INDIA. Pune – Bajaj Auto, a frontrunner in the Indian auto sector, has introduced the world’s first CNG-fuelled motorcycle – the Freedom 125 – to lead a paradigm shift in the reality of two-wheelers by providing an economical and green alternative to traditional petrol-engine motorcycles. During the launch of the motorcycle in Pune, Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj of Bajaj Auto urged that vehicles using clean fuels should be given reconsideration as a result of conditions that necessitate the need to reduce GST rates.
Starting at Rs 95,000 (ex-showroom), the Freedom 125 is available in three models and has a dual-fuel system that can run on both petrol and CNG. With almost a 50% decrease in gasoline costs when compared to comparable petrol-powered motorcycles, Bajaj Auto believes that the motorcycle delivers significant cost savings. Using just 2 kilogrammes of CNG fuel, the amazing 200-kilometer range of the CNG tank is enhanced by a 2-liter petrol tank, which allows for an additional 130 kilometres of range in the event that the CNG tank runs out of gasoline.
During the event, Rajiv Bajaj drew attention to the GST rebates that are applicable to electric vehicles in a bid to push for more such benefits for vehicles that run on sustainable fuels. He said that the well-being of electric vehicles had been boosted through these price reductions.
He further expressed apprehension over subsidies propelling electric vehicles to critical mass. “it is the paradox of encouraging one type of sustainable vehicle through the subsidy on one hand,” said Mr Bajaj, “while also finding a way to support a number of evolving technologies and standards expected to provide to balanced benefits without having to rely on unsustainable subsidies.”
CEO Rajiv Bajaj commented that the Indian government should also consider reducing the GST rates on vehicles that use clean fuels, following in line with the tax rebate it provided for electric vehicles: “We need to ensure freedom from ongoing, unsustainable subsidies and provide a more consistent approach to support cleaner and more sustainable technologies.”
Bajaj Auto Ltd’s Executive Director Rakesh Sharma on the same lines said, “Bajaj strives to offer products with innovative eco-friendly technologies. We are consistent with the support for cleaner alternative fuels, similar to what was intended for expanding the CNG network.”
Bajaj Auto Ltd’s R&D and manufacturing prowess mirrored by ” The Bajaj Freedom 125 displays the company,” and as Mr. Rakesh Sharma said. Then we add the most crucial factor of all, the situation of “fuel” in this segment. “After all, it’s all about innovation; we must constantly strive to cut down our fuel costs and let travellers reduce their environmental impact.”
The introduction of the Freedom CNG motorcycle can be seen as a significant step for Bajaj Auto towards sustainable mobility in India as well. The company will keep responding to the “green” (hydrogen) waves in a potentially legitimate opportunity and reasonably aim to become the world’s largest provider according to its current strategy. The company will continue to benefit from the increasing consumer preference for environmentally friendly modes of transport. It will promote the adoption of environmentally friendly clean fuel technology through a more favorable price environment.