Bajaj and KTM have been enjoying several fruitful synergies for years now and moving forward, the duo is aiming to widen the scope of its association. Bajaj which owns a 48% equity in the Austrian two wheeler brand is looking to venture into the promising world of electric two wheelers and is currently exploring various segments.
Speaking to Money Control, Bajaj Auto’s executive director Rakesh Sharma stated that the company is working very close with its strategic partner KTM to look at electric solution for a high-end motorcycle. As of now, the Dominar 400 is Bajaj’s high-end motorcycle and the electric product under exploration could either slot alongside or above the current flagship.
It remains to be seen if Bajaj will decide to go ahead with a premium motorcycle project or not. However, KTM will almost certainly have premium electric motorcycles on offer in due course. Meanwhile, Bajaj is also working on an electric scooter which is likely to adopt Urbanite nameplate. The electric Urbanite is expected to be launched sometime next year.
We estimate the premium Bajaj-KTM electric motorcycle to have a top-speed of around 150 kmph and a range of over 200 km. If both the brands decide to have their own versions based on a common powertrain architecture, they will ensure the end results are sufficiently different so that market positioning won’t overlap. Needless to say, the Bajaj version would be more affordable and probably slightly less powerful.
One both brands develop a know-how on electric powertrain for motorcycles, spawning new variants, body styles, and scaling up or down the performance levels will be relatively easier. While majority of two wheeler startups are focusing on electric scooters, a handful of them are working towards creating high-end sportsbikes. Firms like Emflux, Ultraviolette, Tork Motors, etc., are currently working on high-performance electric motorcycles with top speed in the excess of 100 kmph.
The Harley Davidson Livewire is all set to become the first proper premium electric motorcycle to be launched in India. The American machine boasts of a top-speed of 153 kmph and has a claimed range of 234 km. Even if receives a green light, the Bajaj high-end electric motorcycle would take at least two years to be ready for launch.
