Introduction
Bajaj, a prominent player in the Indian two-wheeler market, is making significant strides in the electric scooter and commuter motorcycle segments. Recent unveilings and updates reveal a strategic approach to address consumer demands, enhance performance, and stay ahead in a competitive market.
Highlights
1. Chetak Premium Update:
- Adoption of a larger 3.2kWh battery pack for a claimed IDC range of 127km.
- Increase in top speed from 63kph to 73kph, addressing a previous shortfall.
- Introduction of a TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity for advanced features.
- Enlarged underseat storage area from 18 to 21 litres for improved practicality.
- Marginal price increase expected to reflect added value and advancements.
2. Chetak Urbane:
- Introduction of a new electric scooter variant with a focus on affordability.
- Standard 2.9kWh battery offering an IDC-certified range of 113km.
- Optional “Tecpac” unlocking a higher top speed (73kph) and Sport riding mode.
- Reduction in charging rate and increased charging times compared to the Premium model.
3. CT150x Spotted:
- A new commuter motorcycle spotted in testing, potentially expanding the CT lineup.
- Design cues reminiscent of the CT 125X, emphasizing rugged features.
- Premium split-spoke design for alloy wheels and absence of a rear luggage rack.
- Possible positioning as a 150cc iteration in the rugged CT platform.
- Bajaj’s strategic move to fill the void left by the discontinued Pulsar P150.
1. Chetak Premium Update: Addressing Shortcomings and Enhancements
Bajaj is set to launch an updated version of its Chetak Premium electric scooter, aiming to rectify existing limitations and introduce significant improvements. The most impactful change is the adoption of a larger 3.2kWh battery pack, providing a claimed IDC range of 127km – a notable upgrade from the current 2.88kWh unit and 108km range. Despite the increase in battery capacity, the charging time has only slightly extended to 4 hours and 30 minutes for a full 0 to 100 percent charge.
In response to competitors and user feedback, the Chetak Premium will now boast a higher top speed of 73kph, addressing a previous shortfall at 63kph. While details on motor modifications for this speed enhancement are yet undisclosed, the move aims to align the Chetak Premium with contemporary electric scooters in the market.
The electric scooter’s display system is getting a significant overhaul. The rather simple LCD display will be replaced with a more advanced TFT dash on the “Tecpac” variant, offering Bluetooth connectivity. This upgrade introduces features such as turn-by-turn navigation, music playback, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and remote immobilization. The integration of these tech-savvy elements brings the Chetak Premium up to par with modern expectations for electric scooters.
Furthermore, Bajaj is addressing practical concerns by enlarging the underseat storage area from 18 to 21 litres, enhancing its usability, especially for accommodating helmets. The combination of performance enhancements, technological upgrades, and improved storage capacity positions the Chetak Premium as a more competitive offering in the electric scooter market.
As this comprehensive update marks a significant evolution since the Chetak Premium’s initial launch, consumers should anticipate a marginal increase in pricing to reflect the added value and advancements.
2. Chetak Urbane: Unveiling Bajaj’s Latest Electric Scooter Variant
Bajaj has introduced a new variant to its electric scooter lineup – the Chetak Urbane. Priced at Rs 1.15 lakh in its standard form and Rs 1.21 lakh with the additional “Tecpac,” the Urbane model caters to riders seeking an electric scooter with a balance of performance and affordability
The Chetak Urbane features a 2.9kWh battery, offering an IDC-certified range of 113km, as listed on the Bajaj website. However, it’s crucial to note that this certification differs from the real-world range, which might be slightly lower. The scooter shares the same color LCD display as the Premium variant, providing essential information to riders.
In its standard configuration, the Chetak Urbane reaches a top speed of 63kph, offering a single riding mode – Eco. With the optional “Tecpac,” the top speed increases to 73kph, accompanied by the addition of a Sport riding mode. Despite these enhancements, there are trade-offs, such as a reduced charging rate from 800W to 650W for the standard charger. Consequently, charging times have increased from 3 hours and 50 minutes to 4 hours and 50 minutes. Additionally, the Urbane variant exclusively features drum brakes at both ends.
