Bajaj To Launch Electric Chetak On October 16?

Bajaj is likely to launch a new electric two-wheeler on October 16; we expect it to be the electric Chetak.

Bajaj could also announce future electric products as well as their launch timelines at the event.

The upcoming electric scooter will get a retro design with modern features and underpinnings.

Bajaj has sent a press invite for a major announcement on October 16. The event will be attended by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari, and CEO of Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant. Since these two dignitaries have been present at all major electric and alternative fuel-powered vehicle launches over the last couple of years, we can safely assume that Bajaj could launch an electric vehicle on October 16.

While Bajaj has not revealed any more details, all evidence points towards an electric scooter from its Urbanite sub-brand. Bajaj had earlier revealed that its upcoming electric scooter would be named the Chetak and spy shots of the scooter undergoing tests in Pune suggest that it could very well be the one that it likely to be showcased at the upcoming event.

Also read: Bajaj Urbanite Chetak Electric Scooter: What To Expect?

While Bajaj has been tight-lipped about its upcoming electric two-wheeler, the spotted test mules gave us an inkling of what to expect. For starters, the e-scooter seems to sport a retro design. In fact, when viewed from the front, it could easily be mistaken for a Vespa! However, the rear panels are bulbous like conventional 110cc scooters. It seems to get modern features though, like an LED headlamp and an LED tail lamp and even a digital instrument console. Like its competitors, the Chetak could get features like Bluetooth connectivity, geo-fencing, and more.

According to sources within the company, we know that Bosch is closely involved with developing the electric powertrain for the Chetak. While no other details about the powertrain are available, our colleague who spotted the test mule informed us that the e-scooter seemed to get up to speed pretty quickly and easily sustained speeds of around 70kmph. This indicates a powerful motor underneath. We expect the electric Chetak to get a lightweight lithium-ion battery pack as well.

Visually, the e-scooter appears to be running on 12-inch wheels on both ends. Like old-school scooters, it gets a single-sided trailing link suspension at the front while the rear could feature a single-sided shock absorber. The test mule featured a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear. So expect these to appear in the final production version as well.

Earlier, Bajaj informed us that it will be targeting the premium two-wheeled electric segment. So we could expect the upcoming Chetak to feature premium parts and a premium price tag as well. Likely to cost around Rs 1.1 lakh (on-road), the e-Chetak will compete with the Ather 450 when launched later next year. More details coming soon.