In the bustling streets of India, where the air once hummed with the distinctive putt-putt of scooters, a new sound is emerging – the whisper-quiet whir of electric motors.
At the forefront of this revolution stands a familiar name with a fresh face: the Bajaj Chetak EV. This isn’t just another entry in the burgeoning electric vehicle market; it’s the rebirth of a legend, reimagined for the 21st century.
The original Chetak, named after the legendary horse of Maharana Pratap, galloped through Indian roads for decades, becoming a symbol of middle-class aspiration and reliability.
Now, in 2025, the Chetak has shed its petrol-powered heart for an electric soul, but the spirit of innovation and dependability that Bajaj instilled in the original lives on.
A Design That Turns Heads
At first glance, the 2025 Bajaj Chetak EV is a sight to behold. It’s as if the designers at Bajaj took a time machine to the 1960s, kidnapped the most stylish scooter they could find, and infused it with futuristic elements. The result is a scooter that pays homage to its roots while firmly planting its wheels in the future.
The classic silhouette remains, but it’s been refined and modernized. Chrome accents catch the sunlight, contrasting beautifully with the sleek body panels available in a palette of colors that would make a peacock jealous.
The Chetak comes in four eye-catching shades: Matte Coarse Grey for the urban sophisticate, Indigo Metallic for those with a royal touch, Cyber White for the tech-savvy rider, and Brooklyn Black for those who prefer their rides with a dash of mystery.
But it’s not just about looks. The design is functional too. The seat is spacious and comfortable, perfect for navigating through city traffic or taking a leisurely ride to the outskirts.
The under-seat storage is generous, offering 35 liters of space – enough to fit a helmet and then some. It’s these thoughtful touches that show Bajaj hasn’t forgotten what made the original Chetak a household name.
Power and Performance: Silent but Deadly (to Pollution)
Under its retro-futuristic skin, the Chetak EV is all about 21st-century technology. The heart of this electric steed is a robust motor that delivers power smoothly and efficiently.
While Bajaj has been coy about the exact specifications, riders report a peppy performance that’s more than adequate for urban environments.
The 2025 model boasts an impressive range of 137 kilometers on a single charge. This isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; it’s a promise of freedom.
It means you can go about your daily commute, run errands, and still have enough juice left for an impromptu evening ride without the nagging anxiety of range depletion.
Charging the Chetak is a breeze, thanks to its 950W on-board charger. Plug it in overnight, and you’ll wake up to a fully charged scooter ready to tackle the day. For those in a hurry, the battery can be charged from 0 to 80% in just 3 hours – about the time it takes to enjoy a leisurely lunch and catch up on some reading.
The Chetak isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about enjoying the journey. With a top speed of 73 kmph, it’s quick enough to keep up with city traffic and even venture onto highways.
The instant torque characteristic of electric motors means that twist of the throttle results in immediate response – perfect for those quick getaways at traffic lights or navigating through tight spots.
Tech-Savvy Features for the Modern Rider
Step into the cockpit of the Chetak EV, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by technology that would make even the most discerning gadget enthusiast nod in approval.
The crown jewel is the new touch-enabled TFT display that serves as the command center for your ride. This isn’t just a speedometer; it’s a window into the soul of your scooter.
The display provides all the essential information at a glance – speed, range, battery level – but it goes further. It offers turn-by-turn navigation, ensuring you never lose your way in the urban jungle.
The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair your smartphone, enabling features like call notifications and music control. Imagine cruising down Marine Drive in Mumbai, the sea breeze in your hair, your favorite tunes playing through your helmet speakers, all controlled from the handlebar.
But the tech isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety too. The Chetak comes equipped with features like geo-fencing and anti-theft alerts.
Park your scooter, set the perimeter, and if anyone tries to move it, you’ll be notified immediately. It’s like having a digital watchdog for your beloved ride.
