A report from last month claimed that Bajaj Auto will introduce its first electric two-wheeler in another 18 months. However, according to the company's Executive Director, Rakesh Sharma, this EV is arriving earlier. Speaking to The Economic Times, Sharma stated that the company plans to bring its first electric vehicle in the current fiscal (April 2019-March 2020).
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Sharma confirmed that the company is developing prototypes and the company will soon make an announcement about the upcoming product. Sharma said:
We are developing prototypes across the bay, however what will come out first is a question we will be addressing shortly. But it should happen this year.
The report from The Economic Times also added that Bajaj and KTM would develop a common 48-volt electric two-wheeler platform that will underpin products with a power output in the range of 3 to 10 kW. The products based on the common platform will be produced in India. The production will reportedly commence in Pune by 2022. Do note that KTM already produces electric-powered two-wheelers for select international markets. Bajaj’s official told the website:
We are quite keen on electric. It is an important development for the future and to prepare and learn from this development as it unfolds.
Bajaj plans to be ready if the government mandates the sale of only electric two- and three-wheelers. The company is expected to bring back its iconic brand names like Chetak, Legend and Stride for products that will arrive under the Urbanite brand.
Bajaj Auto has already started the testing of its upcoming electric scooter, the test mules of which were spotted in Pune recently. The electric two-wheeler will pack retro styling that will be accompanied by modern features. The headlight, as seen on the test mules, has a pentagon-shape with curved lines. Advanced features will most likely include LED headlight and tail lamp, digital instrument console, backlit switchgear and under-seat USB charger.
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The braking department, similar to most of the electric two-wheelers in the Indian market, will most likely feature a disc brake at the front and a drum unit at the back, while the combi-braking system will handle the safety net. Shock absorption duties will most likely be shared with the petrol-powered scooters. Leaked patent images of the internal combustion motor powered Urbanite product had revealed a single-sided suspension with anti-dive at the front and a single-sided spring at the rear.
[Source: auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com]
NOTE: Images for representation only
