In a bold stride toward electrifying India’s two-wheeler market, Bajaj Auto has confirmed the development of an all-new electric motorcycle platform, signaling a pivotal shift in its clean mobility ambitions. Described by Executive Director Rakesh Sharma as part of a “vigorous R&D push,” this homegrown initiative is being designed and engineered entirely in-house, targeting everything from budget-friendly commuters to adrenaline-fueled high-performance models.
The announcement underscores Bajaj’s determination to dominate the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) space, leveraging its decades of internal combustion engine (ICE) prowess and hard-won insights from its electric scooter revival. As competition heats up— with Royal Enfield unveiling its second electric prototype at EICMA 2025 in Milan, and agile startups like Ultraviolette, Revolt, and Oben carving out niches—Bajaj is positioning itself not just to participate, but to lead the charge.
A Strategic R&D Surge Across Segments
Speaking during Bajaj Auto’s Q2 FY26 earnings call, Sharma elaborated on the company’s expansive R&D efforts, which span a diverse array of electric motorcycle applications. “There are some use cases, both in the entry-level and high-end sporting space, in India and globally,” he noted. “But these are very difficult to predict. Still, we are in this game.
“Sharma emphasized a pragmatic approach to uncertainty, highlighting the risks of inaction in a fast-evolving market. “Nobody can say with certainty that it will be a bullseye or not,” he said. “But I think there is a greater loss from missing out on an opportunity than investing in something that doesn’t realise.” This philosophy drives Bajaj’s commitment to readiness across potential demand scenarios, ensuring the platform’s versatility caters to urban commuters seeking affordable daily rides as well as enthusiasts craving global-standard performance.
At its core, the project draws heavily from Bajaj’s engineering heritage. The company’s ICE motorcycle lineup—renowned for reliability and innovation—provides a foundational blueprint, while learnings from Chetak Technology Ltd (CTL), its subsidiary, infuse EV-specific expertise. CTL’s triumph in resurrecting the iconic Chetak scooter brand recently propelled it back to the top of India’s Vahan retail charts, offering invaluable lessons in battery integration, thermal management, and user-centric design.
Navigating a Nascent Market Amid Fierce Rivalry
Yet, the electric motorcycle segment remains a tough terrain. Industry estimates peg e-motorcycles at less than 1% of total EV two-wheeler sales in India, hampered by steep battery costs, suboptimal range, and a glaring gap in mid-tier performance options that balance price and power. For context, while electric scooters like the Chetak have surged ahead—thanks to maturing infrastructure and subsidies—the motorcycle market lags, with consumers wary of trade-offs in speed and distance.
Bajaj’s entry arrives at a inflection point. Royal Enfield’s EICMA reveal of its latest electric prototype hints at heritage brands gearing up for disruption, blending classic styling with zero-emission tech. Meanwhile, nimble players like Ultraviolette (with its high-speed F77) and Revolt (pioneering swappable batteries) are gaining traction among early adopters, forcing incumbents like Bajaj to innovate swiftly.
Broader EV Ambitions: Beyond Two Wheels
This motorcycle platform is no isolated gamble; it’s a cornerstone of Bajaj’s holistic EV roadmap. The company is simultaneously expanding the Chetak lineup with refreshed variants, rolling out new three-wheeler EVs for last-mile logistics, and eyeing export markets with compact electric formats. Together, these moves fortify Bajaj’s foothold across the clean mobility ecosystem, from urban India to international shores.
For Bajaj, the electric motorcycle push isn’t a dramatic pivot but a natural evolution—a calculated wager on a category poised for liftoff. As Sharma’s words suggest, the real peril lies in standing still. With its in-house agility and battle-tested engineering, Bajaj is primed to accelerate when the market finally shifts into high gear, potentially redefining two-wheeler electrification for years to come.
