India’s transportation landscape is rapidly evolving, and at the center of this transformation stands the Bajaj Chetak EV, now available with a starting down payment of just ₹15,000. This price point marks a turning point in the accessibility of electric vehicles (EVs) for the average Indian commuter. At a time when petrol prices show no signs of stabilizing and environmental concerns continue to mount, the Chetak EV offers a compelling alternative that’s not only economical but also environmentally responsible.
Bajaj Auto has reintroduced this iconic nameplate with modern electric technology, aiming to cater to urban riders who seek convenience, low running costs, and clean energy solutions. The ₹15,000 initial cost is part of a broader financing model that opens the gates of electric mobility to a much wider section of the population, including students, daily commuters, and small business owners.
More than just an electric scooter, the Bajaj Chetak EV is a symbol of smart investment, reduced carbon footprint, and stylish urban living. Combining Bajaj’s decades-long legacy with state-of-the-art design, the scooter brings nostalgic value along with futuristic function.
The Chetak Legacy: Old Name, New Identity
Few Indian scooters have had the kind of cultural and emotional resonance as the original Bajaj Chetak. First launched in the 1970s, it became the go-to choice for Indian households due to its reliability, long life, and affordability. Fast forward to the 2020s, and the Chetak returns this time running silently on electricity but proudly carrying its heritage forward.
The design of the Chetak EV reflects its roots while embracing the future. With its metallic body panels, LED DRLs, chrome accents, and curved profile, the scooter has an instantly recognizable yet refreshed appearance. It blends traditional styling with modern craftsmanship, giving it an edge over many contemporary EV competitors that rely on plastic-heavy builds.
Its appeal lies not only in its aesthetics but also in how it performs on real Indian roads. Whether it’s maneuvering through congested city lanes or gliding across wide avenues, the Chetak EV maintains stability, agility, and control.
Performance Built for the City
The Bajaj Chetak EV is equipped with a 3.8kW BLDC motor delivering 16Nm of torque, capable of quick and smooth acceleration that’s ideal for city traffic conditions. The scooter boasts a top speed of 70 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 40 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, making it responsive in start-stop conditions.
Riders can switch between three riding modes Eco, Ride, and Sport to suit varying traffic and range preferences. The Eco Mode is particularly useful for conserving battery in traffic-heavy zones, while Sport Mode offers the quickest throttle response.
The real-world riding range is up to 108 km per charge, making it practical for office commutes, home-to-market runs, or college trips. This range addresses one of the primary concerns potential EV buyers have: range anxiety.
Battery, Charging, and Durability
The Chetak EV’s removable lithium-ion battery is both powerful and convenient. It can be charged using any standard 5A home socket, taking around 5 hours for a full charge. With fast charging, the battery can reach 80% capacity in just 1 hour, provided you use Bajaj’s authorized charging stations.
In terms of durability, the IP67-certified battery and motor are resistant to dust and water, making the scooter suitable for year-round use, including monsoon season. The scooter also incorporates a Battery Management System (BMS), which prevents overheating and extends battery lifespan.
Smart Features and Digital Integration
The Chetak EV offers advanced features tailored to today’s digital lifestyles. Through the Chetak mobile app, riders can connect their smartphones to the scooter for real-time data access and control.
- Battery Status Monitoring
- Ride History and Usage Statistics
- Anti-Theft Alerts and Geofencing
- Over-the-Air Software Updates (OTA)
- Remote Lock/Unlock and GPS Tracking
The scooter also features a full-color TFT digital display, which shows speed, range, battery percentage, and mode all clearly visible even in direct sunlight. This ensures a premium user experience that is both informative and interactive.
Ownership Costs and EMI Plans
While the ex-showroom price of the Bajaj Chetak EV starts from ₹1.15 lakh, the ₹15,000 down payment plan brings it within reach of a much larger audience. This is part of a customizable EMI model, where users can choose a repayment tenure ranging from 12 to 60 months.
To further ease the burden on buyers, Bajaj includes several value-added services:
Free Benefits with Purchase
- 3-Year Warranty or 50,000 km
- 1-Year Roadside Assistance
- Free Maintenance for the First Three Services
- Special Buyback Option After 3 Years
- Corporate Bulk Discounts for Fleet Buyers
Such bundled services not only reduce overall ownership costs but also enhance post-sale satisfaction.
Real-World Cost Comparison
When evaluating electric scooters, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over 5 years becomes the most critical financial metric. Here’s a direct comparison between a standard petrol scooter and the Bajaj Chetak EV for daily use of 30 km.
5-Year Cost Comparison
| Category | Petrol Scooter | Bajaj Chetak EV |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | ₹90,000 | ₹1,15,000 |
| Fuel/Electricity | ₹137,500 | ₹13,750 |
| Maintenance | ₹25,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Total 5-Year Cost | ₹252,500 | ₹138,750 |
| Total Savings | — | ₹113,750 |
Even without factoring in government subsidies or rising fuel prices, the EV outperforms in long-term savings.
State and Central Government Incentives
The Chetak EV is eligible for both FAME II incentives and state-level EV subsidies, which can reduce the effective purchase price by ₹15,000 to ₹25,000, depending on your location. Many states also waive registration fees and road tax, adding to the total cost benefit.
| State | Approx. Subsidy (₹) | Road Tax/Reg. Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹22,500 | 100% Waiver |
| Maharashtra | ₹20,000 | Road Tax Waived |
| Gujarat | ₹25,000 | Full Exemption |
| Karnataka | ₹15,000 | Road Tax Exempted |
Moreover, buyers who finance their EV purchase can claim Income Tax benefits under Section 80EEB, further enhancing affordability.
Eco Impact and the Bigger Picture
Switching to the Chetak EV is not just about saving money—it’s about choosing a greener future. The average petrol scooter emits 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Replacing just 100,000 petrol scooters with Chetak EVs can potentially save 150,000 tonnes of emissions each year.
With India aiming for 30% EV penetration by 2030, Bajaj’s move to make EVs more accessible could have far-reaching environmental and social impact. Additionally, the localization of manufacturing supports job creation and reduces the country’s reliance on fuel imports.
A Smart Investment for Every Indian Rider
With its heritage appeal, cutting-edge tech, competitive pricing, and green credentials, the Bajaj Chetak EV is more than a scooter—it’s a movement toward intelligent mobility. It answers every major concern an Indian commuter may have: affordability, range, speed, maintenance, and reliability.
For just ₹15,000 upfront, you are not just buying a scooter—you’re investing in a cleaner, cheaper, and smarter lifestyle.