Bajaj Embarks on New Electric Motorcycle Journey with Homegrown Platform

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

As India’s two-wheeler market accelerates toward electrification, Bajaj Auto has revealed plans for a fully in-house electric motorcycle platform, a move Executive Director Rakesh Sharma describes as part of a “vigorous R&D push.” The upcoming range will span from entry-level commuters to high-performance motorcycles, underscoring Bajaj’s strategic shift to solidify its position in the evolving EV landscape.

A Next Phase in Electric Mobility

The electric motorcycle programme represents a natural extension of Bajaj’s expertise in internal combustion engineering and the success of its Chetak Technology Ltd (CTL) subsidiary. The new platform will be developed entirely in-house, leveraging insights from Bajaj’s ICE portfolio and the revived Chetak electric scooter business.

Sharma emphasized that the initiative is about readiness across diverse demand scenarios rather than chasing short-term market predictions. “There are some use cases, both in the entry-level and high-end sporting space, in India and globally,” he noted during the company’s Q2 FY26 earnings call. “Nobody can say with certainty that it will be a bullseye or not. But there is a greater loss from missing out on an opportunity than investing in something that doesn’t realise.”

Rising Competition in a Nascent Market

The timing of Bajaj’s announcement comes as the electric two-wheeler segment heats up. Rivals such as Royal Enfield have showcased electric prototypes at global events like EICMA 2025, while startups including Ultraviolette, Revolt, and Oben are rapidly gaining traction. Despite growing interest, electric motorcycles still make up less than one percent of India’s total EV two-wheeler sales, largely due to high battery costs and limited range options.

Strengthening the Broader EV Roadmap

This new platform aligns with Bajaj Auto’s broader electric strategy, which encompasses expanding the Chetak lineup, developing new electric three-wheelers, and creating export-ready small-format EVs. For Bajaj, the shift is not a departure but an evolution — a forward-looking move to ensure the company’s presence in every segment of future mobility.

According to Next Move Strategy Consulting

Bajaj Auto’s entry into electric motorcycles signals an important inflection point for India’s two-wheeler industry. By investing in an end-to-end in-house platform, the company reinforces its long-term competitiveness and adaptability. Analysts at Next Move Strategy Consulting note that such vertically integrated initiatives are set to accelerate technology localization, reduce supply-chain dependencies, and position Indian OEMs more strongly in global electric mobility markets.

Source: Autocar India

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting