Electric motorcycles are set to play a much bigger role in India as two of the country’s biggest two-wheeler manufacturers prepare to roll out their very first electric bikes. TVS and Bajaj, both major players in the two-wheeler space, are set to debut dedicated electric motorcycles on the Indian market within the next 9-12 months, meaning the launch window falls squarely in 2027. The move represents a significant milestone for established industry giants, who have largely focussed on electric scooters to date as new entrants and niche players carve out early beachheads in the motorcycle space.
In recent months the electric motorcycle category has seen significant and visible growth, with new entrants bringing a range of urban-centric and performance-focused options to market. The Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6, Oben Rorr Evo and Avore EX are just three examples of the growing number of options available to Indian two-wheeler buyers, who are starting to gain real exposure to the category. While these initial offerings have helped grow awareness and build an early customer base, the segment still has a long way to go in terms of scale compared to the sheer volumes of traditional petrol motorcycles and the burgeoning electric scooter market. The entry of established two-wheeler manufacturers like TVS and Bajaj are set to bring significantly greater scale, improved distribution networks and the engineering credibility of decades of two-wheeler manufacturing expertise to the electric motorcycle category.
TVS has a reputation for premium products and strong engineering credentials in both the scooter and motorcycle spaces. The company’s entry into the electric motorcycle category will no doubt benefit from the learning curve and technological expertise acquired through its scooter division, while its motorcycle offerings will provide a useful foundation for developing an electric motorcycle tailored specifically to the demands of the two-wheeler space. Meanwhile Bajaj’s extensive knowledge of traditional petrol motorcycles and its early experiments with electric two-wheelers will also prove invaluable assets in its foray into electric motorcycles. By going the route of all-new electric motorcycles, rather than simply modifying existing platforms, Bajaj has signalled its intent to commit significant resources to the category.
The timing of the launch represents another crucial element, with the overall shift towards zero-emission transportation taking hold across the Indian two-wheeler market. Rising fuel prices, ongoing improvements in battery technology, the growth in charging infrastructure and supportive government policies have all contributed to a shift in buyer behaviour, with more and more Indian two-wheeler buyers considering electric as a viable alternative to petrol power. While electric scooters have enjoyed greater success to date, motorcycles represent a much bigger slice of the overall two-wheeler market. The arrival of credible electric motorcycle options on the scene has the potential to accelerate the shift towards zero-emission personal transport, particularly amongst buyers who prefer the riding position and overall versatility of a motorcycle over a scooter.
As TVS and Bajaj prepare for their 2027 launch, the company will need to think carefully about the practical implications of their chosen powertrain. Real-world range, charging infrastructure, price, performance and the level of after-sales support on offer will all be critical factors in determining the commercial viability of their respective electric motorcycle offerings. Their strong existing dealer networks and brand reputations could prove to be deciding factors in separating themselves from the competition and winning over curious buyers.
TVS and Bajaj’s entry into the electric motorcycle space will no doubt have a major impact on the competitive landscape, encouraging greater innovation and compelling other manufacturers to enter the fray in order to stay ahead of the curve. With established volume manufacturers now entering the fray, alongside a number of new entrants, Indian two-wheeler buyers can expect to see a much broader choice of electric motorcycles in the years to come. The launches due to take place in 2027, representing the debut offerings from two of India’s biggest two-wheeler manufacturers, will no doubt be a pivotal moment in the evolution of the electric two-wheeler space in India.