Traditional ICE motorcycles have been perfected over the last century, and in today’s world, riding a motorcycle is simple — a full tank of petrol and good to go. When you run out, pop into a petrol bunk, wait in line for a few minutes, fill and go. The process takes 15 minutes.
However, with the push towards cleaner emissions, electric motorcycles have gained popularity, but, haven’t been able to meet the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts owing to their range and the time it takes to recharge batteries. EVs are good commuters but still have their cons when it comes to long recharging hours.
Enter CNG motorcycles
One balance with existing technology is CNG power, which Bajaj managed to crack long ago with the tree-wheelers, and now, with the Freedom 125. CNG motorcycles use the traditional ICE engine and work on the same principle as petrol-powered motorcycles, burning an air-fuel mixture. However, it does need a separate tank to carry CNG, which Bajaj has also managed to find a solution.
Now, when it comes to refuelling, CNG motorcycles have found the solution to refuelling, as refilling a CNG tank is as quick as filling petrol — but there is a catch. CNG stations are usually packed, with lines often snaking well outside the bunk and onto the main road. And the second, not all CNG bunks are open throughout the day.
So is this the end of the line for CNG motorcycles?
This beckons the question, can waiting for fuel be one of the downsides for CNG motorcycles? In the long term, no. Currently, CNG bunks are limited and since CNG vehicles are slowly gaining popularity, the infrastructure will pick up pace. And when that happens, refuelling will be a breeze. Until then, refuelling CNG motorcycles at stations might command a small wait, but larger vehicles in the queue will let a motorcycle pass them to fill first.