Bajaj Auto on Friday launched the world’s first CNG motorcycle ‘Freedom’ as the world's most valuable two-wheeler manufacturer looks to offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petrol motorcycles.
The Freedom motorcycle will come in three variants with the entry one priced at ₹95,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). The top variant, which comes with Disc brakes, is priced at ₹1,10,000.
The automaker will initially begin deliveries in Maharashtra and Gujarat. It plans to enter other states by the end of the next quarter.
The CNG motorcycle launch comes 25 years after Pune-headquartered Bajaj introduced India's first CNG three-wheeler Bajaj RE.
Bajaj claims its CNG motorcycle Freedom offers around 50% cost savings by significantly reducing fuel expenses, as compared to similar petrol motorcycles. The CNG tank provides a range of over 200 kilometres on 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 around 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),” the automaker says.
“The challenge posed in creating a CNG motorcycle is the packaging, given the compact nature of motorcycles compared to cars. The Bajaj Freedom CNG Motorcycle has an integrated CNG tank and kit housed securely in a trellis frame, with proven safety through rigorous testing,” it says.
Bajaj, which launched India’s first sports motorcycle, the Pulsar, 25 years ago, is now exporting the motorcycle to over 50 countries and is a market leader in 20 countries. In its 75-year history, Bajaj has been democratizing motorcycle technology, making advanced features accessible to everyone, and this commitment continues with the launch of Freedom.
“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,” says Rakesh Sharma, executive director of Bajaj Auto.
“About 335 cities in India are covered with varying degrees of CNG network in India. These 335 towns are about 70% of our market in two-wheelers,” says Sharma.
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