Premium Bajaj-KTM Electric Bike In The Works

As per an online report, the two brands are looking at a full range of electric two-wheelers

• At present, KTM has only one production electric bike, the Freeride E-XC.
• Expect Bajaj-KTM to unveil the concept model in a year or two.
• Apart from the Bajaj-KTM electric bike, Bajaj will also be launching the Urbanite electric scooter soon.

According to an online report, Bajaj and KTM are working on a range of electric two-wheelers, including high-end ones. In an interview, Rakesh Sharma, the Executive Director of Bajaj Auto commented that they are entering the two-wheeler segment at this stage and that they are not ready to reveal whether it’s an electric scooter or a motorcycle, but are open to the full spectrum of two-wheelers. Sharma also said that Bajaj and KTM are looking at an electric solution for high-end motorcycles as well. 

However, it is still unknown as to what kind of equivalent petrol displacement range would the upcoming electric motorcycle cater to. At present, KTM has only one electric motorcycle on sale, the Freeride E-XC, which is a motocross bike. KTM has dabbled in the electric scooter segment as well. The brand unveiled the E-Speed electric scooter concept back in 2013. However, it did not materialise into production form. Then in 2017, an electric motorcycle based on the old-gen 390 Duke was spotted testing in Europe. This too hasn’t made it to production so far. 

Also Read: Bajaj To Ink Partnership With Triumph By End-2019

That being said, it does makes sense for Bajaj and KTM to develop an electric bike based on the 390 Duke platform as the audience in the segment is much bigger than for the middle-weight and superbike territories. Bajaj already makes the 390 Duke in its plant in Chakan, so part sharing (especially the underpinnings) would be economically viable as well. Moreover, an electric bike in this segment will also have the potential to go international too, as it could be an electric equivalent to A2-licenced bikes in Europe, which would be ideal for inexperienced riders. 

It’s an ideal time for both the brands to go electric as, in the recent past, the government has been strongly pushing the EV segment with new initiatives and economic measures. Expect Bajaj-KTM to reveal the concept model in about a year or two. In parallel, Bajaj is also working on the Urbanite electric project which is independent of this initiative. The first product under this project will be an electric scooter and is likely to be launched soon. It has been spied a number of times and here’s everything we know about the scooter so far.

Source: Moneycontrol