Known for their affordability and lower running costs, CNG vehicles still account for around 12% of the total passenger vehicles sold in India. While a CNG-compatible powertrain is primarily available in four-wheelers, Bajaj Auto has broken the stereotype by launching the world’s first CNG-powered motorbike. You didn’t make a mistake; the Freedom 125 is the first-of-its-kind bike that runs on CNG in addition to petrol.
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Freedom 125 Powertrain Details
Similar to how CNG-compatible four-wheelers function, the Bajaj Freedom 125 can switch between petrol and CNG. The motorbike runs on a 125cc engine that can generate 9.5 horsepower and 9.7 Nm of pulling power (or torque). Further, there’s a 2kg CNG tank and a 2-litre petrol tank, which might sound odd, but there’s more to it.
Freedom 125 Fuel Capacity And Running Cost
Bajaj Auto claims that Freedom 125 can run 102 kilometers per kilogram of CNG, which brings the total fuel range to 205 kilometers. Further, the bike can run up to 65 kilometers per liter on petrol, which adds another 130 kilometers. In totality, the Bajaj Freedom 125 can go around 330 kilometers when completely refueled.
For instance, if one kilogram of CNG costs around Rs. 75, the running cost of the Freedom 125 is Rs. 1.36 per kilometer, which sets new affordability benchmarks. The calculation can vary based on the local price of CNG and an individual’s driving style, but even so, the Freedom 125 will position itself as a low-cost commuting solution for millions of people in the country.
Regarding emissions, the motorbike emits around 43% less nitrogen oxide and 26% less carbon dioxide than petrol-based alternatives. Besides, the Freedom 125 is based on a trellis frame, gets telescopic forks in the front, and has mono-shock suspension in the back. Besides the basic specifications, the CNG-powered motorbike comes in three variants.
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Freedom 125 Variants And Price
The entry-level NG04 Drum costs Rs. 95,000 (ex-showroom), while the NG04 Drum LED (with LED headlamps) costs Rs. 1,05,000. The top-tier NG04 Disc LED model costs Rs. 1,10,000 (with disc brakes). All the prices are ex-showroom, implying that buyers would have to pay the registration charges, along with insurance and other mandatory fees.
While the base model is available in two colors, the other two models are available in five colors. The two-wheeler has passed 11 safety tests, including a “truck rollover test” that showcased how the CNG tank could survive being run over by a truck.
Bajaj Auto has opened the bookings for customers in Gujarat and Maharashtra. However, the two-wheeler will be available in other regions early next year. When fuel prices are constantly rising, and not everyone can afford to ride a petrol motorbike, the Freedom 125 offers an excellent alternative, provided it does well in real-life scenarios, including surviving the diverse weather in India.
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