Bajaj Auto expands electric scooter lineup with new Chetak 2901

Additional features of the Chetak 2901 include a coloured digital console, alloy wheels, and Bluetooth connectivity.

In its bid to take on its its peers which have come up with affordable models in the Electric two-Wheeler (E2W) market, Bajaj Auto Ltd. has unveiled its latest offering — Chetak 2901- priced at Rs 95,998 (ex-showroom). Positioned as an affordable and efficient commuting option, new variant of Chetak electric scooter will be retailed from June 15 across 500+  showrooms in the country.

Equipped with a 2.8 kWh battery pack, Chetak 2901 has an ARAI-certified range of 123 km per charge and a top speed of 63 km per hour. Bajaj Auto claims that the new variant of Chetak is equipped with a “sturdy metal body” and “advanced technological features”.

Eric Vas, President, Urbanite, Bajaj Auto Ltd., stated, “The Chetak 2901 is designed, specced and priced to attract customers who are currently purchasing a petrol scooter to a proper full size metal body electric scooter that can match and exceed a petrol scooter, without denting their wallet.”

To be sold along with the Chetak Urbane (priced at at Rs 1.23 lakh) and the Chetak Premium ( available at Rs 1.47 lakh), the newly available electric scooter will be available in five colours: Red, White, Black, Lime Yellow, and Azure Blue.  Bookings for the new Chetak 2901 are currently open on the company’s website.

Additional features of the Chetak 2901 include a coloured digital console, alloy wheels, and Bluetooth connectivity. Customers can also opt for the TecPac upgrade, which offers advanced functionalities such as Hill Hold, Reverse, Sport and Economy modes, Call and Music Control, Follow Me Home lights, and Bluetooth app connectivity, as claimed by Bajaj Auto.

“We believe Chetak 2901 shall dramatically expand the electric scooter market,” added Vaz.

The Chetak Premium, Chetak Urbane, and Chetak 2901 have all received approval for the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) subsidy from the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and will also part of the Indian government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Electric Vehicles (EVs).

The affordable Chetak is launched close on the heels of TVS Motor Company coming up with the base variant of iQube for Rs 94,999.  While E2W market leader Ola Electric Mobility had also slashed the starting price of its S1X model (4 kWh) to Rs 69,999, Ather Energy introduced its family scooter Rizta at a starting price of Rs 1.1 lakh.

During FY24, E2W sales touched nearly 9,42,088 units,  up around 30 per cent YoY, as per Vahan data. While Ola led the sales with 45 percent share,  TVS  is at the second position at 15 percent share, followed by Bajaj Auto coming third with 13 percent markethare.  Ather has cornered 8 percent of the market.