Bajaj Launches World’s First CNG Motorcycle: A Game-Changer in Commuter Segment

Bajaj Auto, one of India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has made history by officially launching the world’s first CNG motorcycle, the Bajaj Freedom. The grand launch event took place in Pune with the presence of the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, who hailed it as a game-changer in the industry.

Bajaj’s Freedom 125 is designed to revolutionize the commuter segment with its attractive look and sporty design. The bike’s initial price has been set at INR 95,000 (ex-showroom) and offers a unique feature of running on both petrol and CNG.

In terms of design, the Bajaj Freedom 125 incorporates a minimal yet strong design language. It features full LED headlight and taillight, along with halogen indicators. The instrument cluster includes a monochrome LCD display that supports Bluetooth connectivity. To facilitate refueling, the fuel tank has a common flap that allows refilling of both petrol and CNG.

Bajaj has strategically placed the CNG cylinder beneath the bike’s seat, cleverly concealing it. The bike boasts a segment-leading seat length of 785mm, covering the front fuel tank to a significant extent. The robust trellis frame not only lightens the bike but also reinforces its strength, passing 11 different tests for complete safety.

The Bajaj Freedom is powered by a 125cc petrol engine generating 9.5PS of power and 9.7Nm of torque. It comes with a 2-liter petrol fuel tank and a 2 kg capacity CNG tank. The bike offers a driving range of up to 330 km on a full tank (petrol + CNG). In terms of mileage, it delivers 102 km per kg of CNG and 67 km per liter of petrol.

The bike can seamlessly switch between petrol and CNG modes through a switch on the handlebar, allowing riders to toggle between the two fuel options with ease. The 16 kg CNG cylinder adds a weight of 18 kg post refilling. With a total weight of 147 kg, the Bajaj Freedom provides significant fuel-saving benefits compared to traditional petrol models.

Bajaj has introduced three variants of the Freedom – Drum, Drum LED, and Disk LED – priced between INR 95,000 to INR 1,10,000 (ex-showroom). The bike is available in seven color options, including Caribbean Blue, Eboni Black-Grey, Pewter Grey-Black, Racing Red, Cyber White, Pewter Grey-Yellow, and Eboni Black-Red.

The running cost of the Bajaj Freedom is significantly lower than any petrol model, offering approximately a 50% reduction in operating costs during daily use. As a result, bike owners can save up to INR 75,000 over the next five years, solidifying its economic and environmental benefits.