective battery replacement, damage to a vehicle while in service-centre custody, and consumer rights. Direct Answer When an electric vehicle remains under repair for an unreasonable period, develops the same defect again, or is allegedly returned with additional damage, a consumer may have grounds to seek appropriate remedies under applicable consumer law, depending on the facts and available evidence. In the matter described in the legal notice, the consumer alleges that the vehicle remained at the service centre for more than 60 days, the battery issue was not effectively resolved, an old or repaired battery was allegedly re-installed, and the vehicle was returned with multiple damages. The notice therefore seeks remedies including vehicle replacement, rectification of damages, compensation for alternative transportation expenses, and legal costs. The Problem: Vehicle Breaks Down and Remains Under Repair According to the legal notice, the consumer's Ola Electric two-wheeler stopped switching on in mid-July 2025. A service request was immediately raised, following which the company arranged for the vehicle to be towed on 15 July. The notice states that although authorised service centres were available approximately 1–2 km from the consumer's residence in the JP Nagar/BTM area, the vehicle was allegedly taken to a service centre at Singhsandra, approximately 10–15 km away, without explanation or consent. The consumer was allegedly assured that the vehicle would be repaired at the earliest. Due to the distance of the service centre, the consumer states that he was required to rely heavily on WhatsApp messages, emails, and customer-support tickets for follow-up. More Than 60 Days Without an Effective Repair One of the key allegations concerns the length of time taken to repair the vehicle. According to the notice, the vehicle remained at the service centre from 15 July to 19 September, amounting to more than 60 days. Despite repeated written follow-ups, including communications dated **31 July, 5 August, 21 August, and 9 September, the consumer alleges that no effective repair was completed and only general assurances were provided. The notice further states that no replacement vehicle, alternative mobility support, compensation, or written explanation was provided during this period. For a consumer dependent on a two-wheeler for daily transportation, an extended period without a functional vehicle may result in substantial inconvenience and additional transportation expenses. Alleged Battery Replacement Issue The legal notice further alleges that the service centre acknowledged that the vehicle's battery required replacement. However, according to the consumer's allegations, instead of installing a new battery, an old or repaired battery was re-installed. The notice states that this was expressly admitted by service-centre staff. If a major component is identified as the source of a recurring technical problem, the nature of the repair, replacement, warranty coverage, and service records can become important when determining whether the service provided was adequate. Vehicle Allegedly Returned With Additional Damage The legal notice also raises concerns about the condition of the vehicle when it was returned. The consumer alleges that when he took delivery of the vehicle on 19 September, he noticed several damages and improper fittings that were allegedly not present when the vehicle was handed over. The notice identifies issues including: * Broken headlight panel * Visible gaps around the headlight area * Scratches on the right-side handle * Loose fittings * Improper assembly * Damage to the seat * Alleged replacement of the original seat The consumer states that these issues were immediately brought to the attention of the service-centre staff, but responsibility was allegedly refused, resulting in the vehicle being accepted under protest. Why Documentation Matters Vehicle-service disputes often depend heavily on documentary and electronic evidence. According to the notice, the consumer recorded a detailed video on 20 September showing the damages, defects, and improper fittings. The notice also refers to WhatsApp conversations, emails, photographs, videos, and other correspondence as evidence that may be relied upon in proceedings. Consumers facing similar service issues should consider maintaining: 1. Service request numbers 2. Job cards and repair records 3. Invoices and payment records 4. Emails and WhatsApp communications 5. Photographs of the vehicle before servicing 6. Photographs and videos after delivery 7. Dates of all complaints and follow-ups 8. Records and receipts of reasonable alternative transportation expenses Proper documentation can help establish the timeline of events and the nature of the dispute. The Problem Returned Again The legal notice states that on 18 December 2025 , the vehicle once again stopped switching on. According to the consumer, the recurrence of the same problem indicated that the earlier repair had not effectively resolved the underlying defect. A recurring defect after multiple repair attempts may be relevant when assessing whether the consumer received an effective repair or service. The specific legal consequences, however, depend on the evidence and circumstances of the case. What Consumer Rights May Be Relevant? The legal notice alleges that the acts and omissions involved amounted to: * Deficiency in service * Negligence * Unfair trade practice * Misrepresentation * Breach of statutory and contractual duties The notice further alleges that the consumer suffered inconvenience, financial loss, mental harassment, and loss of mobility as a result of the circumstances described. