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KTM & Bajaj developing low-powered electric scooters in India

Written by Nizam Shaikh

The Pierer Mobility Group also formerly known as KTM Industries Group which includes KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas motorcycle brands started developing low powered (48V) electric scooters in collaboration with its strategic partner Bajaj Auto in Financial Year 2019-20. The brand already has the Husqvarna E-Bicycles and R Raymon as part of their electric portfolio and is planning to expand the same with Bajaj, to become a major player in the international market. The brand has not yet revealed the timeline on the production or sale of the low powered two-wheeled electric vehicles and if they will be sold in the Indian market.

The brand plans to manufacture the electric two-wheelers at Bajaj-KTM manufacturing facilities in India and export the low powered electric scooter to the international market. The two-wheeled vehicles will be developed in strategic cooperation with Bajaj auto and will be in the 3 to 10 kW range. Bajaj has already launched the Bajaj Chetak Electric scooter in the Indian market and through the joint-venture, the brand could export the electric scooter in the international market and are likely to be sold from KTM dealerships in Europe. 

The Bajaj Chetak Electric scooter comes with 3kWh dust and waterproof IP67 rated battery pack and claims to have a riding range of more than 95 km on a full charge. The Bajaj Chetak Electric takes 5 hours to completely replenish its battery pack while it takes 3 hours and 30 minutes for the scooter to attain an 80% State of Charge. In only 1 hour the Chetak claims to deliver 25 km of range. 

The Bajaj Chetak Electric is priced starting at INR 1 lakh ex-showroom (Pune and Bangalore) with the premium model priced at INR 1.15 lakh ex-showroom (Pune and Bangalore). If the electric-powered two-wheeler is heavily localised the EV will receive the Government of India’s FAME II subsidy. Production on the low powered two-wheelers is likely to begin in 2022 at Bajaj’s Pune production facility where the brand produces the entry-level Husqvarna motorcycles. 

Source: PIERER Mobility Group