Bajaj Chetak Gen-2: The 35 range
Considering the December 2024 sales data in isolation, Bajaj Chetak is India's best-selling electric scooter. This is an extraordinary month, as Bajaj has finally edged past Ola Electric in sales.
Bajaj has launched the Chetak Gen-2 to add to the momentum. This generation has three models: 3501, 3501, and 3503. The 35 indicates the 3.5kWh battery size.
While the exteriors of the new Chetak look the same as the old model, this is a comprehensively changed scooter. The frame is all-new, and the wheelbase has been stretched. This allows the battery to move under the floorboard and also grow in size. The battery is also encased in Aluminium, though it is not structural. The increased dimensions also mean the seat is longer, the floorboard is bigger, and the new Chetak offers 35-liter under-seat space. Bajaj says that it is the biggest under-seat space in the market.
The motor specs remain the same, though Bajaj said they had re-winded the motor to make it more efficient. The top speed is maintained at 73kph. The new Chetak has a claimed range of 153 km.
On the top model 3501, the 950W charger is onboard. This saves space inside the boot that the offboard charger would otherwise occupy.
The new Chetak also comes with a touch TFT, something Bajaj has shied away from until now.
The improvements and changes mean that the Chetak now bests most competition on everything except acceleration and top speed.
Impact
Bajaj Auto is now the leader in the Indian electric scooter market with Ola Electric relegated to the third spot after Bajaj and TVS. The new Chetak looks similar but is comprehensively different, the most important changes being the repositioning of the battery pack and (as a result) more storage space under the seat.
