Bajaj Chetak EV: It’s a balmy morning in Mumbai, and you’re cruising down the Western Express Highway on your way to work. The sun’s just peeking over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
But unlike the cacophony of honking horns and sputtering exhausts that usually accompany this scene, all you hear is the gentle whir of an electric motor. Welcome to the future of urban commuting, courtesy of the all-new Bajaj Chetak EV with its groundbreaking 240km range.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Another electric scooter? What’s the big deal?” Well, my friend, strap in (or should I say, strap on your helmet?), because we’re about to take a deep dive into why this isn’t just another EV – it’s a revolution on two wheels.
The Legacy Reborn
Let’s start with a bit of history, shall we? The Chetak name isn’t new to Indian roads. For those of us old enough to remember (and yes, I’m reluctantly including myself in that category), the original Chetak was the chariot of choice for middle-class India in the 80s and 90s.
It was reliable, sturdy, and had more lives than a cat. I still remember my uncle’s Chetak, which seemed to run on sheer willpower even when the fuel gauge was firmly on ‘E’.
Fast forward to 2025, and Bajaj has resurrected the Chetak name for its electric avatar. But this isn’t just a nostalgic cash grab. Oh no,
Bajaj has taken everything we loved about the original Chetak – its reliability, its practicality, its “built-to-last” ethos – and catapulted it into the 21st century.
The Game-Changing Range
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – that jaw-dropping 240km range. In the world of electric two-wheelers, range is king, and Bajaj has just staged a coup.
To put this into perspective, that’s like driving from Mumbai to Pune, and then halfway back again, on a single charge. It’s the kind of range that makes you forget about range anxiety altogether.
But how did Bajaj achieve this feat? Well, it’s all thanks to their new “PowerMax” battery technology. Without getting too technical (because let’s face it, I barely understand it myself),
Bajaj has managed to increase the energy density of their lithium-ion batteries by a whopping 40%. It’s like they’ve found a way to cram an entire power station into something the size of a briefcase.
I had the chance to chat with one of Bajaj’s engineers at the launch event (over some truly excellent samosas, I might add). He explained it to me like this: “Imagine you’re packing for a trip.
Our old batteries were like stuffing your clothes into a suitcase. This new technology? It’s like using one of those vacuum bags that sucks all the air out. Same size, way more stuff inside.”
But it’s not just about the battery. Bajaj has also worked some magic with the motor efficiency and regenerative braking system.
Every time you brake or go downhill, the Chetak is busy topping up its own battery. It’s like having a scooter that’s constantly looking for ways to save you money. If only my teenager was this energy-efficient!
Charging Ahead
Of course, a 240km range is only useful if you can charge the thing without growing old in the process. Thankfully, Bajaj has thought of that too.
The new Chetak comes with a standard 3.3kW onboard charger that can juice up the battery from 0 to 80% in just 3 hours. That’s about the time it takes to watch a Bollywood movie (minus the intermission, of course).
But here’s where it gets really interesting. Bajaj has also introduced a new “Turbo Charge” feature. Using a specialized DC fast charger, you can add 100km of range in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those “Oops, I forgot to plug it in last night” moments. Trust me, we’ve all been there.
And for those of us who live in apartments without easy access to charging points, Bajaj has a solution. They’re rolling out a network of battery swap stations across major cities.
Pull up, swap your depleted battery for a fully charged one, and you’re back on the road in less time than it takes to order a vada pav. It’s like a pit stop, but without the smell of petrol and burning rubber.
Riding into the Future
Now, let’s talk about the ride itself. The new Chetak isn’t just about impressive numbers on a spec sheet. It’s a joy to ride.
The electric motor delivers instant torque, which means you can zip away from traffic lights faster than you can say “green signal”. It’s the kind of acceleration that puts a grin on your face every single time.
The riding position is comfortable, striking a balance between sporty and relaxed. You can easily weave through traffic without feeling like a contortionist, but you also don’t feel like you’re sitting in an armchair. It’s the Goldilocks of riding positions – just right.
One of my favorite features is the “Smart Ride” mode. Using a combination of GPS and AI, the Chetak can analyze your riding style and the route ahead to optimize power delivery and regenerative braking.
It’s like having a really smart co-pilot who’s constantly thinking about how to squeeze every last kilometer out of your charge.
And let’s not forget about the suspension. Bajaj has equipped the Chetak with a sophisticated setup that soaks up bumps like a sponge.
Potholes? What potholes? You’ll be gliding over our, ahem, “characterful” Indian roads like they’re freshly laid highways.
Tech that Impresses
In 2025, a scooter needs to be more than just a mode of transport – it needs to be a rolling computer. And boy, does the Chetak deliver on this front.
The centerpiece is a 7-inch TFT display that’s brighter than my future (according to my mother). It’s fully customizable,
allowing you to choose what information you want to see at a glance. Speed, range, navigation, music controls – it’s all there, and it’s all crystal clear, even in direct sunlight.
But the real magic happens when you pair it with the Chetak app on your smartphone. Suddenly, your scooter becomes an extension of your digital life.
You can plan routes, check your battery status, and even pre-cool your seat on a hot day (yes, really) all from your phone.
One feature that really caught my eye is the “Find My Chetak” function. We’ve all had that moment of panic in a crowded parking lot, wondering where on earth we left our vehicle.
With this feature, your Chetak will literally call out to you with lights and a gentle horn. It’s like Marco Polo, but for scooters.
