TVS Jupiter CNG launches February 2026 as India’s first CNG scooter. Detailed review covering specs, 84 km/kg mileage, ₹90,000-1L pricing, pros/cons, and whether it’s right for you.
When TVS Motor Company rolled out the Jupiter CNG at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, it wasn’t just another product showcase it was a statement. After Bajaj broke ground with the Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle, TVS has gone a step further by bringing compressed natural gas to the scooter segment. And honestly? It’s about time someone did.
The Jupiter CNG isn’t scheduled to hit dealerships until mid-2026 (likely February), but based on what we know so far, this could genuinely reshape how middle-class India commutes. Let me walk you through everything the good, the bad, and whether you should consider waiting for this one.
Why This Launch Actually Matters
India consumes over 20 million two-wheelers annually. Most run on petrol, which currently hovers around ₹100+ per liter in major cities. Meanwhile, CNG costs roughly ₹75-80 per kg in Delhi and even less in Gujarat. The math is simple: if you can cut your fuel bill in half, you’re saving serious money over a year.
But here’s the thing until now, your only CNG option was Bajaj’s Freedom 125 motorcycle. Not everyone wants a bike. Students, working professionals, families doing school runs scooters dominate this segment. TVS spotted that gap and decided to own it.
This isn’t just about cost savings either. Urban air quality continues to deteriorate, and while electric scooters exist, they come with range anxiety and charging hassles. CNG offers a middle path: cleaner than petrol, more practical than electric (at least for now).
Technical Specifications: What’s Under the Bodywork?
Let’s get into the nuts and bolts. The Jupiter CNG uses a 124.8cc single-cylinder engine that produces 7.1 bhp and 9.4 Nm of torque. That’s not going to set any drag strips on fire, but it’s perfectly adequate for city traffic and the occasional highway stretch.
Detailed Specifications Table
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 124.8cc, Single-cylinder |
| Power | 7.1 bhp |
| Torque | 9.4 Nm |
| Top Speed | 80 kmph |
| CNG Tank Capacity | 1.4 kg |
| Petrol Tank Capacity | 2 liters |
| Mileage (CNG) | 84 km/kg |
| Combined Range | ~226 km |
| Running Cost | ₹0.90/km (on CNG) |
| Expected Price | ₹90,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Launch Timeline | February 2026 (expected) |
The real engineering cleverness shows in the fuel system. TVS has packaged a 1.4kg CNG cylinder in the underseat area while keeping a 2-liter petrol tank under the floorboard. You can switch between fuels on the fly, which means you’re never stranded even if CNG stations are sparse in your area.
Fuel Economy: The Real Showstopper
Here’s where things get interesting. TVS claims the Jupiter CNG delivers 84 kilometers per kilogram of CNG. At Delhi’s current CNG prices (around ₹75/kg), that works out to roughly ₹0.90 per kilometer. Compare that to a regular petrol scooter returning 50 km/l at ₹100/liter you’re looking at ₹2 per kilometer. That’s less than half the running cost.
Let’s put this in perspective: if you commute 30 km daily (pretty standard for most urban riders), you’d spend about ₹27 per day on CNG versus ₹60 on petrol. Over a month, that’s ₹810 versus ₹1,800. Annually? You save around ₹12,000. For many buyers, that alone justifies the premium pricing.
The combined range of 226 km (CNG + petrol reserve) means you can comfortably manage a week’s worth of commuting between refills in most cases.
Pricing and Value Proposition
TVS hasn’t officially announced pricing yet, but industry sources peg the Jupiter CNG between ₹90,000 and ₹1,00,000. That positions it at a premium compared to the regular Jupiter 125, which starts around ₹73,000. The ₹17,000-27,000 difference might seem steep initially, but remember you’re recovering that through fuel savings.
If you ride 25-30 km daily, the breakeven point comes in roughly 18-24 months. Beyond that, it’s pure savings. For fleet operators, delivery riders, or anyone clocking serious kilometers, the payback period shrinks even further.
Competition Analysis: Who’s Playing in This Space?
Right now? Nobody. The Jupiter CNG will launch into a completely uncontested market. There’s literally no other CNG scooter available in India, giving TVS a significant first-mover advantage.
How It Stacks Up
| Model | Type | Fuel | Price Range | Mileage | Running Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVS Jupiter CNG | Scooter | CNG + Petrol | ₹90,000-1,00,000 | 84 km/kg | ₹0.90/km |
| Bajaj Freedom 125 | Motorcycle | CNG + Petrol | ₹95,000-1,05,000 | 102 km/kg | ₹0.73/km |
| Honda Activa 125 | Scooter | Petrol | ₹80,000-90,000 | 50 km/l | ₹2.00/km |
| TVS Jupiter 125 | Scooter | Petrol | ₹73,000-88,000 | 51 km/l | ₹1.96/km |
Bajaj’s Freedom 125 offers better CNG mileage (102 km/kg), but it’s a motorcycle. Different audience. If you need the practicality of a scooter easier to ride, better for carrying groceries, more comfortable for short trips the Jupiter CNG is your only option.
