Bajaj Chetak EV iconic design and decades of service, it became an indelible part of urban life. Since its debut in the 1970s, the Chetak scooter was known for its dependability, comfort, and timeless design. Now, in a new era focused on sustainability and electric mobility, Bajaj Auto has reimagined the Chetak in a modern avatar—the Chetak EV. This transformation from a classic two-wheeler to an electric scooter marks a significant shift in the way we view mobility in urban India.
With the global focus on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) are emerging as a solution to the growing concerns over pollution and the depletion of fossil fuels. The Bajaj Chetak EV represents not just an evolution in the Chetak line but also a bold step toward making electric vehicles more accessible and practical for everyday use.
1. The Evolution of the Bajaj Chetak
Before diving into the specifics of the Bajaj Chetak EV, it’s important to acknowledge the scooter’s rich legacy. The original Bajaj Chetak became an iconic name in India’s scooter segment. Produced in both 2-stroke and 4-stroke versions, it was reliable, stylish, and durable. Its smooth performance and easy maintenance made it a favorite among Indian households for decades.
After the Chetak’s initial success, it was phased out by the early 2000s, giving way to newer models and technological advancements. The original Chetak had its own charm, but as the world moved towards more environmentally-conscious and fuel-efficient vehicles, the need for an updated version became evident.
Thus, in 2020, Bajaj Auto launched the Chetak EV, effectively reintroducing the Chetak nameplate, but this time with an electric twist. By reviving the Chetak as an electric scooter, Bajaj tapped into the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives while keeping the scooter’s trusted legacy intact.
2. Design and Aesthetics: A Nod to the Classic
The design of the Bajaj Chetak EV is where nostalgia meets modernity. Bajaj has retained the signature look of the original Chetak—its curvaceous body, graceful lines, and rounded edges—while incorporating a more futuristic design with LED lighting, digital displays, and a more angular finish.
The Chetak EV has a sturdy, high-quality metal body that gives it a premium feel, unlike many other plastic-bodied electric scooters on the market. It comes in two variants, Urbane and Premium, each featuring a different set of color options. The Premium variant includes a more sophisticated two-tone finish that elevates the aesthetics.
In terms of ergonomics, the Bajaj Chetak EV’s design ensures comfort for both the rider and the pillion. The scooter features a spacious footboard, comfortable seat, and well-placed handlebars that allow for an upright and comfortable riding posture.
Bajaj Auto has been successful in preserving the traditional appeal of the Chetak while modernizing it with sleek touches, making it a scooter that is both familiar and forward-thinking.
3. Performance and Powertrain: A Smooth Ride with Efficient Range
Under the hood, the Bajaj Chetak EV comes equipped with a 4 kW electric motor, delivering a peak power output of 5.5 bhp. This is more than adequate for urban commuting, offering enough speed and torque to easily navigate through traffic and city streets. The electric motor is coupled with a lithium-ion battery pack, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride.
The Chetak EV offers two riding modes: Eco and Sport. In Eco mode, the scooter prioritizes range over performance, making it ideal for long-distance commuting on a single charge. In Sport mode, the scooter delivers a more responsive performance with quicker acceleration and higher top speeds, making it perfect for those who need to navigate through traffic faster.
On a full charge, the Bajaj Chetak EV offers a range of approximately 85 to 95 kilometers, depending on the riding conditions and mode. This range makes it ideal for daily commutes within urban areas, as the majority of Indian riders typically travel less than 40 kilometers daily. With a charging time of about 5 hours, the scooter can be easily charged overnight, ensuring it’s ready for the next day.
The Chetak EV is equipped with regenerative braking technology, which helps extend the range by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy when the brakes are applied. This is an excellent feature for maximizing efficiency during urban commutes, especially when frequently stopping and starting in traffic.
4. Features and Technology: A Digital Experience
The Bajaj Chetak EV is packed with modern features that enhance both the riding experience and the convenience of ownership. One of the standout features is the smartphone connectivity, which allows the rider to connect the scooter to the Chetak app via Bluetooth. This app provides valuable information, such as battery status, range, ride statistics, and even GPS navigation.
The digital display on the Chetak EV is sleek and intuitive, showing important information like speed, battery level, and mode selection. The instrument cluster is fully customizable, giving riders a modern and easy-to-read interface.
The scooter also comes with keyless entry, making it more convenient for daily use. Simply carrying the key fob with you is enough to start the scooter and unlock the storage compartments, adding an extra layer of convenience.
The Bajaj Chetak EV is equipped with high-quality LED lighting all around, including a bright LED headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators, ensuring high visibility for both the rider and other vehicles on the road. This is not only an aesthetic upgrade but also a safety feature, especially for night riding.
5. Charging Infrastructure and Accessibility
As electric vehicles become more popular, the charging infrastructure is one of the primary concerns for potential buyers. Bajaj has recognized this and offers the Chetak EV with the convenience of home charging. Owners can charge the scooter using a regular 5-amp socket, though a faster charger can be installed if needed.
Additionally, Bajaj has partnered with various public charging networks to expand the availability of charging stations, particularly in metro cities. This ensures that the Chetak EV owners have access to a network of fast chargers that reduce downtime and allow for more extended trips if necessary.
With its home-charging capabilities and growing public infrastructure, the Chetak EV makes the transition to electric vehicles more accessible for urban commuters.
6. Pricing and Value Proposition
When it comes to pricing, the Bajaj Chetak EV is positioned as an affordable electric scooter that appeals to both the eco-conscious consumer and those looking for a cost-effective alternative to traditional petrol scooters. The Chetak EV is priced competitively, especially when considering the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs associated with electric vehicles.
In terms of running costs, the Bajaj Chetak EV proves to be an economical option, with lower maintenance requirements and a lower cost per kilometer compared to conventional petrol-powered scooters. The government’s incentives and subsidies on electric vehicles make the purchase even more attractive for potential buyers, further boosting the Chetak EV’s value proposition.
7. Conclusion: A New Era of Sustainable Mobility
The Bajaj Chetak EV is more than just an electric version of an old classic—it’s a symbol of India’s transition to sustainable urban mobility. Combining the nostalgia of the original Chetak with modern technology, the Chetak EV offers a glimpse into the future of two-wheeled transportation.
With its design, performance, technology, and affordability, the Chetak EV is positioned to be a game-changer in the Indian electric vehicle market. As more cities adopt cleaner, greener mobility solutions, the Bajaj Chetak EV is ready to serve the next generation of riders who value both tradition and innovation.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Chetak or a first-time EV buyer, the Chetak EV offers a reliable, stylish, and sustainable solution for modern urban commuting.