After Bajaj Auto launched the world's first CNG motorcycle, the Freedom 125, its closest rival TVS Motor Company now plans to be the first ground-up CNG scooter manufacturer worldwide.

TVS Jupiter CNG launch, engine details

TVS Motor Company has been working on various alternate fuel technologies over the years, and media sources claim, "It has already developed a CNG option. So, the company will now use that powertrain in its Jupiter scooter."

Media sources say that work has commenced on the project internally called U740, which is a 125cc CNG scooter. Media sources speculate, "it may be launched as early as the last quarter of 2024, but no later than the first half of 2025."

TVS Motor Company's spokesperson told media sources: "All the technology options (CNG, EV, multi-fuels and more) are very exciting, and we are interested. But as outlined in the previous investor call, our plan this year is to launch another electric vehicle, an ICE vehicle, and an E3W vehicle. We are working towards that. We have already launched several variants of the TVS iQube in 2024. At the core of any choice that we make on the technology is whether it will make TVS owners happy and proud."

The company is known for its robust R&D setup and effort to develop innovative solutions for the market. The company has the most diverse product portfolio in the country, ranging from mopeds to scooters to motorcycles. It also makes electric bikes for BMW and big bikes under the Norton Motorcycle brand.

TVS Motor is the third-largest two-wheeler maker in the country. It is also India's second-largest scooter manufacturer, accounting for one in four scooters sold nationwide.

Bajaj Freedom 125 comes with a 2-litre petrol tank and a 2-kilogram CNG cylinder. The company claims the bike has an efficiency figure of 102km/kg for CNG and 65km/litre for petrol, so combined, it can run for roughly 330km.

It is priced between Rs. 95,000 and Rs. 110,000 (US$ 1,200 and 1,300), it competes in the same range as other 125cc commuter motorcycles.

The Jupiter 125 is currently priced between Rs. 80,000 and Rs. 90,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi), and the Jupiter CNG is expected to be priced in the same range as the Freedom 125 upon launch.