Electric scooters like the Ola S1 or TVS iQube compete on running costs, but they bring charging infrastructure concerns and limited range. Plus, upfront costs remain higher.
Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment
What Works
Exceptional fuel economy: That ₹0.90/km running cost is genuinely impressive. Over the scooter’s lifespan, you’ll save enough to practically buy another scooter.
Dual-fuel flexibility: The petrol backup means you’re not dependent solely on CNG infrastructure. This addresses the biggest practical concern.
Environmental benefits: CNG burns cleaner than petrol, reducing your carbon footprint without the limitations of electric vehicles.
No direct competition: You want a CNG scooter? This is literally your only choice right now.
Proven platform: The base Jupiter 125 is already a successful, reliable scooter. TVS isn’t experimenting with an entirely new platform.
The Trade-offs
Underseat storage compromised: That CNG tank eats into storage space. You’re not fitting a full-face helmet under there anymore.
Limited CNG infrastructure: Works brilliantly in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat. But if you’re in a tier-2 or tier-3 city with limited CNG stations, the value proposition weakens.
Slower refueling: CNG takes longer to fill than petrol. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you’re always in a hurry.
Price premium: You’re paying ₹15,000-25,000 more upfront. That stings initially, even if you recover it later.
Performance isn’t thrilling: With 7.1 bhp, don’t expect brisk acceleration. It’s adequate, not exciting.
Who Should Buy the TVS Jupiter CNG?
This scooter makes tremendous sense for specific buyer profiles:
Daily commuters covering 20+ km: The fuel savings are substantial if you ride regularly. Weekend riders won’t see the same benefit.
Riders in CNG-equipped cities: Obviously. Check whether your city has adequate CNG infrastructure before considering this.
Budget-conscious families: If fuel costs are eating into your household budget, this offers genuine relief.
Delivery riders and fleet operators: High daily mileage means faster payback and significant long-term savings.
Environmentally conscious buyers: Want to reduce emissions but aren’t ready for electric? This is your compromise.
Who shouldn’t buy it? If you rarely ride, if CNG stations are scarce in your area, or if you need that underseat storage for a full helmet, stick with a regular petrol scooter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When exactly is the TVS Jupiter CNG launching?
A: TVS hasn’t confirmed an exact date, but industry sources point to February 2026. The scooter was unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Expo in January 2025.
Q: Can I use only petrol if CNG isn’t available?
A: Absolutely. The dual-fuel system lets you run on petrol alone. The 2-liter petrol tank provides emergency backup range.
Q: How long does CNG refueling take?
A: Typically 3-5 minutes, longer than petrol but not dramatically so. Most CNG stations have dedicated two-wheeler queues.
Q: Will this be available in all cities?
A: TVS will likely prioritize cities with established CNG networks initially Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow. Expect wider rollout over time.
Q: What’s the warranty on the CNG kit?
A: TVS hasn’t announced warranty specifics yet. The CNG system is factory-fitted, so it should be covered under the standard vehicle warranty.
Q: Is it safe to ride with a CNG tank?
A: CNG systems undergo rigorous safety testing. The tanks are designed to withstand significant impact and are equipped with pressure relief devices. Factory-fitted systems are safer than aftermarket conversions.
Q: How does maintenance differ from a regular scooter?
A: Minimal differences. CNG burns cleaner, potentially extending engine life. You’ll need periodic CNG system checks, but overall maintenance should be comparable.
Q: Can I convert my existing Jupiter to CNG?
A: Not advisable. The Jupiter CNG has specific engineering for the dual-fuel system. Aftermarket conversions may void warranties and compromise safety.
The Motors77 Verdict: Revolutionary or Overhyped?
Look, I’ll be straight with you the TVS Jupiter CNG isn’t perfect. The storage compromise is real, the price premium is significant, and you need to live in the right city to maximize its potential.
But here’s the thing: this scooter addresses a genuine market need. Fuel costs are crushing household budgets. Air quality is deteriorating. Electric infrastructure remains patchy. The Jupiter CNG offers a practical solution that works today, not someday.
If you’re clocking 25+ kilometers daily in a CNG-equipped city, this is a no-brainer. The fuel savings alone make it worth serious consideration. The environmental benefits are a bonus.
For occasional riders or those in cities without CNG infrastructure, stick with a regular petrol scooter. The economics don’t work in your favor.
TVS deserves credit for taking a calculated risk here. They’ve identified an underserved segment and built a product specifically for it. Whether it succeeds depends on execution pricing, availability, after-sales support but the concept is fundamentally sound.
Come February 2026, I expect this scooter to find a solid audience. It won’t replace petrol scooters overnight, but it doesn’t need to. Capturing even 5-10% of the market would make this a successful experiment.
And who knows? If the Jupiter CNG succeeds, we might see Honda, Suzuki, and others jumping in. Competition would drive prices down and innovation up. That’s good for everyone.
For now, TVS stands alone in this space. And sometimes, being first is all that matters.
Also Read: TVS M1-S Electric Maxi Scooter Teased Ahead of EICMA 2025 Debut
