Jul 18, 2024
By: Ankush Banerjee
Credit: @_bajaj_auto_ltd/via X
The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG and popular electric scooters like the Ola S1 Air and Ather 450X represent the evolving landscape of two-wheelers in India. Here's a detailed comparison focusing on many factors, as per information from Autocar India, DriveSpark, AckoDrive.
Credit: @_bajaj_auto_ltd/via X
- Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG: Priced between Rs. 95,000 and Rs. 1,10,000 depending on the variantO- Ola S1 Air: Around Rs. 1,09,999.- Ather 450X: Approximately Rs. 1,39,000
Credit: @_bajaj_auto_ltd/via X
- Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG: 65 km/l on petrol and 100 km/kg on CNG, giving a combined range of about 330 km.- Ola S1 Air: 151 km on a single charge.- Ather 450X: Approximately 108 km on a single charge.
Credit: @BikeIndia.in/via X
Refuelling time for CNG is about 5 minutes, similar to petrol refuelling. However, CNG refuelling infrastructure is limited and often crowded.
Credit: @carandbike/via X
- Ola S1 Air: 5 hours for 80% charge using a home charger. Public charging stations becoming more prevalent but still not as ubiquitous as petrol/CNG stations.- Ather 450X: Fast charging stations charge battery to 80% in about an hour. Regular home charging takes about 5-6 hours.
Credit: Ather
- Bajaj Freedom: Bluetooth, digital cluster (higher models), regular repairs like petrol bikes.- Ola S1 Air: MoveOS smart features, navigation, cruise control; low repairs due to fewer parts.- Ather 450X: High-tech dashboard, navigation, low maintenance, 8-year battery warranty.
Credit: Ather
Offers smooth handling and easy manoeuvrability in city traffic. The switch between petrol and CNG modes is handy but can be slightly jerky, as per reports.
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- Ola S1 Air: Excellent for city commutes with cruise control and hill-hold assist. Sources note a smooth and quiet ride within the city.- Ather 450X: Known for its brisk acceleration and agile handling, making it ideal for city rides. Also offers navigation and ride statistics
Credit: Ather
Limited CNG stations in many cities, and longer queues in metros can be frustrating. However, the country is seeing massive boosts to CNG infra in the push for a green economy. Bajaj is also actively advocating for dedicated CNG lines for bikes.
Credit: @carandbike/via X
- Ola S1 Air: An increasing number of Ola hyperchargers and other public charging points are available, but not yet as widespread as traditional fuel stations.- Ather 450X: Ather’s proprietary fast-charging network, Ather Grid, is expanding rapidly, especially in urban areas.
Credit: Ather
Choosing between the bikes depends on preference. The Bajaj Freedom 125 is a familiar ride with low fuel costs, longer range but limited CNG infra. Ola S1 Air and Ather 450X also boast low running costs and excel in the city but have limited range and longer charging times.
Credit: Ola