In a significant shift towards a greener, more sustainable future, Bajaj Auto has brought back an iconic name in the world of two-wheelers: Chetak. However, this time, the legendary scooter is not just a symbol of retro style and reliability; it has been reimagined as a cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV). The Bajaj Chetak EV combines decades of scooter heritage with modern electric technology, making it one of the most exciting electric scooters in the Indian market.
A New Era for the Chetak Brand
The Bajaj Chetak has always held a special place in the hearts of Indian riders. First launched in 1972, the Chetak was one of the most beloved scooters of its time, known for its sturdy build, smooth ride, and stylish design. For generations, it was a symbol of status, practicality, and reliability on Indian roads. Now, as the world shifts toward more eco-friendly modes of transportation, Bajaj Auto has resurrected the Chetak in a bold new avatar—a fully electric scooter that retains the classic charm but with a focus on sustainability and performance.
New Maruti Ertiga: The Perfect Family MPV Gets a Fresh Upgrade
The Bajaj Chetak EV was first unveiled in 2020, signaling the brand’s entry into the electric two-wheeler segment. With this move, Bajaj aims to tap into the rapidly growing EV market in India, while also paying homage to one of its most iconic products.
Design: A Fusion of Classic and Contemporary
The Chetak EV stays true to the original’s design language, with a retro-inspired look that evokes nostalgia while offering a fresh, modern twist. Its body features a sleek, premium finish with curves that give the scooter a sophisticated yet classic appeal. The round headlamp, smooth body panels, and chrome accents are reminiscent of the original Chetak, but the sleek lines, clean surfaces, and vibrant color schemes bring it firmly into the 21st century.
The scooter’s all-metal body construction offers durability and a solid road presence, which is rare to find in the electric scooter segment, where many models use plastic frames. Bajaj has ensured that the Chetak EV maintains a premium feel, with attention to detail in the fit and finish of the scooter, including high-quality paintwork, polished surfaces, and a well-crafted design that reflects both style and sturdiness.
The scooter is available in both the Urban and Premium variants, with multiple color options like “Brooklyn Black,” “Vermilion Red,” and “Hazel Nut.” This range allows buyers to choose a model that suits their style preferences, whether they’re looking for something understated or bold.
Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of the Chetak EV is a high-performance electric powertrain that offers impressive performance for daily commuting. The scooter is powered by a 4 kW electric motor that delivers a peak power of approximately 5.4 bhp. This power output ensures a smooth and responsive ride, with enough punch for city traffic and short-distance commutes.
New Maruti Ertiga: The Perfect Family MPV Gets a Fresh Upgrade
The Chetak EV is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that offers a range of up to 95 kilometers on a full charge, depending on the riding conditions and mode of use. This range is ideal for most urban commuters, making the scooter a practical solution for daily travel within the city.
The scooter offers two riding modes: Eco and Sport. In Eco mode, the focus is on maximizing range and energy efficiency, making it perfect for daily commutes where performance isn’t a priority. On the other hand, the Sport mode provides quicker acceleration and more responsive throttle, ideal for when the rider wants a bit more power for overtaking or a more spirited ride.
The Chetak EV comes with regenerative braking, which helps in reclaiming energy during braking and extends the battery life. This feature is particularly useful in city traffic, where frequent stops and starts are common.
Charging and Battery Technology
Bajaj has made charging the Chetak EV simple and convenient. The scooter is compatible with both regular home chargers and fast-charging stations. With a regular charger, the battery can be fully charged in about 5 hours, which is perfect for overnight charging. For those in a rush, the scooter’s fast-charging feature can charge the battery up to 25% in just one hour, which provides about 20-25 kilometers of range.
The lithium-ion battery itself is designed to offer long-term durability, with a warranty of up to 3 years or 50,000 km, ensuring peace of mind for the owner. Bajaj’s focus on quality and long-lasting performance ensures that the Chetak EV remains a reliable, low-maintenance vehicle for years to come.
Technology and Features
The Bajaj Chetak EV is loaded with modern features that enhance both convenience and safety. The scooter comes with a fully digital instrument cluster that displays all the essential information, such as battery status, range, speed, trip meter, and more. This advanced display also includes an app connectivity feature that lets users monitor the scooter’s health, track rides, and even remotely lock or unlock the scooter via their smartphones.
New Maruti Ertiga: The Perfect Family MPV Gets a Fresh Upgrade
Additionally, the Chetak EV is equipped with LED lighting all around, including the headlamp, tail-lights, and turn indicators. The LED setup ensures better visibility, longer lifespan, and lower energy consumption compared to traditional halogen bulbs.
Safety features on the Chetak EV include disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, which provide responsive and reliable stopping power. The scooter also features IP67-rated waterproofing, meaning it can handle water exposure without issues, making it ideal for use in all weather conditions.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
One of the standout aspects of the Bajaj Chetak EV is its commitment to sustainability. As an electric scooter, it produces zero emissions, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of its rider. With India’s push for a cleaner environment and stricter emission norms, the Chetak EV represents Bajaj’s proactive step toward reducing pollution and promoting electric mobility.
In addition to reducing tailpipe emissions, the Chetak EV also offers the benefit of quieter operation, contributing to lower noise pollution in urban areas. This makes it a perfect fit for cities struggling with both air and noise pollution, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol-powered scooters.
Bajaj Chetak EV in the Market
The Bajaj Chetak EV is available in select cities across India and is gradually expanding to more regions as demand for electric vehicles grows. While its price tag is higher than that of conventional scooters, the running costs of an EV—low maintenance, cheaper electricity costs, and long-term savings on fuel—make it a wise investment for the future.
New Maruti Ertiga: The Perfect Family MPV Gets a Fresh Upgrade
The Chetak EV is not just another electric scooter; it’s an effort to reshape the way we think about urban mobility. By offering a blend of design, technology, and sustainability, Bajaj has created a scooter that caters to the modern rider who values performance and the environment.