In a recent interview, Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto, revealed that the automaker is gearing up to introduce Tesla-like premium electric vehicles in the two wheeler segment which could be ready as early as next year (2019). Interestingly, he also stated that the electric two wheeler in question could either be a motorcycle or a scooter in the high-end luxury segment.
However, consistent with his previous statements on several occasions, Bajaj confirmed that the company will not come up with a petrol-powered scooter any more. When asked if a prototype of the company’s first electric two wheeler is ready, the managing director declined to comment but confirmed that Bajaj Auto will be participating in the EV segment by 2020.
Even though the electric two wheeler segment is still at its nascent stage in India with most of the offerings positioned in the entry level segment, the potential for mass electrification in the two wheeler space is immense in the coming years. Rajiv Bajaj expects the premium end of electric two wheelers to be an important part of the company in long term.
The only premium electric two wheeler offerings that are already in the market are the Ather 340 and 450 scooters. Both Ather products come loaded with technology and a comprehensive list of premium features that are not normally seen in conventional petrol-powered counterparts.
Be it a motorcycle or a scooter, we expect Bajaj’s maiden electric two wheeler to feature upmarket styling, performance credentials worthy of premium pricing, and a plethora of advanced features. With the Indian government pushing for electric vehicles, Bajaj is not the only two wheeler manufacturer to prepare for an imminent launch of an all-electric model.
Starting from 2020, the electric vehicle race in the Indian two wheeler sector is going to get interesting as well as intense. Expect a lot of electric scooters and motorcycles to be launched in India in the future.
