Bajaj Chetak

2024 Bajaj Chetak Premium Scooter – New DisplayWith new features and upgrades, Bajaj Chetak can compete better with rivals like Ola S1 Pro, TVS iQube and Ather 450XWhile Chetak is preferred for its reliability and durability, it is not necessarily perceived as a high-tech and high-performance machine. Probably, rivals are offering a more comprehensive range of features. Bajaj is looking to fix that with the new Chetak Premium version, scheduled to be launched on 5th January. Ahead of that, the new e-scooter has been spied at a dealership. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Yash Parate for sharing the exclusive spy shots of the 2024 Chetak.Bajaj Chetak Premium – What’s new?Chetak is currently offered in Urbane and Premium variants. However, there aren’t any major differences between the two. As per the new strategy, the Urbane variant will be positioned as an affordable, entry-level electric scooter. On the other hand, the Premium version will be getting a comprehensive range of updates. As a result, the Premium version will be launched at a higher price point.2024 Bajaj Chetak Premium Scooter – New DisplayOne of the key updates is a new TFT instrument display. It is to note that the existing model has an LCD display. The new TFT dash will have features like Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. Users will be able to access functions such as calls, text and music. New Chetak Premium will also have a remote immobilization function and tyre pressure monitoring system.Riding modes are already available and will be carried forward. Boot space for the new Chetak Premium variant will be increased from 18 litres to 21 litres. This may not be significant, but can still be useful for storing some small stuff.2024 Bajaj Chetak Premium ScooterBajaj Chetak Premium performance boostNew Chetak Premium variant will have better capabilities in comparison to the existing Urbane variant. One of the key upgrades is a larger 3.2 kWh battery pack. It has a certified range of 127 km, as per IDC standards. The existing model utilizes a 2.9 kWh battery pack, with a certified range of 108 km. True range or real-world range is also expected to improve with the new Chetak Premium variant. Users have reported more than 100 km of real-world range in Eco mode with the existing Chetak model.With the larger battery, charging time has increased by around 30 minutes. As of now, 0 to 100% charging time for the current model is 4 hours. Another area where Chetak seems to be lagging behind is the top speed. With the likes of Ola S1 Pro offering a top speed of 120 km/h, Chetak has a lot to catch up. With the new Chetak Premium model, the top speed will be increased to 73 km/h. It remains to be seen if changes are made to the electric motor to achieve this higher top speed.With the updates, the price gap between the Chetak Urbane and the new Chetak Premium variant will increase. Bajaj had recently introduced the 2024 version of Chetak Urbane at a starting price of Rs 1.15 lakh (ex-sh., Delhi). In comparison, the existing Chetak Premium version is available at a starting price of Rs 1.20 lakh. More

New Bajaj Chetak 2023Earlier this year, Bajaj Auto had announced the launch of updated 2023 Chetak Electric scooter in two variants – Base and PremiumActivity in the 2w EV space is on the rise, thanks to the arrival of more affordable variants of Ola and Ather electric scooters. Bajaj has now announced an update regarding their Chetak electric scooter. In March this year, Bajaj had launched 2023 version of Chetak in two variants Base and Premium.Base Chetak was priced at Rs 1.22 lakh while the Premium variant was priced at Rs 1.52 lakh. Now, the base variant has been discontinued and the price of Premium variant has been slashed by Rs 22,000 to Rs 1.3 lakh. All prices are ex-sh.Chetak electric scooter price cut2023 Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Premium EditionThis version takes the timeless elegance of Chetak and elevates it with meticulous detailing and the use of premium materials. It is available in three colours – Matte Coarse Grey, Matte Caribbean Blue, and Satin Black. A standout feature of the Chetak is the expansive all-colour LCD console, which presents vehicle information with unparalleled clarity.The design is replete with luxurious accents, including a premium two-toned seat, body-coloured rear view mirrors, a satin black grab rail, and coordinated pillion footrest castings. The integration of lustrous Charcoal Black elements for the headlamp casing, blinkers, and central trim adds a signature flair to the overall design. 