Quick Highlights:Bajaj Auto confirms development of a new in-house electric motorcycle platform targeting multiple segments.The move follows Bajaj’s 58.5% MoM growth in electric scooters in October 2025, led by Chetak.Executive Director Rakesh Sharma says it’s riskier to miss opportunities than to invest early.Bajaj aims to be future-ready as the electric motorcycle market begins to take shape.Bajaj Auto Gears Up for Electric Motorcycle Revolution with New In-House PlatformBajaj Auto, India’s two-wheeler giant and the country's largest exporter of motorcycles, is taking its next big leap in electric mobility. After consolidating its leadership in the electric scooter market with the resurgent Chetak, the company is now focusing on a new segment — electric motorcycles . Backed by a vigorous in-house R&D program, Bajaj’s upcoming electric motorcycle platform will serve as the foundation for a range of products spanning from everyday commuters to high-performance machines.This move marks a pivotal expansion in Bajaj’s electric vehicle (EV) roadmap, signaling that the next phase of India’s EV story will be fought not just in the scooter space, but in the motorcycle arena as well.Building on Proven StrengthsIn October 2025, Bajaj Auto registered a massive 58.5% month-on-month growth in electric scooter sales, led by the success of the Chetak. The milestone has strengthened Bajaj’s confidence in its EV direction. However, rather than resting on its achievements, the company is accelerating towards the next frontier — electric motorcycles.The new electric platform is being developed entirely in-house , leveraging Bajaj’s decades of expertise in both internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles and electric scooters. The company’s rich engineering legacy, supported by successful brands such as Pulsar, Boxer, and CT , combined with insights from its electric arm Chetak Technology Ltd (CTL) , will serve as the foundation for this ambitious expansion.According to Rakesh Sharma , Executive Director at Bajaj Auto, this initiative is driven by a proactive philosophy: “It’s a greater loss to not work on an opportunity than to not get the expected returns from an investment.” His statement encapsulates Bajaj’s approach — not waiting for the market to mature, but preparing ahead of time for the inevitable inflection point.A Vigorous R&D PushBajaj’s electric motorcycle project is being developed as part of a “vigorous R&D push” , an initiative that aims to ensure the company remains future-ready in the evolving EV landscape. The goal is to create a versatile and scalable platform that can support multiple models across different market segments.From entry-level commuter bikes aimed at urban mobility to premium performance machines targeting enthusiasts, Bajaj’s new electric motorcycle platform will have the flexibility to adapt to diverse use cases, both in India and international markets.Sharma emphasized during the company’s Q2 FY26 earnings call that Bajaj’s R&D team is working on multiple use cases simultaneously. He explained, “There are use cases both in the entry-level and high-end sporting space in India and globally. These are very difficult to predict, but we are in this game.”Strategic Readiness Over SpeedWhile the electric motorcycle market in India remains nascent — contributing less than 1% of total EV two-wheeler sales — Bajaj’s strategy is not to wait for certainty. Instead, the company is focused on strategic readiness . Sharma underlined that being prepared for the future is far more important than chasing short-term gains.“We are very clear that we must have options which serve these use cases,” Sharma noted. “Nobody can say with certainty that it will be a bullseye or not. But I think there is a greater loss from missing out on an opportunity than investing in something that doesn’t realise.”This readiness-first approach positions Bajaj uniquely in a space where most established OEMs are still testing waters. The company is investing now so that when the electric motorcycle segment matures , it already has products ready for scale.Market Context: A Segment Poised for GrowthCurrently, India’s electric two-wheeler market is dominated by scooters. Models like the Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, and Ola S1 have taken the lead, while electric motorcycles remain a small fraction of total EV sales. However, the landscape is beginning to shift.The electric motorcycle segment includes players such as Revolt RV400 , Ola Roadster , Oben Rorr , and Ultraviolette F77 and X47 . While these startups have pioneered early adoption, legacy brands like Bajaj, Hero MotoCorp , and Royal Enfield are now preparing to enter the space with greater brand trust, reliability, and scale.Royal Enfield, for instance, recently unveiled its second electric prototype at the EICMA 2025 show in Milan. Hero MotoCorp, too, is actively developing its own line of electric motorcycles. As these established players enter, industry analysts expect consumer confidence and adoption to rise, mirroring the trend seen in electric scooters.Export Potential: Tapping Global DemandBeyond India, Bajaj Auto’s new electric motorcycles could find strong traction in export markets. As the largest two-wheeler exporter from India with a presence in over 70 countries , Bajaj already has a global distribution and service network that can support the rollout of electric products.Markets in Europe, Latin America, and Africa are increasingly receptive to electric mobility, driven by regulatory pushes for cleaner transport and consumer interest in affordable EVs. Bajaj’s flexible platform strategy could allow it to cater to these regions effectively, adapting models to different market needs and regulations.Industry Collaboration and Competitive EdgeBajaj’s longstanding partnerships with KTM and Triumph also give it a unique advantage. These collaborations have already led to the co-development of successful ICE motorcycles, and the shared technological know-how could be leveraged for the upcoming electric platform as well.Analysts believe Bajaj’s scale, supply chain depth, and platform flexibility could enable faster and more efficient EV development compared to newer players. Moreover, its proven manufacturing and distribution infrastructure can help bring electric motorcycles to market with the reliability and cost-effectiveness consumers expect.Not Just a Pivot — An EvolutionFor Bajaj, this move is not a departure from its core business but a natural evolution of its mobility strategy. The electric motorcycle project complements its broader EV roadmap, which includes expanding the Chetak portfolio , introducing electric three-wheelers , and developing small-format electrics for exports .As the EV ecosystem matures, Bajaj’s decision to invest early in electric motorcycles positions it to lead the next wave of growth. Sharma’s closing remark captures this vision succinctly: “We have a vigorous R&D effort going on for the development of electric motorcycles. It’s about being prepared for what’s next, not just reacting to what’s now.”ConclusionBajaj Auto’s in-house electric motorcycle platform marks a strategic evolution in the company’s journey toward sustainable mobility. With its proven expertise, robust R&D infrastructure, and readiness-first philosophy, Bajaj is setting the stage for the next major transition in India’s two-wheeler industry.As the competition heats up and the market expands beyond scooters, Bajaj’s early groundwork could prove decisive — ensuring that when electric motorcycles finally take off, it will already be leading from the front.