This release prompts speculation that Bajaj may soon update the Chetak Premium to match or surpass the Urbane in areas where it currently falls behind. The dynamic competition in the electric scooter market suggests a continuous evolution to meet consumer expectations.
3. CT150x Spotted: A Glimpse into Bajaj’s Rugged Commuter Motorcycle Lineup
Bajaj has been spotted testing a new commuter motorcycle, potentially an addition to its CT lineup of rugged workhorses. The design cues, including a large circular headlight and a tall, wide handlebar, align with the current CT 125X model. Unusual additions such as handguards, a sump guard, and a braced handlebar suggest a departure from typical commuter motorcycle features, drawing parallels with the CT 125X.
Notably, the spied model, tentatively named CT150x, appears to position itself above the existing CT 125X. This is evident in its more premium split-spoke design for alloy wheels and a lack of a rear luggage rack, emphasizing a focus on a basic, rugged commuter motorcycle.
Given Bajaj’s recent discontinuation of the Pulsar P150, the CT150x could fill the void as a 150cc iteration in the rugged CT platform. With a potential market for a straightforward, reliable commuter motorcycle, this sighting hints at Bajaj’s strategic move to offer diverse options in the 150cc segment.
As details emerge, enthusiasts can anticipate a robust addition to Bajaj’s commuter motorcycle lineup, balancing utility and durability for riders seeking a reliable daily companion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bajaj’s recent developments in its electric scooter lineup showcase a proactive approach to addressing consumer needs and staying competitive in the rapidly evolving market. The Chetak Premium’s comprehensive update, marked by a larger battery, improved range, enhanced speed, and advanced TFT display, positions it as a formidable contender in the electric scooter segment.
Simultaneously, the introduction of the Chetak Urbane offers riders an alternative with a focus on affordability while maintaining commendable performance. The potential anticipation of an update to the Chetak Premium further emphasizes Bajaj’s commitment to refining its offerings based on market feedback and technological advancements.
Beyond electric scooters, the spotting of the CT150x in Bajaj’s commuter motorcycle lineup hints at the brand’s versatility and commitment to providing diverse options to cater to various rider preferences. As Bajaj continues to innovate and expand its portfolio, consumers can expect a dynamic range of choices that balance performance, technology, and practicality. These developments underscore Bajaj’s position as a key player in the evolving landscape of electric mobility and commuter motorcycles.
FAQs
1. What is the range of the Chetak Premium’s updated model?
The updated Chetak Premium boasts a claimed IDC range of 127km with its larger 3.2kWh battery pack.
2. How much is the expected increase in charging time for the Chetak Premium’s larger battery?
The charging time for the Chetak Premium’s updated model has increased by just half an hour, now taking 4 hours and 30 minutes for a full 0 to 100 percent charge.
3. What improvements does the Chetak Premium’s updated model offer in terms of speed?
The updated Chetak Premium achieves a higher top speed of 73kph, addressing the previous model’s limitation of 63kph.
4. What advanced features does the new TFT dash bring to the Chetak Premium?
The Chetak Premium’s updated model with the TFT dash offers Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, music playback, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and remote immobilization.
5. How much is the expected price increase for the Chetak Premium’s updated model?
Consumers can anticipate a marginal price increase to reflect the added value and advancements in the Chetak Premium’s updated model.
6. What is the IDC-certified range of the Chetak Urbane?
The Chetak Urbane, in its standard form, has an IDC-certified range of 113km with its 2.9kWh battery.
7. What additional features does the “Tecpac” offer for the Chetak Urbane?
The “Tecpac” for the Chetak Urbane unlocks a higher top speed of 73kph and introduces a Sport riding mode.
8. How has the charging rate changed for the Chetak Urbane’s standard charger?
The charging rate for the Chetak Urbane’s standard charger has decreased from 800W to 650W, resulting in an increased charging time of 4 hours and 50 minutes.
9. What is the underseat storage capacity for the updated Chetak Premium?
The underseat storage capacity for the updated Chetak Premium has increased from 18 litres to 21 litres, offering improved space for items like helmets.
10. What is the significance of the spotted CT150x in Bajaj’s lineup?
The CT150x, spotted in testing, suggests a potential addition to Bajaj’s CT lineup, possibly as a 150cc iteration, filling the gap left by the discontinued Pulsar P150.