Due to its low price and low operating costs, a factory-made CNG motorbike might significantly disrupt the market.
Bajaj has made a hint that a CNG-powered bike might be in the works, which could completely disrupt the entry-level motorbike market. Rajiv Bajaj, the managing director of Bajaj Auto Ltd., made the suggestion. Such choices, however, are probably subject to governmental approval. In case that the plan is approved, Bajaj will have a competitive advantage in the market for CNG motorcycles.
Benefits of Bajaj CNG motorbikes
At a time when there has been a significant push toward using cleaner and greener fuels, Rajiv’s suggestion for CNG motorcycles seems timely. In contrast to cars, which have options like CNG, electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell, etc., two-wheelers can only pick between petrol and electricity. CNG is a good choice because it is less expensive than petrol.
CNG emits less pollution than both petrol and petrol blended with ethanol. The latter has corrosion-related problems that may call for the adoption of specialized powertrain components. With CNG-powered motorcycles, these problems and their associated expenditures can be eliminated. According to Rajiv Bajaj, CNG bikes will be less expensive to purchase and have lower operating expenses.
Given that Activa scooters have already been modified with CNG kits, a CNG bike looks feasible. Users are now able to predict superior outcomes in terms of pricing, performance, mileage, durability, and safety if CNG bikes are manufactured directly by an OEM. Bajaj will provide a CNG option for its 100cc-125cc bikes, assuming the project receives the required approvals.
CNG bikes will increase sales
CNG bikes could increase sales in the market of entry-level commuters. Given that more individuals are switching to EVs or bikes with larger capacities, growth in this market appears to have peaked. By the end of June 2023, Bajaj reported selling 20,000 of their Chetak electric scooters. However, that represents only about 2% of the company’s overall sales throughout that time. By the end of current year, Bajaj expects that the EV contribution would rise to about 3–4 percent.
Over 125cc bikes make up almost 70% of the company’s sales in the ICE segment. Bajaj has increased its concentration in this area because of this. The Pulsar 250 twins were launched in 2021 as part of that plan. Additionally, Bajaj upgraded the entire Pulsar line. Bajaj has now suggested that the largest Pulsar to date could be a 400cc motorcycle. There will be six new Pulsar launch this year, according to Rajiv Bajaj.
CNG-powered bikes might significantly change the market. These have the power to draw in a completely new user base. People who may be dependent on public transportation, for instance. CNG bikes might be suitable for business use as well. There shouldn’t be a problem with seeing more of these bikes on the streets because CNG emits significantly less pollution. The motorcycles’ safety may be the only cause for worry. OEMs will need to create robust systems that can adhere to required safety standards.