Riding Experience: Smooth as Silk
The proof of any pudding is in the eating, and the proof of any scooter is in the riding. Here, the Chetak EV shines brighter than the chrome on its fenders. The ride is smooth – smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy.
The low center of gravity, thanks to the battery placement, gives the scooter excellent stability, making it a joy to maneuver through tight city streets.
The suspension setup, with telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, soaks up bumps and potholes with aplomb.
It’s as if the engineers at Bajaj took a map of every pothole-ridden street in India and designed the suspension specifically to handle them.
One of the most delightful aspects of riding the Chetak EV is the silence. Gone is the constant drone of a petrol engine. Instead, you’re treated to a near-silent ride, punctuated only by the gentle whir of the electric motor.
It’s not just about noise pollution; this silence connects you more intimately with your surroundings. You can hear the birds chirping, the rustle of leaves, the pulse of the city – it’s a whole new way to experience your environment.
The Chetak offers three riding modes: Eco, Ride, and Sport. Eco mode is perfect for squeezing out every last kilometer of range, ideal for those days when you forgot to charge overnight.
Ride mode offers a balance of performance and efficiency for everyday use. And when you’re feeling a bit adventurous, Sport mode unleashes the full potential of the electric motor, giving you that extra zip when you need it.
Practicality Meets Sustainability
In a country where value for money is not just appreciated but expected, the Chetak EV delivers in spades. With running costs significantly lower than petrol scooters, the higher initial investment quickly pays for itself.
The 2025 model is priced competitively, starting at Rs. 1.20 Lakh for the base variant. It’s not just a purchase; it’s an investment in a cleaner, more economical future.
Maintenance is another area where the Chetak EV shines. With fewer moving parts than its petrol counterparts, servicing is less frequent and less costly.
The battery, often the most expensive component of an EV, comes with a substantial warranty, providing peace of mind to owners.
The environmental benefits cannot be overstated. In cities choked with pollution, every Chetak EV on the road is a breath of fresh air – literally.
It’s not just about reducing carbon emissions; it’s about being part of a larger movement towards sustainable urban mobility.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
No honest review would be complete without addressing the challenges, and the Chetak EV does face a few.
The charging infrastructure in India, while improving, is still in its nascent stages. Bajaj is working with partners to set up charging stations, but for now, most users will rely on home charging.
The initial cost, while justified by the long-term savings, may still be a hurdle for some buyers.
However, with government incentives for EVs and the rising cost of petrol, the economic equation is tilting more in favor of electric scooters with each passing day.
There’s also the matter of range anxiety, although the Chetak’s 137 km range should be more than sufficient for most urban users.
As battery technology improves and charging stations become more ubiquitous, this concern will likely fade into the rearview mirror.
Bajaj Chetak EV : A New Chapter in Indian Mobility
The 2025 Bajaj Chetak EV is more than just a scooter; it’s a statement. It’s Bajaj saying, “We haven’t forgotten our roots, but we’re ready to define the future.” In a market flooded with options, the Chetak stands out not just for its heritage, but for how it seamlessly blends that heritage with cutting-edge technology.
For the average Indian consumer, the Chetak EV represents a tangible way to embrace the future of mobility. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t ask you to compromise on style, performance, or practicality in the name of being eco-friendly.
Instead, it enhances all these aspects, wrapped in a package that tugs at the heartstrings of those who remember the original while exciting a new generation of riders.
As India moves towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, vehicles like the Bajaj Chetak EV will play a crucial role. They’re not just modes of transport; they’re catalysts for change, silent revolutionaries in the war against pollution and dependency on fossil fuels.
In the end, the 2025 Bajaj Chetak EV is more than the sum of its parts. It’s a nostalgia trip and a glimpse into the future, all rolled into one stylish, efficient package.
As it silently zips through the streets of India, it carries with it the hopes of a cleaner, brighter tomorrow. The legend of Chetak continues, not with a roar, but with a whisper that speaks volumes about the future of Indian mobility.