New Delhi: Bajaj Auto, one of the largest two-wheeler makers in India, has launched two new variants of its electric scooter Chetak, which is one of the most popular EVs in the country. The new variants, Chetak Urbane and Chetak Premium offer improved features and performance at a lower price than the existing model.
The Chetak Urbane is the entry-level variant priced at Rs 1.15 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It has a single-tone color option, drum brakes, and steel wheels. The Chetak Premium is the higher-end variant, which is priced at Rs 1.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It offers a dual-tone color option, disc brakes, and alloy wheels. Both variants have a 4 kW BLDC motor, a 3 kWh lithium-ion battery, and a claimed range of 95 km in eco mode and 85 km in sport mode. They also have a digital instrument cluster, LED lights, keyless start, reverse assist, and smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth.
The new variants of Chetak are cheaper than the Ola S1 Pro (Rs 1,47,499) and the Ather 450X (Rs 1,37,999), which are the top-selling electric scooters in India. Bajaj Auto claims that the Chetak offers better value for money, as it has a lower cost of ownership and maintenance than its rivals. The company also provides a three-year or 50,000 km warranty on the battery and the motor.
Bajaj Auto launched the Chetak in 2019, reviving the iconic brand name that was associated with its best-selling petrol scooter in the past. Since then, the company has sold over 1 lakh units of Chetak EVs, making it one of the most successful EVs in India. The company plans to expand its production capacity and dealership network to meet the growing demand for electric two-wheelers in the country.