Bajaj's launch of its first electric vehicle, the Chetak electric scooter, in Delhi on Wednesday is more than just a case of a new vehicle in the market. It can be construed as a signal of the auto industry's readiness to comply with the hotly-contested government push for electric vehicles.
Without any timelines, of course.
This launch announcement makes Bajaj Auto the first among the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) makers to veer into making electric vehicles (EV). Ironic, considering the diffident stance the auto industry took against the NITI Aayog's proposal to set a timeline for phasing out two and three wheelers over the next few years.
Bajaj Auto managing director Rajiv Bajaj, along with industry leaders like TVS's Venu Srinivasan, was at the forefront of the protest against the push for EV vehicles. The industry's own blueprint for electric vehicles set a deadline of 2047, centennial of Indian Independence, as the deadline to get rid of ICE vehicles. NITI Aayog pooh-poohed it by setting a deadline of 2023 (four years from now) for three-wheelers, and 2025 (six years from now) for two-wheelers, making the industry see red.
READ MORE: Bajaj Auto relaunches Chetak scooter in electric avatar
Troubled also over declining auto sales due to the economic slowdown, the industry had gone to town protesting the “unrealistic' deadline. After intense backroom lobbying through the late summer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to publicly placate the smarting industry by clarifying that there will no deadlines for ICE engines, with rest of the government machinery, Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari included, having to do a not-so graceful about-turn, parroting how the conversion to electric mobility will happen organically, and how no deadlines were needed.
As a sign of rapprochement, two key players from the government in the push for EV—NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, who had proposed the timelines, as well as Gadkari—were present at the event. Their camaraderie was consciously in full display. While Bajaj mentioned how Gadkari had talked about putting a 'knife to the auto manufacturers neck' with the proposal to impose a ban on two-wheelers by 2025, Gadkari shot back in his inaugural address: “In swimming, unless someone throws you in the deep end, you are never going to learn!”
“There is no need for timeline. Because electric is a solution to pollution, and once it becomes economical, naturally people will queue up to buy it,” Gadkari reiterated.
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Bajaj Chetak electric scooter will go on sale from January, and will be available in six colours. The bike has a 4-kilowatt motor and an IP67-rated lithium ion battery with NCA cells that gives 95km on a single charge. Full charging takes five hours and can be done on a regular household plug point.
The scooter has a sleek all-metallic body with LED headlights and blinkers, digital console, as well as full connectivity for data, user authentication and security. The Chetak mobile app gives the rider a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the vehicle and its ride history. The intelligent braking system converts braking heat into energy, which helps maximise its range.
Though the scooter's price is yet to be announced, market estimates are that it will be below Rs 1.5 lakh.
