In a groundbreaking move set to revolutionize India’s two-wheeler market, Bajaj Auto has made its iconic Chetak electric scooter more accessible than ever before. With an initial down payment of just ₹15,000, environmentally conscious commuters can now embrace the future of mobility without breaking the bank. This strategic pricing approach comes at a perfect time as fuel prices continue to fluctuate and urban commuters increasingly seek sustainable transportation alternatives.
The Legendary Chetak, Reimagined for the Electric Era
The Bajaj Chetak holds a special place in Indian automotive history. For decades, the original petrol-powered Chetak was the backbone of middle-class mobility, earning the affectionate nickname “Hamara Bajaj” (Our Bajaj) through its reliable performance and cultural significance. After a hiatus, Bajaj reintroduced the Chetak in 2020 as a premium electric scooter, combining nostalgic design elements with cutting-edge technology.
The latest iteration of the Chetak EV continues this legacy while making substantial improvements in range, performance, and affordability. The neo-retro design pays homage to its predecessor while incorporating modern elements that appeal to today’s style-conscious consumers. The seamless lines, LED lighting, digital instrumentation, and premium finishes create an upmarket appearance that stands out in the increasingly crowded electric scooter market.
Impressive Performance Meets Everyday Practicality
The new Chetak EV doesn’t just look good—it delivers where it matters most. Powered by a 3.8kW motor that produces 16Nm of torque, the scooter offers sprightly acceleration and a top speed of 70km/h, making it perfectly suited for urban environments. The removable lithium-ion battery pack provides a real-world range of up to 108km on a single charge, addressing the range anxiety that often concerns potential EV adopters.
Charging is straightforward and convenient, with a standard home charging option that takes approximately 5 hours for a full charge. For those in a hurry, fast-charging capability allows the battery to reach 80% capacity in just 60 minutes at designated charging stations.
The riding experience is enhanced by three selectable riding modes: Eco, Ride, and Sport. These allow riders to prioritize either range or performance based on their daily needs. The instantaneous torque delivery characteristic of electric motors ensures responsive acceleration from a standstill, making the Chetak EV particularly adept at navigating stop-and-go city traffic.
Smart Features for Connected Riders
Bajaj has equipped the Chetak EV with an array of smart features that appeal to tech-savvy consumers. The Chetak mobile application connects to the scooter via Bluetooth, offering functionalities such as:
- Remote monitoring of battery status
- Ride statistics and history
- GPS-enabled location tracking
- Over-the-air software updates
- Scheduled service reminders
- Tamper alert and geofencing capabilities
The fully digital instrument cluster provides clear information on speed, battery level, range estimation, and riding mode, all easily visible even in bright sunlight. An automatic data connection ensures the scooter stays updated without requiring manual intervention.
Affordable Ownership with Attractive Financing
The headline-grabbing ₹15,000 down payment is part of Bajaj’s innovative financing scheme designed to make electric mobility accessible to a broader audience. The remainder of the scooter’s price (starting at ₹1.15 lakh, ex-showroom) can be paid through customizable EMI plans ranging from 12 to 60 months.
This financing approach effectively addresses the primary barrier to EV adoption in India—the higher upfront cost compared to conventional petrol vehicles. When factoring in the significantly lower operating expenses (approximately ₹0.25 per kilometer compared to ₹2-3 for petrol scooters), the total cost of ownership makes the Chetak EV an economically sensible choice over the long term.
Bajaj has sweetened the deal further by including:
- Three years of comprehensive warranty
- Free roadside assistance for the first year
- Complementary maintenance for the first three services
- Attractive buyback options after three years
- Special corporate discounts for bulk purchases
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Environmental and Economic Benefits
By transitioning to the Chetak EV, riders contribute significantly to reducing urban pollution. Each Chetak EV on the road potentially prevents approximately 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually compared to a conventional petrol scooter. With zero tailpipe emissions, the collective impact could be substantial as adoption increases.