The Chetak also comes with a built-in dash cam that’s always recording. Not only is this great for safety, but it also means you’ll never miss capturing those crazy traffic moments that nobody would believe if you just told them. “You won’t believe what I saw on the road today!” will now be followed by, “No, seriously, look at this video!”
Safety First
Now, I know what some of you are thinking. “Electric scooters? Aren’t they a bit, well, flimsy?” Let me stop you right there. Bajaj has gone all out to ensure the Chetak is safer than a bank vault.
First off, the frame is made from high-strength aluminum alloy. It’s lightweight, yes, but it’s also incredibly strong. In the event of a collision, it’s designed to absorb and distribute impact energy, keeping the rider safe.
The Chetak also comes with a suite of electronic safety aids that would make a luxury car blush. We’re talking ABS, traction control, and even a hill-hold function. No more awkward rolling backwards on inclines while you fumble for the throttle.
But my favorite safety feature is the “Guardian Mode”. When activated, it uses the Chetak’s sensors to monitor your riding.
If it detects any sudden changes in speed or direction that might indicate a collision, it automatically alerts your emergency contacts with your location. It’s like having a guardian angel riding pillion.
The Ownership Experience
Owning an electric vehicle is a different experience from owning a traditional petrol-powered one, and Bajaj has gone out of its way to make it as painless as possible.
For starters, the Chetak comes with a 5-year/75,000km warranty on the battery. That’s longer than some of my relationships have lasted. It’s a statement of confidence from Bajaj, and it goes a long way towards easing any concerns about long-term reliability.
Maintenance is another area where the Chetak shines. With far fewer moving parts than a petrol scooter, there’s simply less that can go wrong.
No more oil changes, no spark plugs to replace, no carburetors to clean. The most maintenance you’ll likely need to do is topping up the washer fluid and checking the tire pressure.
Bajaj has also introduced a new “Chetak Care” program. For a small monthly fee, they’ll handle all your maintenance needs, including regular check-ups and software updates. It’s like having a personal mechanic on retainer, minus the oily handshakes.
The Environmental Angle
Let’s face it – one of the big reasons for switching to electric vehicles is the environmental benefit. And the Chetak delivers on this front in spades.
Over its lifetime, Bajaj estimates that each Chetak will reduce carbon emissions by about 15 tons compared to a petrol scooter. That’s equivalent to planting about 24 trees. So not only are you zipping around the city in style, you’re also doing your bit for the planet. It’s a win-win!
But Bajaj hasn’t stopped at just making the scooter itself eco-friendly. They’ve gone a step further by ensuring their production processes are as green as possible.
The Chetak is manufactured in a plant that’s powered largely by solar energy, and Bajaj has committed to making the entire production chain carbon-neutral by 2030.
The Competition
Of course, the Chetak isn’t alone in the electric scooter market. There are some formidable competitors out there, each with their own strengths.
The Ola S1 Pro has made waves with its futuristic design and tech features. The Ather 450X has built a loyal following with its performance-oriented approach. And let’s not forget about established players like TVS with their iQube.
But here’s where the Chetak stands out – it offers a balance of range, performance, and reliability that’s hard to beat. While some competitors might edge it out in one area or another, as an overall package, the Chetak is hard to fault.
Plus, there’s the Bajaj factor. With their vast dealer and service network, you’re never far from help if you need it. It’s the kind of peace of mind that’s worth its weight in gold (or lithium, in this case).
The Price Tag
Now, I know what you’re all waiting for – how much does this marvel of engineering cost? Well, brace yourselves. The new Chetak with its 240km range starts at Rs. 1,50,000 (ex-showroom).
Yes, that’s more expensive than a comparable petrol scooter. But here’s the thing – you need to look at the total cost of ownership. Factor in the money
you’ll save on fuel (especially with petrol prices doing their best impression of a rocket), the lower maintenance costs, and the various government incentives for EVs, and the Chetak starts to look like a bargain.
Bajaj is also offering some interesting financing options. There’s a lease program that allows you to essentially “subscribe” to a Chetak for a monthly fee that includes everything – the scooter, insurance, maintenance, the works. It’s perfect for those who want to dip their toes into the EV waters without committing to a full purchase.
The Verdict
As we wrap up our journey through the world of the new Bajaj Chetak EV, one thing is clear – this isn’t just an evolution of a beloved Indian icon. It’s a revolution, a complete reimagining of what urban mobility can be.
The 240km range is, of course, the headline feature. It’s a game-changer that addresses one of the biggest concerns people have about EVs – range anxiety.
But it’s the way Bajaj has built on this foundation, adding layers of technology, safety features, and user-friendly touches, that really impresses.
Is it perfect? No vehicle is. The price might be a stumbling block for some, and die-hard petrolheads might miss the sound and smell of a traditional scooter. But these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things.
What Bajaj has created with the new Chetak is more than just a scooter – it’s a vision of the future. It’s a future where our daily commutes don’t contribute to smog-filled skies.
A future where we can zip around our cities silently and efficiently. A future where technology enhances our ride instead of distracting from it.
So, if you’re in the market for a two-wheeler that doesn’t just move you from A to B, but does so while moving the needle on urban transportation, do yourself a favor and check out the new Bajaj Chetak EV.
Just be warned – once you experience that instant electric torque, you might find it hard to go back to petrol power.