Jul.5 , 2024
Today seems to be the day of launches. Our one of the very popular OTT shows Mirzapur S3 has been launched.
However, the bigger news is, Bajaj Auto launched the world’s first CNG motorcycle-Freedom 125.
Bajaj Auto launched world’s first CNG motorcycle in its plant in Pune. This was launched by none other than Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble minister of Road Transport.
The Indian motorcycle industry currently is dominated by petrol driven vehicles and of late, there are a few companies offering electric motorcycles.
The Freedom 125 is set to change this landscape. It could pan out to be the most apt alternative solution to a cleaner and environmental friendly option.
Let’s dive straight into the offerings:
The Freedom 125, comes with a 125cc engine. This is designed for a seamless transition between petrol and CNG fuel options. With steep prices of fuel in India, this option to switch between CNG and petrol, is a blessing for the Indian motorcycle buyers.
What models have been launched?
The Freedom 125 has been launched in three variants:, with following prices (ex-showroom)
1. NG04 Disc LED – INR 1,10,000
2. NG04 Drum LED – INR 1,05,000
3. NG04 Drum- INR 95,000
How does the dual fuel work?
The Freedom 125 motorcycle has a petrol tank with a capacity of 2L, implying this to be reserve fuel. Bajaj Auto claims the mileage of Freedom 125 to be ~200 km/ kg of CNG, and when combined with petrol the overall range could be ~330 km. This could become a game changer in the motorcycle industry.
What is Freedom 125’s power and performance?
The 125cc engine is said to give 9.4 bhp @ 9.7 NM torque , with a top speed of ~90 km/hr while running on CNG and ~95 km/hr, when on petrol. The switch from one fuel to the other is quite easy. There is a toggle switch on the left handle bar.
How safe is the Freedom 125?
During the launch today, Bajaj Auto said that the Freedom 125 has undergone 11 safety tests, including a ‘truck roll-over’ test. In the truck roll-over test, even after the motorcycle is crushed under the truck tires, the CNG tank was not damaged and the pressure inside the tank also remained unchanged.
When will the Freedom 125 become available?
Starting today, bookings are open at dealerships in Maharashtra and Gujarat. It will be introduced in a phased manner across the country. Bajaj Auto also plans to export Freedom 125 to Bangladesh, Columbia, Egypt, Indonesia, Peru and Tanzania.
Bajaj Auto is not new to experimenting with design and alternative fuel options. They have explored and achieved considerable success in the CNG 3-wheeler market and hope to replicate the same success in the motorcycle segment.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto addressing the customers said, “ We are with you throughout the life cycle of this product. Through all the use case of this product. Through all the allied considerations of this product.”
