Bajaj Chetak 35 Electric Scooter Launched: 150 KM Range and an Unbeatable Price Tag of ₹99,999!
The iconic Chetak nameplate has always held a special place in the hearts of Indian families, and Bajaj is now looking to rekindle that magic with its latest electric offering: the Bajaj Chetak 35. This new variant arrives with a compelling combination of an impressive 150 km range and an aggressive starting price of just ₹99,999 (ex-showroom, post-FAME II subsidies). This isn’t just another electric scooter; it’s a direct shot at the heart of the EV market, aiming to dethrone rivals like the TVS iQube and Ola S1 Air. But does the Chetak 35 live up to the legacy and offer true value for money?
Price & Variants: The ₹99,999 Game-Changer
Bajaj has strategically priced the Chetak 35 to make it incredibly attractive, especially with the sub-₹1 Lakh starting price for the base variant.
- Expected Ex-Showroom Price (Base Variant): ₹99,999 (post-FAME II subsidy). This is a masterstroke, making it one of the most affordable long-range electric scooters.
- Expected On-Road Price: Expect the on-road price for the base Chetak 35 to hover around ₹1.05 Lakh to ₹1.15 Lakh, depending on your city and state-specific subsidies. Bajaj will likely offer a few variants, with the top model potentially breaching the ₹1.30 Lakh mark, offering more features and possibly a slightly enhanced range or performance.
Range & Battery (Kitna Chalti Hai?): 150 KM of Confidence
The Bajaj Chetak 35 boasts an ARAI-certified range of 150 kilometers on a single charge. This is a significant improvement and addresses one of the biggest concerns for potential electric scooter buyers – range anxiety.
The scooter is equipped with a high-quality lithium-ion battery pack, though the exact capacity (kWh) is still to be confirmed. The key to its improved range lies in a combination of a more efficient motor, optimized power management software, and possibly a slightly larger battery pack compared to the outgoing Chetak models. In real-world urban commuting, you can expect a practical range of 120-130 km, which is more than sufficient for most daily commutes and even occasional longer rides without needing to constantly look for a charging point. Charging time is expected to be around 4-5 hours for a full charge using a standard home charger.
Features & Design: Retro Charm Meets Modern Tech
The Chetak 35 successfully marries its timeless retro design with modern electric vehicle technology, creating a scooter that is both stylish and functional.
- Design: It retains the classic, all-metal body design that gives it a premium feel and robust build quality. The sleek lines, round LED headlamp, and integrated indicators keep the Chetak’s signature aesthetic alive, while subtle updates give it a fresh look.
- Technology: The scooter features a digital instrument cluster that displays speed, range, battery level, and ride modes. While it might not have the large touchscreen of some rivals, it focuses on intuitive and practical information. It also comes with smartphone connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation and remote diagnostics.
- Convenience: Keyless start, reverse mode, and spacious under-seat storage are expected features. The comfortable seating position and stable ride quality are hallmarks of the Chetak brand.
Rival Comparison: A Fierce Contest
The Chetak 35 enters a highly competitive segment. How does it stack up?
- vs. TVS iQube S: The iQube S offers a certified range of 100-145 km (depending on variant) and is priced around ₹1.25 Lakh. The Chetak 35 matches or slightly exceeds the iQube’s range while potentially undercutting it on price.
- vs. Ola S1 Air: Ola’s S1 Air, with a certified range of 125 km and a price tag of around ₹1.10 Lakh, is a direct competitor. The Chetak 35 offers more range for a similar or slightly lower price, plus the advantage of Bajaj’s established dealer network.
- vs. Ather Rizta: Ather’s new family-focused scooter, the Rizta, also targets practicality and range. The Chetak 35 will go head-to-head, offering a different design philosophy but similar practicality.
Value-for-Money Analysis: Who Should Choose the Chetak 35?
- Who should consider this scooter? The Bajaj Chetak 35 is ideal for urban commuters who want a stylish, reliable, and practical electric scooter with excellent range. It’s perfect for families looking for a secondary vehicle that is cheap to run and easy to maintain. Buyers who appreciate the build quality of a metal body and Bajaj’s widespread service network will find it particularly appealing.
- Who shouldn’t? Performance enthusiasts looking for blistering acceleration or a highly futuristic, tablet-like dashboard might find the Chetak 35 a bit too understated. Also, those prioritizing the absolute lowest initial purchase price might find other basic EVs slightly cheaper, albeit with less range and features.
Buyer Advice: The Expert’s Take
Here’s my take for potential buyers:
- If you value a balanced package of classic design, robust build quality, an excellent 150 km range, and Bajaj’s reliability at an aggressive price, then GO FOR THE CHETAK 35. It hits a sweet spot for practical EV ownership.
- If you prefer raw performance and a highly digital, tech-heavy user experience, consider the top variants of Ola or Ather. However, be prepared for potentially higher costs or slightly less range compared to the Chetak 35.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Final Verdict: A Sensible and Stylish BUY
The Bajaj Chetak 35 is poised to be a game-changer. By combining the emotional connect of the Chetak brand, a highly practical 150 km range, and an aggressive sub-₹1 Lakh starting price, Bajaj has crafted a winner. It’s a sensible, stylish, and long-range electric scooter that offers immense value for money. For the discerning Indian buyer, this is a definite BUY.