2023 Chetak retains its all-metal body, efficient onboard charger, and other industry-leading features that have contributed to its reputation.Enriching the Chetak ExperienceAcknowledging the evolving needs and preferences of consumers, Bajaj Auto has made a strategic move to address concerns related to the driving range. Responding to customer feedback, Bajaj Auto increased the Chetak’s claimed Indian Driving Conditions (IDC) range by 20 percent, pushing it to an impressive 108 kilometers. This enhancement is poised to attract a broader spectrum of buyers, alleviating range anxiety and fostering more confidence in the electric mobility landscape.Revamped Supply Chain for Two-Wheeler EVs at Bajaj AutoIn a strategic move aimed at enhancing efficiency and accessibility, Bajaj Auto has undertaken a comprehensive restructuring of its two-wheeler electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. This transformation has yielded remarkable progress in various development programs, fostering collaboration with essential vendors. The result? An assurance of a consistent supply of over 10,000 units of the revered Chetak model every month. Beyond just bolstering supply, this overhaul also bears the fruit of reduced costs, ultimately paving the way for broader customer access to the Chetak EV.Rakesh Sharma, the Executive Director at Bajaj Auto, has announced the commencement of the scaling-up phase, building upon the strong foundation established within their EV supply chain endeavours. This strategic move aligns with their objective to amplify the presence and reputation of the Chetak brand. The new Premium 2023 Edition of Chetak will reinforce its image as a premium and reliable choice, accentuated by the introduction of new colours, a visually striking display console, and meticulously crafted features. These enhancements further solidify Chetak’s position as the most coveted electric scooter in the market. More

For MY2023, new Bajaj Chetak Premium homologated packs in similar numbers as before – 4.2 kW of peak power and 20 Nm of torqueBajaj Chetak Electric ScooterBajaj was one of the default choices in the scooter segment back in the day. Fast forward to 2023, Bajaj has 0 presence in the ICE scooter segment, after pulling the plug on Kristal DTSi 95cc. Bajaj made re-entry into the scooter segment with the launch of Chetak Electric scooter. In 2022, Bajaj managed to sell close to 30,000 units of Chetak in India. In 2023, that number is expected to double.But before that, Bajaj is getting ready to update Chetak. It has now type-approved a new variant for 2023. With the new Bajaj Chetak Premium homologated, one can expect more range. Battery capacity is still the same. But, there seem to be subtle changes in software and controller algorithms facilitating more range out of the same battery. This should be enough for visible gains in range from a single charge.2023 Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterLast year, we reported a power bump in Chetak. It was homologated in December 2021. There used to be two variants on offer with Bajaj Chetak, Urbane and Premium. This new type approval document mentions Chetak’s Premium variant only. This variant is mentioned as the base variant and is named Chetak 2423 Premium.In the previous type approval document, Both Chetak 2413 Premium and Chetak 2413 Urbane variants were listed with Premium being the base model. For MY2023 new Bajaj Chetak seems to be codenamed 2423 and only the Premium variant will be on offer. Battery specifications are still the same as before. We’re looking at a 50.4 V 57.24 Ah battery as before. This calculates to 2.884 kWh of battery energy, out of which 2.480 kWh is usable. Battery alone weighs 24.5 kg.2023 Bajaj Chetak Homologated – Launch SoonGVW for Bajaj Chetak is 283 kg, same as before. This should mean kerb weight is still 133 kg. Motor seems to be the same too with 4.2 kW of peak power and 4.0 kW of continuous power. On the surface, everything seems to be similar to the outgoing model. That said, with the new Bajaj Chetak homologated, Bajaj has provided where it counts. In its range. New model should go 108 km before needing a charge, as opposed to 90 km (Eco Mode) and 80 Km (Sports Mode) range with the outgoing model. Both indicated range were certified by AIS 040.Dimensions & PriceNew Bajaj Chetak is identical to the outgoing model in terms of dimensions. Since there are minimal changes, we hope Chetak retains its strengths like its metallic body, IP67-rated battery, 12” alloys with tubeless