Bajaj is launched the world’s first CNG two-wheeler today. This was a monumental occasion in the global automotive industry, especially in the alternate fuel space. Bajaj recently revealed the official name of the CNG motorcycle – ‘Freedom’. Ahead of its launch, the Chakan-based bikemaker has teased the upcoming CNG bike on its social media handles multiple times.
The CNG bike was unveiled by Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in Pune. Stay tuned to Express Drives.
Bajaj CNG Bike Freedom 125 Launch Highlights: Specifications, Features, Expected Price, and More
Bajaj has initially launched the Freedom 125 in two Indian states: Maharashtra and Gujarat. This strategic rollout allows the company to assess the market response, iron out any technical issues, and establish the necessary CNG refuelling infrastructure in these regions.
Bajaj claims an impressive 67 kmpl on petrol, however, the real game-changer lies in the CNG mode. With a claimed mileage of 102 km/kg, Freedom 125 promises significantly lower running costs compared to its petrol counterparts. This translates to a combined range of 330 km on full tanks.
Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Bajaj Auto highlighted that a major chunk of two-wheeler owners consider fuel efficiency as a key attribute while buying a two-wheeler. According to him the newly launched Bajaj CNG Bike Freedom 125 is targetted for all such consumers.
Bajaj Freedom 125 comes fitted with LED headlamps, digital speedometers, and Bluetooth Connectivity. The CNG tank is compactly packed in a trellis chassis for maximum safety.
On this occasion, Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Bajaj Auto Ltd., said,” The Bajaj Freedom 125 showcases Bajaj Auto Ltd. R&D and manufacturing prowess. Through innovation Bajaj Auto Ltd. has addressed the twin challenge of reducing rising fuel costs and reducing the environmental footprint from travel. The initiative also aligns strongly with the government of India Infrastructure projects if building a CNG network driven by the need to use cleaner fuels and save foreign tourism exchange. Over 75% of 2-wheeler customers rate fuel efficiency as a key attribute. Freedom 125 is aimed at all such customers, and we invite them to ‘Ride the Change.”
Bajaj Freedom CNG motorcycle offers around 50% cost savings by significantly reducing fuel expenses, as compared to similar petrol motorcycles. The CNG tank provides a range of 200+ km on just 2 kg of CNG fuel. Additionally, it has a 2-liter petrol tank which performs as a range extender, offering over 130 km of range in case the CNG tank empties, ensuring an uninterrupted journey.
CNG combustion produces approximately 26.7% less CO2 emissions than petrol, contributing to mitigating climate change. Additionally, CNG vehicles emit 85% lower NMHC’s (non-methane hydrocarbons) and 43% less NOx (nitrogen oxide).
Bajaj Auto shares are up 2% to intra-day high of Rs 9,660 as the company launches first ever CNG and petrol-supported motorcycle ‘Freedom 125’ starting at Rs 95,000. The shares have been seeing steady gains in the past 6 months.
Also Read: Stock Market Live: Markets trade lower!
Bajaj targets a market for exports that includes six countries, including Egypt, Africa and Bangladesh. Bajaj will start delivering the Freedom 125 in a phased manner across the country from the next quarter onwards.
Bajaj is offering the Freedom 125 in three variants: NG04 Drum, NG04 Drum LED, and NG04 Disc LED . The bike gets a common fuel tank cap cover for the CNG and petrol refuelling. Another highlight is reverse LED console with Bluetooth connectivity. There are seven colour options on offer namely Carribean Blue, Pewter Grey/Black, Cyber White, Ebony Black/Grey, Racing Red, Cyber White, Pewter Grey/Yellow, and Ebony Black/Red.
Bajaj will offer the Freedom 125 CNG bike in three variants with prices startung at Rs 95,000 (ex-showroom).
All prices are ex-showroom.
Bajaj Freedom is powered by a 125cc single-cylinder engine which can run on both petrol and CNG. The CNG tank is neatly placed under the seat. The engine is pushes out 9.5 PS and 9.7 Nm of peak torque. Offers 300km range.
Bajaj claims that the Freedom 125 CNG bike gets the longest seat in the segment, with a height of 785mm. Other highlights include a contemporary styling, a robust trellis frame, and a linked monoshock.
During his address to the media, Gadkari claims the running cost of CNG two-wheelers will stand around Re 1 per kilometer. Bajaj Freedom 125 gets a 2 kg tank of CNG. Gadkari further shared that he’s impressed with the design and quality of the bike.
Gadkari in his address to the media says that India became the 3rd largest automobile industry in the world behind the USA and Japan. The auto industry has created 4 crore jobs until now. Two wheelers industry is doing excellent job. Within 5 years India will be the second largest automobile industry in the world.
Bajaj Freedom 125, the World’s first CNG bike, has finally broken covers. Specfications and price yet o be revealed.
Bajaj was the first OEM to launch a CNG-powered three-wheeler when it introduced the Bajaj RE autorickshaw in the market back in 1999, a pioneering moment in the world of automobiles.
Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto , is now addressing the media and sharing updates regarding the launch of the ‘game-changing’ Freedom 125 CNG bike.
Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has arrived at the event. It is a very known fact that Gadkari has been very vocal over the use of alternate fuels in India, in order to decrease dependency on fossil fuel.
You can watch the live streaming of the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG launch here.
Bajaj Freedom 125 will be one of its kind two-wheelers. It will come with a twin-tank setup- one for petrol and the other for CNG. The CNG tank will be held by circular braces attached to the main frame below the petrol tank.
Stay tuned as we bring all the updates from ground zero.
It is being reported that Bajaj will equip the bike with a conventional petrol tank along with a CNG cylinder below it which will be held circular braces attached to the main frame. Reports further indicate that Bajaj will offer two variants of the CNG bike. One could be a slightly rugged trim featuring handlebar guards, block pattern tyres, headlamp grille, handlebar brace, and more. Meanwhile, the other variant would be a more simple, urban-looking bike with a small headlight cowl and a different stance.
Also read: Bajaj’s upcoming CNG motorcycle to be called Freedom
Earlier during the launch of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, Rajiv Bajaj addressed the need of reduction of GST in vehicles running on aternate fuels. Bajaj noted that the government should consider reducing the GST on motorcycles, which stands at 28 percent. The two-wheeler industry has been seeking a reduction in GST to 18 percent.
With prices of petrol hovering around Rs 100 for most parts of the country for a very long time now, and mass adoption of fully electric vehicles still a distant future, CNG or compressed natural gas could be the perfect alternative solution for two-wheelers. And Bajaj will take the first mover’s advantage.
From the teasers shared by Bajaj earlier this week, Bajaj partially reveals the silhouette of the CNG bike. One of the teaser also reveals, the switch between the petrol and CNG mode.
Test mules of the Bajaj CNG bike have been spied on numerous occasions over the past one year. The spy shots revealed a round headlight with a small visor on top. The fuel tank gets extended shrouds to give it a sporty appeal, while the flat, single-piece seat gives it a more commuter-ish feel.
While exact details regarding this engine are still under wraps, the new Bajaj Freedom CNG bike is expected to employ a 125cc engine which can run on both petrol and CNG and the transition between the different fuels will be smooth and seamless.
