Bajaj Auto, a leader in the two-wheeler industry, is making significant strides in the clean energy segment. The company is set to unveil its first ethanol-powered motorcycle alongside a three-wheeler next month. This development highlights Bajaj’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions and positions the company as a key player in the evolving clean energy landscape.
Ethanol Motorcycle and Three-Wheeler Unveiling
Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, recently confirmed that the company will showcase its ethanol-powered two-wheeler and three-wheeler at an industry event in September. These vehicles are expected to hit the market within this financial year, marking a significant milestone in Bajaj’s clean energy journey.
Expanding Clean Energy Vehicle Portfolio
In addition to the ethanol-powered vehicles, Bajaj is also developing a more affordable CNG motorcycle following the release of the Freedom 125. The upcoming CNG bike, likely a 100-110 cc model, is scheduled for launch in the last quarter of FY2025. This expansion into various clean energy options underscores Bajaj’s strategic focus on diversifying its sustainable vehicle offerings.
Ethanol Vehicles: A Growing Trend
While this will be Bajaj’s first ethanol-powered motorcycle, other manufacturers have already made strides in this area. TVS Motor Company previously introduced the Apache RTR 200, running on 100% ethanol (E100), and Honda showcased the CB300F with Flex Tech at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2024. The availability of ethanol fuel remains a concern, but ongoing upgrades to fuel pumps for E20 compliance are expected to address these challenges.
Sales Projections and Market Impact
Rajiv Bajaj also revealed ambitious sales targets, aiming to achieve 100,000 units in monthly sales of clean energy vehicles during the festive season. This includes not only the new ethanol models but also the Chetak electric scooter and the Freedom 125 CNG bike. The company is actively working on expanding its clean energy portfolio, with plans to introduce more variants of the Chetak electric scooter at different price points.
Conclusion: Pioneering Sustainable Mobility
Bajaj Auto’s upcoming ethanol-powered vehicles represent a significant step forward in the company’s clean energy initiatives. As Bajaj continues to innovate and expand its portfolio, it is poised to play a leading role in the transition to sustainable mobility in India. With the unveiling of these new models, Bajaj is not only enhancing its product lineup but also contributing to a greener future for the automotive industry.
