Bajaj Auto Accelerates EV Plans in India with New Motorcycles
Stat-Callout: Bajaj Auto aims for 30% EV contribution to total sales by FY27, investing ₹750 crore in Maharashtra plant expansion (Q1 FY26 investor report).
India's two-wheeler giant Bajaj Auto is doubling down on its electric vehicle (EV) strategy with plans to launch new electric motorcycles and expand its Chetak scooter lineup. This move comes as Indian consumers increasingly adopt EVs, with FY26 EV two-wheeler sales crossing 1.2 million units (SEBI filings).
Bajaj's Electric Roadmap for Indian Market
The Pune-based automaker will introduce 2 new electric motorcycles by Diwali 2026, positioned between ₹1.2-1.8 lakh ex-showroom. Sources confirm these will compete with TVS iQube and Ola S1 Pro in performance segments.
"Bajaj's ICE expertise gives them an edge in handling and reliability - critical for Indian road conditions," says Ravi Mehta, Auto Analyst at HDFC Securities.
Chetak EV Expansion Details
Bajaj will launch 3 new Chetak variants:
| Model | Range (ARAI) | Top Speed | Expected Price (₹) | Launch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chetak Premium | 140 km | 80 kmph | 1,45,000 | Aug 2026 |
| Chetak Urban | 110 km | 70 kmph | 1,15,000 | Oct 2026 |
| Chetak Lite | 90 km | 65 kmph | 89,999 | Festive Season 2026 |
Why This Matters for Indian Buyers
- Charging Infrastructure: Bajaj partners with Reliance Jio-BP for 500+ charging points across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru by FY27-end
- Finance Options: HDFC Bank & Bajaj Finance offering 7.5% interest rates for EV loans (lower than 9% for ICE vehicles)
- Running Costs: ₹0.45/km vs ₹2.1/km for petrol scooters (RTO Delhi data)
The Bigger Picture: India's EV Boom
With GST reduced to 5% on EVs and state subsidies up to ₹30,000 (Maharashtra, Gujarat), analysts predict EVs will comprise 15% of total two-wheeler sales by Q4 FY27. Bajaj's move follows Tata Motors' successful EV push in passenger vehicles.
Pro Tip: Always compare on-road prices including RTO (varies by state), insurance (1-5% of ex-showroom), and any local EV subsidies before purchasing.
Ready to explore electric options? Compare all EV models on AutoVerse with real-world range tests and financing calculators!