The economic benefits are equally compelling. Based on average daily commuting distances of 30km, riders can save approximately ₹2,000-3,000 monthly on fuel costs alone. Additionally, electric scooters typically require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts and the absence of complex systems like carburetors, fuel injection, and exhaust.
Manufacturing and Availability
The Chetak EV is manufactured at Bajaj’s state-of-the-art facility in Pune, which employs advanced automation and quality control processes. The company has invested heavily in localizing the supply chain, with over 80% of components now sourced domestically. This approach not only supports the government’s “Make in India” initiative but also helps insulate the product from global supply chain disruptions.
Currently, the Chetak EV is available across 50 cities in India, with plans to expand to 100 cities by the end of 2025. Dedicated Chetak Experience Centers in major metropolitan areas allow potential customers to test ride the scooter and learn about its features from trained specialists.
Specifications Overview
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | 3.8kW IP67-rated BLDC motor |
| Battery | 3kWh lithium-ion, removable |
| Range | Up to 108km per charge |
| Charging Time | 5 hours (standard), 1 hour to 80% (fast charging) |
| Top Speed | 70 km/h |
| Acceleration | 0-40 km/h in 3.8 seconds |
| Riding Modes | Eco, Ride, and Sport |
| Weight | 132 kg (with battery) |
| Ground Clearance | 160mm |
| Wheel Size | 12-inch alloy wheels (front and rear) |
| Braking System | Front disc, rear drum with CBS |
| Suspension | Telescopic front, single-sided rear shock absorber |
| Storage Capacity | 18 liters under-seat storage |
| Display | Full-color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity |
| Lighting | All-LED lighting system |
| Colors Available | Brooklyn Black, Hazelnut, Indigo Metallic, Vellfire White |
| Ex-showroom Price | Starting from ₹1,15,000 (Premium variants up to ₹1,40,000) |
| Down Payment Option | ₹15,000 with flexible EMI plans |
| Warranty | 3 years/50,000 km |
Government Incentives Further Reduce Costs
The effective price of the Chetak EV is reduced further thanks to various government incentives. Under the FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme and state-specific EV policies, buyers can avail subsidies ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 depending on their location.
Additional benefits include reduced registration fees, road tax exemptions in many states, and income tax benefits under Section 80EEB for loans taken to purchase electric vehicles. These incentives, combined with Bajaj’s aggressive financing options, make the Chetak EV an increasingly attractive proposition for cost-conscious consumers.
The Road Ahead for Electric Mobility
Bajaj’s approach with the Chetak EV reflects a broader trend in India’s automotive landscape. As the government pushes for 30% electric vehicle adoption by 2030, manufacturers are ramping up their electric offerings across segments. The Chetak EV positions Bajaj favorably in this evolving market, leveraging their established brand value and distribution network.
With charging infrastructure expanding rapidly across urban centers and battery technology continually improving, the practicality of electric two-wheelers is increasing by the day. The Chetak EV’s combination of heritage, modern technology, and affordability makes it a compelling option for consumers ready to embrace the inevitable electric future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does owning a Chetak EV compare to a petrol scooter over five years?
The Chetak EV offers significant savings despite higher upfront costs. Over five years with 30km daily usage:
- Petrol Scooter: ₹252,500 total (₹90,000 purchase + ₹137,500 fuel + ₹25,000 maintenance)
- Chetak EV: ₹138,750 total (₹115,000 purchase + ₹13,750 electricity + ₹10,000 maintenance) This saves approximately ₹113,750, not including government subsidies or rising petrol prices.
What happens if I run out of battery, and what’s the battery replacement cost?
The Chetak EV has a Battery Management System with accurate range predictions and alerts when charge gets low. The app helps locate charging stations, and Eco mode activates automatically to extend range.
If completely drained, Bajaj offers emergency roadside assistance with a replacement battery. The removable battery pack can also be charged at any standard outlet.
Battery replacement (typically after 5-7 years) currently costs ₹35,000-40,000, but prices are expected to decrease as technology improves. Bajaj also offers subscription plans to reduce upfront replacement costs.