tyres, soft-touch switchgear with back-lighting, 18L boot space, 4L glove box, LED lighting, and keyless functionality.In keeping with competition like Ather, Ola, TVS iQube and Hero Vida, we hope Bajaj offers a TFT touchscreen display with Chetak 2423 Premium. Bajaj needs to focus more on attracting a younger tech-savvy audience with a host of features and gimmicks. A revamp of the company website providing thorough details about its product as easily as possible is necessary too.Pricing for the new Bajaj Chetak 2023 model should be identical to the outgoing model. Which is Rs. 1,54,189 (ex-sh) and is offered in 4 shades. They are Brooklyn Black, Hazel Nut, Indigo Metallic and Velluto Rosso. Launch might be very soon. As per Urbane variant, there is a possibility of it being reintroduced with the above-mentioned features and gimmicks in the future. More

At the time of its launch, Bajaj Chetak was one of the most powerful petrol scooters in IndiaOld Bajaj Chetak Scooter ModifiedThe current generation of millennials would resonate with an electric scooter when they hear the name Bajaj Chetak. But there is a large section of auto fanatics as well as mass consumers who would go back in time to the original petrol sipping Chetak. The two-stroke engine-powered scooter was no less than a revolution in India.First launched in the country way back in 1972, Chetak remained in production till 2005. Its design was originally based on Vespa Sprint but was later replaced by an all-new in-house design that shared a similar general appearance and style. During the peak of its popularity, this scooter had a waiting period that stretched to almost ten years.Restored Chetak 12 Volt ElectronicA 1993-produced model of Chetak has been restored by a person from Kerala. The restoration process has been discussed in detail in a video uploaded by MUNDODI VLOGS on YouTube. The video features a 12 Volt Electronic variant of the OG Chetak which was powered by a 145.45cc, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine that produced 7.5 bhp at 5500rpm and a peak torque of 10.8 Nm at 3500rpm.Prior to its restoration, the Chetak in discussion was in poor condition as rust had crept into most components of the scooter. For starters, the scooter rolls on 10-inch steel wheels shod with a 100/90 profile of tyres. The wheel rims, wheel hubs and front spring have been chrome plated that lends the scooter a retro charm.[embedded content][embedded content]Further, chrome-plated protective guard rails have been added to the front mudguard as well as the rear side panels. More chrome usage can be seen in the form of custom linings on the front fender and a stainless steel plate attached to the horn grille. Further, the rubber mats on the floorboard have been replaced by aluminium plating with proper drain holes to avoid rusting.An aftermarket side chrome-plated side stand has been added to the scooter which further accentuates its vintage appearance on it. The spare wheel which is normally found at the rear has been moved to the front glove area in order to provide a clean and sleek look to the tail section.As we can see, the engine is mounted on the right side of the scooter and the removable body panel comes with an aftermarket chrome plate for ventilation. It comes with a traditional split seat setup with a spring-loaded front seat for the rider. To add a fresh appeal, the scooter has been given a paint job and is now wrapped in a deep blue shade.Old Bajaj Chetak Scooter – Old vs ModifiedRestored EngineRestoration of the engine has also been done since rust had crept into the powertrain as well. Major components like the cylinder and piston head have been changed. Further, the engine cover has been plated with stainless steel and the entire engine has been powder coated with Zinc to avoid rusting. Also, a new carburettor has been added for a better air-fuel mixture. More

Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter sales are on the rise – With production started at new plant, expect Chetak sales to increase furtherNew Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterBajaj Auto Limited brought back the iconic Chetak scooter, this time in an electric avatar in October 2019. Since the date of launch, the Chetak e-scooter has noted outstanding success and has clocked 14,000 unit sales to date. The company also sits on order books of over 16,000 units.Last month, Bajaj inaugurated a new and exclusive electric vehicle manufacturing unit in Akurdi, Pune. Production has already started at the new plant. The new plant is set to boost production of the Chetak so as to meet this increased demand and is capable of manufacturing 5 lakh electric vehicles annually.Bajaj Auto will be investing nearly Rs 750 crore in this new manufacturing plant which currently employs close to 11,000 people directly and indirectly. This figure could increase once Bajaj starts manufacture of EVs for Husqvarna, KTM and Gas Gas.Bajaj Chetak Prices July 2022At the time of launch, Bajaj Chetak was offered in two variants of Urbane and Premium. These were priced at Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.15 lakh respectively (ex-showroom) and after FAME II subsidies. As per the latest update from their website, the Urbane variant is no longer on sale. It is only the Premium variant that is on offer. Prices of Bajaj Chetak electric scooter Premium variant for July 2022 is Rs 1,54,189. Last month prices were 1,41,440. This is an increase of Rs 12,749 or 9.01%. All prices are ex-sh.Bajaj Chetak Prices July 2022Contemporary in its styling, the Chetak is offered in colour options of Hazelnut, Velluto Russo (Red), Indigo Metallic (Blue) and Brooklyn Black. It comes in with LED headlamps, LED brake and tail lamps, a fully digital instrument cluster, tan coloured seating and disc brake. The Bajaj Chetak also receives features such as Bluetooth connectivity, app-based control, GPS navigation, keyless ignition, etc.Bajaj Chetak EV is powered via a 3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack paired with a 3.8kW electric motor developing 16 Nm torque at 1,400 rpm. It gets two riding modes of Eco and Sport and claims a range of 95 kms in single charge in Eco mode and upto 85 kms in Sport mode.The battery takes upto 5 hours for a full charge. It can charge from 0 to 25 percent in an hour. Acceleration from 0-40 km/h is achieved in 3.9 seconds while top speed is at 70 km/h. Bajaj Auto offers a 3 year/50,000 km warranty on the battery pack. The Bajaj Chetak e-scooter currently competes with the Ather 450X, TVS iQube and Ola S1 Pro in its segment.New Chetak Variant and New Electric ScooterNoting outstanding demand for the Chetak e-scooter, Bajaj Auto Limited has plans of launching a new Chetak variant in the months ahead. They also have plans to launch more electric scooters in the low and mid-speed segments. The company is also set to introduce an electric scooter under the Husqvarna brand which will also be produced from the new plant in Chakan. It will also be exported. More

Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterChetak has quite a few USPs including steel body, IP67 water resistance, soft-touch switches and solid gear driveAfter roughly two decades when Bajaj had made the shift from scooters to focus exclusively on motorcycles, the company re-entered the scooter segment with Chetak in 2020. At the time of its launch, Chetak electric scooter was offered only in Pune and Bengaluru. Since then, the company has continuously expanded Chetak’s presence in new states and cities.Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter – 20 cities coveredAs of now, Chetak is available across 11 states. These include Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Daman & Diu, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal. Chetak is available in 20 cities. It includes Visakhapatnam, Mapusa, Surat, Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Cochin, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad and Kolkata.Now that the pandemic situation has started to ease, Bajaj will be working on Chetak’s expansion plans in a more aggressive manner. According to Rakesh Sharma, executive director at Bajaj Auto, there are plans to double Chetak’s network over the next few weeks. It seems doable since Bajaj is primarily utilizing its existing KTM dealerships for Chetak. Some cities do have exclusive experience centres for Chetak.Established manufacturers like Bajaj have ready resources to make new products available across India at short notice. TVS also has this advantage, which it has been utilizing for its iQube electric scooter. TVS is also working proactively to make iQube available in more cities across the country.Sales Last 12 MonthsChetakiQubeFeb-21150203Mar-2190355Apr-21508307May-21310Jun-21452639Jul-21730540Aug-21364649Sep-21642766Oct-21835395Nov-21511699Dec-217281,212Jan-221,2681,529Avg Per Month526608Total6,3097,294In comparison, newer companies have to take care of both production and expanding the dealer network. Everything has to be done from scratch essentially. In electric two-wheeler space, startups like Ather