Bajaj's Ethanol Bike To Launch Soon: Full Details

Quick Highlights:

• Bajaj’s ethanol-powered bike to be unveiled in September 2024

• Could be launched by March 2025

• Will rival the TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 ethanol bike

In a recent interview, Rajiv Bajaj has confirmed that Bajaj Auto is working on an ethanol-powered bike and a three-wheeler. This comes in the wake of Nitin Gadkari’s (Minister (Road Transport & Highways)) call for more eco-friendly and sustainable fuels, especially ethanol.

The Indian government has been encouraging the auto industry, especially two and three-wheeler manufacturers, to focus on 80-100 percent ethanol-powered vehicles. India has already moved to E20-compatibility for new bikes, and is one of the top 5 ethanol producing countries in the world. Government aims to push these numbers even higher, and make E80-E100 one of the primary vehicle fuels in the country. 

Bajaj’s announcement comes ahead of the India Bio Energy & Tech Expo 2024 that will be held from September 2 to 4, in New Delhi. The trade show aims to promote the use of sustainable fuels. While not confirmed, Bajaj will most likely showcase its E80/100 ethanol-powered bike and rickshaw at this show. Rajiv Bajaj has stated that the Bajaj ethanol bike could be launched by March 2025, but hasn’t divulged any more details. 

Bajaj has a strong presence in Brazil and other Latin American countries, where E80/100 consumption is quite high. It makes financial sense then for Bajaj to invest in development of ethanol-powered bikes which can be sold in such countries. While it might take time for high-ethanol fuel to be democratised in India, it will be an easy transition for the brand when the shift happens. TVS had already showcased the Apache RTR 200 Fi E100, and it too has a strong presence in Latin American markets. However, there are no further details of the Hosur-based brand’s further progress in the said ethanol bike. 

Rajiv Bajaj has also stated that the brand is working on hydrogen-powered vehicles, but hasn’t shared any more details. This also comes in line with the fact that hydrogen-fuel feasibility studies are being conducted in India. However, as of now, hydrogen seems to be a far-fetched reality in our market. 

(All images for representational purposes only)