The automotive giant unveils two new variants of its flagship Chetak electric scooter priced between INR 1.27 lakh, featuring enhanced battery capacity and plans for international expansion.
Bajaj Auto, one of India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has strengthened its position in the electric vehicle segment with the launch of two new premium variants of its iconic Chetak scooter. The company unveiled the new 35-Series at a launch event in Mumbai, marking a significant step in its electrification journey.
The new Chetak variants, priced competitively between INR 1.2 lakh and INR 1.27 lakh, showcase significant improvements over their predecessors. The updated models feature a lighter design architecture and an enhanced battery capacity of 3.5 kWh, promising a real-world range of 125 kilometers on a single charge.
In a strategic move that signals the company’s global ambitions, Bajaj Auto announced plans to begin exporting the Chetak 35-Series to international markets by the first quarter of FY25. “We are definitely looking at exports of the Chetak 35-Series, and are looking at a dozen markets. Exports can begin within the next 6 months or so,” said Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Bajaj Auto, during the launch event.
The new Chetak variants come equipped with a host of modern features, including a 5-inch touch TFT screen, integrated navigation, and advanced safety features such as geo-fencing, theft alerts, and accident detection. The redesigned platform offers increased space, with an extended floorboard and a longer single-piece seat, improving overall rider comfort.
To meet the anticipated demand, Bajaj Auto has outlined ambitious production targets. The company plans to scale up manufacturing of the new series to 60,000 units per month within the next three quarters. This production ramp-up comes at a crucial time when the electric two-wheeler market in India is witnessing intense competition.
The launch comes amid changing dynamics in the electric two-wheeler segment. Recent data from Vahan shows that while monthly registrations dropped by 18% to 1.14 lakh units in November, year-on-year growth remained strong at 23.5%. This indicates the sector’s resilience despite short-term fluctuations.
Industry analyst Rahul Mishra from EV Market Research notes, “Bajaj’s move to launch premium electric variants while simultaneously planning affordable versions shows their understanding of market segmentation. Their export strategy could potentially establish India as a major hub for electric two-wheeler manufacturing.”
The implications for India’s startup ecosystem, particularly in the EV space, are significant. As established players like Bajaj Auto enter with premium offerings, it could drive innovation among startups in areas such as battery technology, charging infrastructure, and connected vehicle solutions.
Looking ahead, Bajaj Auto’s commitment to launching both premium and affordable versions of the Chetak, coupled with its export plans, positions the company to capture a significant share of the growing global electric two-wheeler market.
