Bajaj Auto has announced that it is currently exploring the hydrogen-powered vehicle space under its subsidiary, Chetak Technologies Limited (CTL). While the project is still in its early days, Bajaj could potentially become the first Indian brand to bring a vehicle with a hydrogen engine to the market.
Bajaj Auto Will Use Chetak Brand to Explore Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles
With CTL exploring the potential hydrogen-powered vehicles, it’s also expanding the company’s ability to deliver a technologically diverse range of products in the market. As of now, no Indian automobile manufacturer is known to be working on a hydrogen-powered two-wheeler, however, the Big 4 Japanese have beaten Bajaj in the race by collaborating together to develop hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Apart from that, Bajaj will also be launching a more affordable mass-market electric scooter under the Chetak brand in May.
Bajaj has never backed off when it comes to exploring power sources other than petrol and electric in its 2-wheeler portfolio with the biggest example being their upcoming CNG bike. This is a very commendable feat since not only the brand is the first to do that but it is also altering from the traditional strategies that other companies are following when it comes to selling their vehicles.
Bajaj has appointed Abraham Joseph as the managing director of Chetak Technology Ltd. Joseph was earlier the CTO of Bajaj Auto Limited where he played a key role in leading the development of iconic vehicle lineup like the Pulsar and also overseeing the creation of other popular models such as the Platina, Avenger, CT and Dominar.
The CTO role left behind by Abraham will be taken over by Ramtilak Ananthan who was promoted to Vice-president of R&D in 2013. There he was in the leading role in the transition of all Bajaj Auto products to the BS4 emission norms. Later in 2019, he also took over the role of head (Test & validation), overseeing the advancement of all Bajaj Auto models to the Euro 5/BS6 and OBD2A norms.
