The Indian government aims to increase CNG stations to 17,500 by 2030, but delays in network ramp-up could impact faster adoption. Industry experts believe that CNG infrastructure penetration is a critical challenge for users shifting to CNG two-wheelers. However, Rohan Kanwar Gupta from ICRA believes that the existing CNG infrastructure will be enough to cater to demand. Affordable pricing is also a key factor, and Bajaj’s Freedom 125, priced from ₹90,000, could be a competitor to e-motorcycles and ICE counterparts.
Electric motorcycles have struggled to take off due to lack of differentiation in driving experience compared to scooters. However, Ola Electric’s entry into the market could change this. HeroMotoCorp, TVS Motor, and Royal Enfield are also working on electric motorcycles. Bajaj hopes that its strategy of differentiation will pay off.
Electric two-wheelers have yet to achieve profitability despite getting PLI benefits and demand subsidies. TVS Motor is looking to invest in CNG-powered two-wheelers, while Anjali Rattan from Revolt believes that large automakers will ignore the electric motorcycle market to protect their ICE investments. Electrification of motorcycles is crucial to achieve the government’s 80% EV penetration target for two-wheelers.