Energy, Okinawa, Ampere, Revolt, etc. have had to face such challenges.Some startups like Ola Electric have taken a completely different approach, wherein the entire sales and after-sales process is managed online. Ola does not operate any dealerships, which can have significant advantages in terms of cost cutting and operations management. However, it remains to be seen if this radical approach to sales and distribution will continue to be beneficial with a larger customer base.Startups leadEven though established players like Bajaj and TVS have ready resources in terms of sales and distribution, it is startups that are leading in electric two-wheeler space. EVs from companies like Hero Electric, Okinawa, Ather, Ampere are currently ahead of Chetak and iQube in terms of sales. Several other startups including Ola Electric and Simple Energy will be fighting for the top slots in this space in coming months.While Chetak is a well-equipped scooter, its high pricing makes it inaccessible to a significant percentage of EV buyers. With no indications of a price revision, it appears that Bajaj will continue to position Chetak as a premium lifestyle EV product. Playing the numbers game with Chetak may not be the company’s priority right now. It is possible that an entirely new, affordably priced mass market product could be launched in future. More

Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterShortage of imported components could be among the reasons for introducing more localization for Chetak
Launched in January 2020, Bajaj Chetak electric scooter comes with USPs such as elegant design, sprightly colour options, metal body, connected tech and keyless start. However, as the pandemic began soon after its launch, Chetak wasn’t really able to unlock its full potential. Even now, shortage of semiconductor chips and other parts is being felt across the auto industry.
2022 Bajaj Chetak with increased localization
Things are expected to improve in future, as Bajaj is working on a new version of Chetak. It will have increased localization, which will reduce dependence on imported components. As revealed in Type Approval Certificate, one of the key changes is a new, more powerful motor. It generates 4.2kW of peak output and 4.0kW of max continuous output.
In comparison, current Chetak model is powered by a Bosch-sourced motor. It makes 4.08kW of peak power and 3.8kW of peak continuous output. It is likely that other key components such as battery pack could also witness a higher level of localization. With the Type Approval Certificate in place, new Chetak could be launched soon.
More affordable Chetak?
One thing that’s not clear is whether 2022 Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter will be more affordable than the current model. Usually, a higher level of localization helps to reduce production costs. Chetak can benefit from reduced pricing, as there’s intense competition in electric scooter space. There are multiple products that are not only cheaper, but also claim better performance and range than Chetak.
2022 Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Homologated
Bajaj Chetak is currently one of the costliest electric scooters in its class. Even with FAME subsidy, starting price is close to Rs 1.48 lakh in Delhi. At this price, it will be challenging to generate high sale volumes.
For most buyers, a price of around Rs 1 lakh (including FAME subsidy) will be far more agreeable. TVS iQube is a good example, which is priced at Rs 1.01 lakh in Delhi (inclusive of FAME II subsidy). iQube and Chetak are not very different in terms of performance, range and top speed.
One can also consider Ola S1 electric scooter, which is available for under Rs 1 lakh in several states. In Delhi, Ola S1 can be purchased at Rs 85,009 (effective ex-showroom including FAME II subsidy). It has better numbers (claimed) such as top speed of 90 kmph and range of 121 km.
Bajaj new EV plant
To strengthen its presence in EV space, Bajaj is currently building a new EV plant in Pune. The location is the same where original petrol-powered Chetak was once manufactured. New Bajaj EV plant is being built at an investment of Rs 300 crore (approx. USD 40 million). When working at full capacity, the plant will be able to manufacture 5 lakh EVs per year.
EVs to be manufactured at the new plant include scooters, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Apart from Chetak, Husqvarna electric scooter and motorcycles will also be manufactured at this facility. EVs manufactured here will cater to both domestic and international markets. More