KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Revolt RV1 starts at 84,999, and the Bajaj Freedom 125 starts at Rs 95,000.
- The standard version of RV1 has a range of 100 km.
- The RV1 is available in four colors, while the Freedom comes in six different colors.
Revolt RV1 and Bajaj Freedom 125 are two game changers poised to disrupt the Indian two-wheeler segment. With enticing prices, jaw-dropping mileage, athletic looks, and a distinguishable factor not found in other bikes, they stand out. Yes, they are two completely different products, but can an electric motor with a good range truly beat the most fuel-efficient CNG option? Additionally, how do they compare in terms of features, given that they compete in the commuter segment? Thats what I will explore in this piece. In the meantime, make sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.
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Revolt RV1 vs Bajaj Freedom 125 Price Comparison
The Revolt RV1 is currently the second most affordable electric bike after the Ola Roadster X, which starts at Rs 74,999. The RV1, on the other hand, starts at Rs 84,990, while the second variant, RV1 Plus, is priced at Rs 99,990. Our second bike, the Bajaj Freedom 125, starts at Rs 95,000. This highlights a stark difference in the base prices of both rivals, where it is visible that Freedom is Rs 10,000 expensive than RV1.
Speaking further about the Freedom, it comes in three variants. The second variant, featuring LED highlights, is priced at Rs 1,05,000, while the top variant, which includes disc brakes, costs Rs 1,10,000.
Revolt RV1
RV1 - Rs 84,990
RV1 Plus - 99,990
Bajaj Freedom 125
Drum - Rs 95,000
Drum LED - Rs 1,05,000
Disc LED - Rs 1,10,000
Revolt RV1 vs Bajaj Freedom 125: Powertrain Comparison
The Revolt RV1 is equipped with a 2.2 kWh battery pack, providing a range of 100 km on a full charge. The second variant, the RV1 Plus, comes with a 3.24 kWh battery pack, extending the motorcycle's range to 160 km. According to the official website, the RV1 has a top speed of 70 km/h and takes 2.15 hours to charge from 0 to 80 percent.
Comparing it with the Bajaj Freedom is like taking a 180-degree turn. The Freedom is powered by a 125 cc engine and also features a 2-liter CNG tank fitted beneath the seat, protected by a trellis frame.
The powertrain of the Freedom 125 produces 9.5 PS and 9.7 Nm of torque, and is paired with a 5-speed transmission. Additionally, it features a 2-liter fuel tank and a 2-liter CNG tank, and can be started using either fuel option. Riders can also switch between the two power sources using a dedicated switch.
The Bajaj Freedom 125 shines in terms of fuel efficiency. In CNG mode alone, the bike offers a range of 200 km, and in petrol mode, it delivers 130 km. So, in total, the Bajaj Freedom 125 provides 330 km of drivability.
Revolt RV1 vs Bajaj Freedom 125: Total Cost of Ownership
Now, we come to the most interesting part, where I am going to figure out the actual cost of owning these vehicles over a year by checking how much these bikes cost per km, and whether the EV has an edge over CNG. Let's dig in!
So, I have taken the average rates of electricity, petrol, and CNG for New Delhi. Specifically, the average rate of electricity in Delhi is Rs 8 per kWh, petrol is Rs 95 per liter, and CNG is Rs 77 per kg.
| Bikes | Revolt RV1 (EV) | Bajaj Freedom |
| Price | Rs 84,999 | Rs 95,000 |
| Powertrain | 2.2 kWh | 125cc + 2 ltr CNG |
| Range | 100 km | 330 km (Combined) |
| Running Cost Per km | Rs 0.18 | Rs 1.11 |
| Running Cost Per 100 km | Rs 18 | Rs 111 |
| Yearly Running cost (1500 km) | Rs 264 | Rs 1665 |
Now, we have a clear picture of which bike will save you a lot of money in the long term. On average, a commuter bike runs around 1,500 km in a year, so even by this calculation, the EV will only cost Rs 264. In comparison, the Freedom 125 costs significantly more, at Rs 1,665. However, if we compare the Freedom to other commuter bikes, it's quite efficient, but it can't match the efficiency of the Revolt RV1.
Revolt RV1 vs Bajaj Freedom 125: Features
As this bike is focused on the mass-market commuter segment, there are very limited features to talk about in the Revolt RV1. It comes with a 6-inch LCD display, three ride modes, a reverse mode, LED headlamps and tail lights with LED turn indicators, front and rear disc brakes, and front telescopic forks.
The Freedom 125 comes with a fully digital speedometer that enables Bluetooth connectivity, allowing the rider to check missed call notifications, battery life, and receive call alerts. Additionally, the headlamps are all LED. In the top trim, Bajaj offers disc brakes, but only for the front, whereas in the RV1, despite its lower price tag, both wheels are equipped with disc brakes. Lastly, it has the first in class mono-linked type suspension, and the longest seat in the segment.
Design?
Talking about the design, both bikes try to break away from the typical, simple commuter bike look while still staying true to their roots. Both vehicles maintain a practical design suited for everyday use. However, the Bajaj Freedom 125 looks more modern and has a distinctive character, thanks to its long seat and slightly angular headlamps.
Additionally, the choice of colors makes the Bajaj bike stand out. On the other hand, the RV1 features a lot of shiny plastic, and from behind, it resembles a Hero CT100 from the 2000s. We'll need to see how it looks in real life, as the RV1 appears acceptable in photos.
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Verdict
Now that we have a clear picture of EV vs CNG, I can say that owning an EV bike will turn out to be much cheaper than a great combination of ICE and CNG. Plus, it is one of the cheapest electric bikes out there, with a starting price of 984,999. However, with the Bajaj Freedom 125, you can travel longer distances, as it has a total range of 330 km. Even if the fuel runs out, you can refuel anywhere and continue. So, while the Revolt RV1 is an outstanding option for city commutes, it may not be suitable as your primary source of transportation.
