Bajaj Auto, a multinational automotive manufacturing company based in Pune, India, has just unveiled their newly revised two-wheeler with a revolutionary engine. The Indian powerhouse has designed an ethanol-powered engine for their two-wheel and three-wheel mobile systems. The release comes with the automobile industry turning to alternative fuel sources.
Bajaj recognizes that electric isn’t the only alternative solution
As the world goes green, alternative energy two- and three-wheelers are becoming increasingly more common on the road. Currently, alternative fuel sources in engines are dominated by electric power systems. Harley and BMW have released electric two-wheelers as well as many other companies showcasing an electric portfolio outside of four-wheel cars.
Bajaj is highlighting however that alternative energy does not necessarily have to be synonymous with electric. The ethanol-powered engine is the first for Bajaj, however ethanol-fueled motors are not new to the road. TVS Motor Company and Honda have previously released their own ethanol-power technology. With Bajaj joining the likes of these companies with their own ethanol-powered motor, it is a positive move towards growing alternative fuel systems in the automobile industry.
No clear indication of specific details yet
Bajaj has yet to confirm if the engine will serve as an upgrade to existing models or if it will be part of a larger all-new product line. The engine has been set to debut before the end of September 2024. Recently, Bajaj released the first compressed natural gas motorcycle to take to the roads. The production model of the ethanol-engine is set to be launched before the end of 2024.
Most likely, the engine will be an update to existing models. Some say that the Pulsar model is the best candidate for the new engine. This model is not only a popular choice on the road already but it would also mean that Bajaj can save on production costs by updating a model instead of having to develop, design, and produce a new model from scratch.
Ethanol is a significant addition to green-energy options
Ethanol fuel-powered engines offer an alternative energy source which is both relatively affordable to produce and does not produce as much pollution as gasoline. Ethanol is made from plant material. Gasoline for automobiles is currently made up of 10% ethanol to help with the oxygenate process within the internal combustion engines. It also reduces the amount of air pollution produced by gasoline.
In the United States, the majority of ethanol is produced from corn starch biomass. However, it contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, meaning much more of it is needed to power an engine to the same extent gasoline would. Ethanol is a fuel source to seriously consider when thinking of how to turn away from fossil fuels. It not only provides jobs for farmers, but technology already exists within the automobile energy for how to work with ethanol.
In other parts of the world, alternative fuel sources are also gaining interest. Japan continues to dominate in its hydrogen production more than any other country. Between 2011 and 2020, Japan accounted for almost a quarter of the world’s hydrogen-patented technologies. They are currently aiming to increase hydrogen usage by 12 million tons before 2024. Additionally, the Japanese government has committed to invest $98.8 billion into hydrogen technology over the next 15 years.
With Bajaj’s new two- and three-wheelers, the road is slowing growing in seeing alternative fuel-source additions on the road. While electrical vehicles continue to dominate, countries like India and Japan are thinking beyond electric and producing alternative solutions to fossil fuels to increase consumer choice. A green future is essential for the survival of our planet and industry is spear-heading the process.