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, consumers may have remedies where the facts establish an actionable deficiency in service or another consumer-law violation. However, whether a particular claim succeeds depends on the facts, documents, warranty terms, service history, evidence, and applicable law. What Can a Consumer Demand? In this particular legal notice, the consumer has called upon the company to provide several remedies, including: * Replacement of the vehicle with a new defect-free vehicle * Rectification of damages allegedly caused while the vehicle was in the company's custody * Replacement of damaged parts and the original seat * Compensation towards alternative transportation expenses * Payment of legal expenses These are the specific demands made in this legal notice and should not be treated as an automatic entitlement in every EV repair dispute. What Should You Do If Your EV Has a Similar Problem? If your electric vehicle remains under repair for an unusually long period or repeatedly develops the same technical defect, consider the following practical steps. 1. Keep Everything in Writing Do not rely only on telephone conversations. Use email or other written communication wherever possible and preserve the responses received from the company or service centre. 2. Preserve Your Service Documents Keep copies of job cards, service requests, invoices, inspection reports, repair records, and delivery documents. 3. Photograph and Record the Vehicle Before handing over the vehicle and immediately after receiving it, take clear photographs and videos showing its overall condition and any visible damage. 4. Maintain a Repair Timeline Record the date on which the vehicle was submitted, every follow-up, promised repair date, actual delivery date, and any subsequent recurrence of the defect. 5. Document Additional Expenses If the vehicle remains unavailable and you incur reasonable alternative transportation expenses, preserve relevant bills, receipts, and other supporting records. 6. Make a Formal Complaint If repeated customer-support complaints do not resolve the issue, consider making a formal written complaint to the company and service centre. 7. Consider Appropriate Legal Action Where the dispute remains unresolved, a consumer may consider consulting a qualified advocate regarding the possibility of issuing a legal notice or pursuing an appropriate remedy before the competent forum. Conclusion An electric vehicle represents a substantial consumer investment, and consumers reasonably expect effective repairs and proper handling of their vehicles while they remain in service-centre custody. The legal notice discussed in this article highlights allegations involving prolonged repair delays, an allegedly unresolved battery defect, alleged replacement with an old or repaired battery, additional vehicle damage, and repeated failure of the vehicle after service. The matter also demonstrates the importance of maintaining service records, written communications, photographs, videos, and expense records when dealing with a prolonged vehicle-service dispute. If ordinary customer-support channels fail to resolve a dispute, understanding the available consumer-law remedies and obtaining advice from a qualified legal professional can help a consumer determine the appropriate next step. FAQs How long can an electric vehicle remain under repair? There is no universal answer applicable to every situation. Whether a repair delay is unreasonable depends on factors such as the nature of the defect, availability of parts, warranty terms, communications, and the circumstances of the individual case. What can I do if my EV develops the same problem again after repair? Maintain the previous service records and document the recurrence of the defect. You may then raise a formal complaint with the manufacturer/service centre and consider obtaining legal advice regarding available consumer remedies. What if my vehicle is damaged while it is at the service centre? Document the damage immediately through photographs or videos and report it to the service centre in writing. Preserve the job card, delivery documents, photographs, and communications relating to the damage. Can a consumer ask for replacement of the entire vehicle? A consumer may seek vehicle replacement as a remedy where the facts and applicable law support such a claim. Whether replacement is ultimately granted depends on the evidence, nature of the defect, repair history, warranty terms, and decision of the competent forum. Why are WhatsApp messages and emails important in a service dispute? Written communications can help establish the timeline of complaints, representations made by the service provider, follow-ups, and responses. Their evidentiary value depends on the circumstances and applicable law. Legal Disclaimer This article is for general legal information for Indian readers and is not a substitute for legal advice. The facts discussed above are based on the allegations and demands contained in the referenced legal notice and do not constitute a judicial finding against any party. Legal outcomes depend on the facts, documents, warranty terms, evidence, applicable law, forum, limitation periods, and other circumstances of each matter. Readers should consult a qualified advocate before taking legal action.