The world’s first CNG motorcycle, the Freedom 125, has created ripples in the two-wheeler industry and Bajaj Auto promises to introduce more CNG models. The company has confirmed that based on the Freedom 125’s platform, the Indian two-wheeler company is working on dual-fuel motorcycles. At the Q1 investors call, Bajaj Auto executive director Rakesh Sharma said that the Freedom 125’s adaptable platform allows the company to offer various CNG tank capacities to meet consumer demands.
Bajaj Freedom 125 platform offers multiple options
The Freedom 125 is based on a trellis frame, which is a first in the 125 cc segment, and because of this platform, it offers solid rigidity, especially for bi-fuel tanks of CNG and petrol. As we have seen with what Bajaj has done with the Pulsar series, the Freedom’s frame will be used as a blueprint to introduce new CNG models with different engine specifications.
With Bajaj Auto already offering a vast variety of motorcycles starting from 110 cc, one shouldn’t be surprised if the company is already working on an entry-level CNG motorcycle. Sharma explained that Bajaj can quickly offer new CNG products based on demand as the company doesn’t have to start from scratch.
In an interview, Sharma explained that India is a price-sensitive market which includes many Bajaj customers. Hence, a CNG-powered motorcycle gives them two advantages — one is to cut down petrol bills and leave a greener footprint behind. To provide some context regarding fuel cost savings, the price of CNG is Rs 75.09 per kg, compared to petrol which costs Rs 94.72 per litre in Delhi, amounting to a difference of approximately Rs 20, or to be precise, Rs 19.63.
Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG receives 6000 bookings
Ever since Bajaj Auto opened the bookings for the Freedom 125 CNG on July 18, according to Bloomberg, it has received around 6,000 bookings and counting. The Freedom 125 is presently available in select regions of the country, such as Maharashtra and Gujarat, where CNG stations are prevalent, and is expected to be available soon in Delhi and Kerala. Currently, Bajaj has the capacity to produce 10,000 units of the Freedom 125 and intends to increase this to 40,000 units. During the earnings call, Sharma disclosed that Bajaj is considering exporting the Freedom 125 to nations including Egypt, Tanzania, Argentina, Bangladesh, and Venezuela.