Bajaj Auto might well be about to launch CNG motorcycles by next year (2025). CNG powertrains are a great alternative to the ICE engines which operate on coal-burning and expensive petrol and diesel fuels. In India, people are concerned about the rising fuel prices. At the moment, EVs are too expensive to purchase and the lack of charging infrastructure is a huge obstacle to mass adoption. Hence, CNG emerges as a great low-cost alternative. However, it is limited to the big cities alone where the infrastructure is already available. But we don’t have any two-wheelers with CNG engines. That might be about to change soon.
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Bajaj Auto Planning CNG Motorcycles
This post emerges from theindianmotorheads on Instagram. It states that the launch might take place by 2025 and the motorcycles will bear a higher price tag in comparison to the regular petrol bikes. Additionally, the first product to test this theory might well be the CT100 or Platina. It makes sense to experiment on 100-110cc motorcycles. That is the kind of segment where the customers look for mileage and running costs. Also, the entry level motorcycles will be able to absorb the price increase better in comparison to the high-end performance bikes. In fact, we know that CNG cars make less power and torque in comparison to their petrol counterparts. Hence, CNG might not be an option for the performance bikes, to begin with. Apart from that, Bajaj is also planning to experiment with LPG and Ethanol-based powertrains. Note that it already sells the electric Chetak in our market.
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Tax Situation
Bajaj and many other carmakers are constantly requesting the government to reduce the taxes on CNG fuel automobiles. The logic they offer is that they are developing more fuel efficient and environment-friendly vehicles. Hence, a push from the government in support of such powertrains would be appreciated. Note that the government already offers tons of subsidies and incentives to promote mass adoption of EVs. It wants to reduce the crude oil import volumes and create eco-friendly mobility solutions with sustainability in mind. Hence, lower taxes on alternative fuel source-powered vehicles could spur demand for these vehicles.
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Author’s Note
We understand the need to move away from petrol and diesel powertrains. Automobile players all across the globe are announcing ambitious plans to go carbon-neutral by the end of the coming decade. While EVs seem like the only way forward, there are tons of alternate fuel options as well. This includes hybrid, CNG, LPG, ethanol, etc. Hence, it would be interesting to see if these can become the stepping stones for complete electrification.
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