Bajaj Auto recorded a 3.5-fold sales increase in the latest fiscal year (April 2023 - March 2024) compared to the previous year. The bikemaker will also expand its network of Chetak dealerships from 200 to 600 across the country. To top it all off, Bajaj has announced plans to introduce a more affordable variant to the Chetak range soon. The upcoming variant is anticipated to be an entry-level model, priced at approximately 1 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it below the Urbane version. For the uninitiated, the standard Bajaj Chetak was given a thorough update and a price hike earlier this year. The current price range of the scooter starts at Rs 1.23 lakh and goes up to Rs 1.47 lakh. All mentioned prices are ex-showroom figures.
Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Bajaj Auto, disclosed the news to the media during the company's most recent earnings call. Sharma stated that the new offering will have more "mass appeal," but did not provide any further details. The entry-level Chetak will most likely have a hub motor and a smaller battery pack to keep costs down, allowing the makers to price the product more competitively.
Also Read: Bajaj Chetak to Become More Affordable Soon with New Variant Launch
Bajaj Chetak Variant: Key Details
The demand for a more affordable model arises as a result of the recent price increase in the electric scooter market. With the FAME subsidy discontinued and the interim EMPS incentive in effect until July this year, prices have gone up across the board. However, to avoid discouraging buyers, most manufacturers have resorted to marginal price increases.
First off, unlike the standard model's metallic and upscale-appearing colour options, the budget-friendly Bajaj Chetak will likely come in solid paint jobs. Moreover, the Urbane and Premium versions' alloy wheels could be replaced with steel ones on the scooter. By providing drum brakes at both ends, Bajaj can further reduce expenses. On the feature front, the model may come with a basic negative-LCD unit, just like the older version. The details related to the upcoming variant's battery pack and motor are still under wraps. However, the manufacturer is expected to use the same mechanical components as the Urbane variant.
In our market, the more reasonably priced Bajaj Chetak will compete against models like the TVS iQube, Ola S1 X, and the recently released Ather Rizta.
Also Read: 2024 Bajaj Chetak Premium Launched in India at Rs 1.35 Lakh, Claims 127Km Range
Bajaj Chetak India Lineup
Bajaj Auto is currently selling two electric scooters in the Chetak lineup: the Urbane (Rs 1.23 lakh) and the Premium (Rs 1.47 lakh). Prices are ex-showroom. The former has a 2.9kWh battery that can go 113 kilometres on a full charge, according to IDC certification. The standard Urbane has a top speed of 63km/h and only one riding mode: Eco. However, you can accelerate to a top speed of 73km/h with a TecPac upgrade. This special pack offers two riding modes (Eco and Sport), hill hold, reverse mode, and smartphone connectivity.
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