Bajaj Auto plans to open a new factory in Chakan in 2023 to manufacture premium motorcycles and electric vehicles. This factory could roll out the Husqvarna electric scooter and a KTM electric scooter built on the same platform as the Chetak.
“It’s no secret we have said that the Chetak platform will be used to build Husqvarna scooters, it will be used to build KTM scooters,” Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto, told BloombergQuint in an interview last month. The product roadmap of Pierer Mobility released in February confirmed that the first Husqvarna electric scooter, based on Chetak’s platform, will be produced in India. The launch is now expected in 2022.
In April 2020, MoneyControl reported that Bajaj Auto and Pierer Mobility will work together to introduce new electric models that will include electric scooters, electric bicycles, and electric mopeds.
Pierer Mobility (earlier known as KTM Industries) is working on a multi-product project to develop a wide range of electric vehicles with a power range between 3 kW and 10 kW. MoneyControl reported that commercial production of these electric two-wheelers is expected to begin in 2022 at Bajaj’s Pune plant. KTM had showcased the E-Speed electric scooter concept at the Tokyo Motor Show 2013 but did not put it into production.
On battery swapping
KTM electric scooter and motorcycle models planned for European markets in the next few years are likely to feature a battery-swapping function, which should make their usage convenient. Until the time when batteries get compact and efficient, battery swapping and fast-charging support could remain among the top expected features of electric scooter buyers.
KTM has signed a letter of intent with Honda, Yamaha, and Piaggio to establish a swappable batteries consortium for motorcycles and light EVs. Customers of these brands would benefit from a common, widespread network of battery swapping outlets.
When addressing the shareholders, Stefen Pierer, Chairman of the executive board, Pierer Mobility Group, has said that the various products in the electric scooter segment will be developed as part of the Powered Two-Wheeler project in the 48V low voltage range and will be produced from 2022. The company has already confirmed a 4 kW electric motor for the Husqvarna electric scooter and is developing the electric motorcycle Husqvarna e-Pilen with the modular battery system. The two models could be available in European showrooms in the second half of 2022.
Austria’s Varta Innovation is likely to assist in the development of the battery pack of the KTM electric scooter and the Husqvarna electric scooter in the coming years. Pierer Mobility has recently entered a collaboration with the Graz-based company for battery development. Additionally, KTM E-Technologies GmbH will provide in-house E-mobility expertise including the development of proprietary electric drive systems & battery platforms, the company said in its 2021 investor presentation.
Video courtesy: Roadrider Japan Youtube channel
Featured Image: KTM
