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Revolution in Electric Mobility
In a move that has electrified the Indian automotive industry, Bajaj Auto has unveiled the next generation of its legendary Chetak scooter—a thoroughly reimagined electric vehicle featuring what the company calls a “Dhansu” (impressive) design language and a game-changing 650 km range that catapults it ahead of every electric two-wheeler currently available in the market.
“This isn’t just another iteration of the Chetak EV,” declared Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, at the spectacular launch event in Mumbai. “This represents a fundamental rethinking of what’s possible in the electric two-wheeler space. We’ve combined breakthrough battery technology with our heritage of design excellence to create what we believe is the most compelling electric vehicle in India today.”
Heritage Meets Cutting-Edge Technology
The original Bajaj Chetak, launched in 1972, became an iconic symbol of middle-class Indian mobility for decades before production ceased in 2006. The nameplate was revived in 2019 with the first-generation Chetak EV, which, while stylish and reliable, offered modest performance and range compared to the new model.
This 2025 Chetak EV represents a dramatic evolution both aesthetically and technically. While preserving the distinctive silhouette that makes a Chetak instantly recognizable, designers have incorporated futuristic elements that give the scooter what Bajaj calls its “Dhansu” appearance—a Hindi slang term that translates roughly to “impressively powerful” or “awesome.”
Revolutionary Battery Technology
The headline-grabbing 650 km range—more than triple what most competitors offer—comes courtesy of proprietary battery technology developed in partnership with an undisclosed international technology firm. Industry sources suggest Bajaj has implemented a silicon-anode lithium-ion battery pack with energy density approaching 400 Wh/kg, far exceeding current industry standards.
| Battery Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Silicon-anode lithium-ion with proprietary cooling system |
| Battery Capacity | 7.8 kWh (removable in two modules) |
| Energy Density | ~400 Wh/kg |
| Rated Range | 650 km in Eco mode, 450 km in Normal mode, 300 km in Sport mode |
| Fast Charging | 0-80% in 45 minutes with DC fast charging |
| Standard Charging | 0-100% in 4.5 hours with supplied 15A charger |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/160,000 km |
| Battery Swap Option | Available at select Bajaj network stations |
The battery pack is split into two removable modules weighing approximately 7 kg each, allowing owners to charge batteries indoors or even carry a spare for extended journeys. The system is also compatible with Bajaj’s nascent battery swap network, currently being piloted in six metropolitan areas.
Performance That Exceeds Expectations
The new Chetak EV isn’t just about extended range—it delivers performance that challenges many conventional scooters and motorcycles:
| Performance Metrics | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Motor Type | Permanent magnet AC motor with liquid cooling |
| Peak Power | 8.2 kW (11 hp) |
| Continuous Power | 4.5 kW (6 hp) |
| Maximum Torque | 30 Nm |
| Top Speed | 95 km/h (limited) |
| Acceleration (0-40 km/h) | 2.8 seconds |
| Drive Modes | Eco, Normal, Sport, Reverse, Crawl |
| Hill-climb Ability | 18° gradient with passenger |
These specifications position the new Chetak EV as a genuine performance option rather than merely an economical commuter, expanding its appeal to enthusiasts who previously dismissed electric scooters as underpowered alternatives to conventional vehicles.
“Dhansu” Design Elements
The striking new design language incorporates several distinctive elements that set the scooter apart visually:
- Illuminated LED light strip that encircles the entire front apron
- Crystal-inspired multi-faceted headlamp with adaptive brightness
- Aerodynamically optimized body panels that reduce drag coefficient by 15%
- Floating seat design with premium contrast stitching
- Transparent blue elements in the side panels that showcase technology components
- Aluminum structural elements exposed as design features
- Illuminated Chetak emblem that serves as the taillight centerpiece
“We wanted a design that honors the Chetak legacy while boldly moving it into the future,” explains Pratap Bose, Chief Design Officer. “The term ‘Dhansu’ perfectly captures our approach—it’s respectful of tradition but unafraid to break new ground.”
Advanced Technology Integration
The technology package on the new Chetak EV sets new standards for two-wheeler connectivity and user experience:
| Technology Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch TFT touchscreen with anti-glare coating |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi, NFC |
| Navigation | Turn-by-turn with offline maps |
| Security | Geofencing, remote immobilization, motion alerts |
| Smartphone Integration | Dedicated app with remote monitoring and control |
| Voice Assistant | Built-in AI assistant with natural language processing |
| Rider Safety | Blind spot detection, proximity warning system |
| Automated Riding | Assisted parking, low-speed maneuvering assistance |
| OTA Updates | Regular over-the-air software upgrades |
The system also features what Bajaj calls “Predictive Range Technology”—an AI-driven system that learns rider patterns and adjusts range predictions based on individual riding style, route topology, traffic conditions, and even weather forecasts.
Pricing Strategy and Market Positioning
Perhaps as surprising as the technical specifications is the aggressive pricing strategy Bajaj has adopted:
| Variant | Ex-showroom Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Chetak EV Urbane | 1,24,999 |
| Chetak EV Premium | 1,49,999 |
| Chetak EV Premium+ | 1,74,999 |
| Chetak EV Velocity | 1,94,999 |
This pricing positions the base variant competitively against conventional 125cc scooters when factoring in government incentives and operating cost savings, while the premium variants target customers who might otherwise consider 200-250cc motorcycles or compact cars for their daily commute.
Bajaj has achieved this pricing through vertical integration—the company now manufactures battery cells domestically through a joint venture—and scale economies from their global partnership with KTM and Triumph.
Comparison with Key Competitors
The new Chetak EV’s specifications place it substantially ahead of current market offerings:
| Model | Range (km) | Top Speed (km/h) | Price Range (₹ lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Chetak EV (2025) | 650 | 95 | 1.25-1.95 |
| Ola S1 Pro | 181 | 115 | 1.30-1.50 |
| Ather 450X | 157 | 90 | 1.40-1.60 |
| TVS iQube | 140 | 82 | 1.00-1.40 |
| Simple One | 236 | 105 | 1.09-1.45 |
Production and Availability
Bajaj has invested ₹1,100 crore in expanding its Akurdi plant in Pune, which now has capacity to produce 25,000 units monthly. The company has also committed to an additional investment of ₹2,500 crore over the next three years to further expand production and continue R&D in electric mobility.
Pre-bookings will open next month with a refundable deposit of ₹5,000, and deliveries are scheduled to commence in September 2025. Bajaj anticipates high demand and has implemented a transparent queue management system visible through their app, allowing customers to track their order status in real-time.
Quick FAQs
What is the range of the new Bajaj Chetak EV? 650 km in Eco mode, making it the longest-range electric two-wheeler in India.
How long does it take to charge the battery? 0-100% in 4.5 hours with the standard charger, or 0-80% in 45 minutes with DC fast charging.
Can the battery be removed for charging? Yes, the battery splits into two 7 kg modules that can be removed for charging indoors.
What is the top speed of the Chetak EV? 95 km/h, electronically limited for optimal efficiency and safety.
How much does the base model cost? ₹1,24,999 (ex-showroom) for the Urbane variant before applicable subsidies.
Does it support fast charging? Yes, it supports DC fast charging that delivers 0-80% charge in 45 minutes.
What warranty does Bajaj offer? 3 years/unlimited km for the vehicle and 8 years/160,000 km for the battery.
Is the Chetak EV connected? Yes, it features 4G connectivity with GPS, smartphone integration, and OTA updates.
How many variants are available? Four variants: Urbane, Premium, Premium+, and Velocity with different features and range capabilities.
When will deliveries begin? September 2025, with pre-bookings opening next month.
