Bajaj Auto has announced a ₹55,000 discount on the Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter to boost EV adoption in India. With a range of up to 153 km, expanding infrastructure, and government incentives, the price cut strengthens Bajaj’s position in the fast-growing electric mobility market.
Bajaj Auto has announced a limited-period ₹55,000 discount on its flagship Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter, in a strategic move to accelerate the adoption of electric two-wheelers across India. The pricing shift comes at a time when competition in the electric mobility segment is intensifying, and both manufacturers and policymakers are looking to push the country closer to its clean transport goals.
Table of Contents
- Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Discount and Core Features
- Competitive Landscape: A Fast-Changing EV Market
- Government Subsidies and Policy Support
- Technical Innovations and Build Quality
- Charging Infrastructure: The Key Enabler
- Consumer Response and Early Market Trends
- Economic and Industry Implications
- Global EV Context: India’s Position
- Outlook: A Defining Moment for Electric Mobility
Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Discount and Core Features
The ₹55,000 discount applies to select Chetak Electric models, bringing the effective price closer to ₹1 lakh in several cities. The move is designed to make premium electric scooters more accessible to middle-class buyers, particularly in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, where price remains a key factor in vehicle purchases.
The 2025 model of the Chetak offers a claimed range of up to 153 km on a single charge and a top speed of approximately 73 km/h, according to official specifications published by Bajaj Auto. Several dealers have also indicated upcoming variants could deliver real-world ranges closer to 160 km, narrowing the performance gap with rivals such as Ola S1 Pro and Ather 450X.
The scooter’s 3.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack supports standard home charging and can be fully charged in approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Bajaj claims the battery is designed for durability and offers a life cycle of 70,000 to 80,000 km under standard usage conditions.
“Our goal is to make high-quality EVs accessible to more Indian riders. With this price adjustment, the Chetak is positioned as a practical and aspirational alternative to petrol scooters,” said Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto.
Competitive Landscape: A Fast-Changing EV Market
The electric two-wheeler segment has emerged as one of the fastest-growing areas in India’s mobility market. Ola Electric leads in sales, followed by Ather Energy, TVS Motor, and Hero MotoCorp. Bajaj, with its strong brand legacy, has been scaling up its EV business since 2020.
“Price sensitivity is a defining feature of the Indian two-wheeler market. A ₹55,000 discount can meaningfully shift consumer decisions, especially in urban centers,” said Dr. Ananya Mehta, Energy Policy Researcher at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).
Government Subsidies and Policy Support
The growth of India’s EV market is closely tied to government incentives. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme has provided subsidies to both manufacturers and consumers. Under FAME II, buyers can receive incentives of up to ₹15,000 per kWh of battery capacity, subject to eligibility.
Several states — including Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, and Karnataka — offer additional state-level subsidies, waiving registration charges and road tax. These benefits can lower the effective price of a Chetak scooter by ₹20,000 to ₹35,000, depending on location.
“Subsidies have played a major role in reducing upfront costs for consumers,” noted Praveen Kumar, Director of the Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV). “When combined with manufacturer discounts, we’re seeing a much stronger value proposition.”
Technical Innovations and Build Quality
Unlike some newer entrants in the EV space, the Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter emphasizes durability, metal-body construction, and connectivity features. The scooter comes with an IP67 water-resistant battery, ensuring protection against dust and water ingress.
The connected features, accessed through the Chetak app, allow owners to track the scooter, monitor charging status, and receive maintenance alerts. The vehicle also supports regenerative braking, improving overall range efficiency.
Bajaj Auto highlights minimal maintenance as another selling point. With no oil changes and fewer moving parts than internal combustion scooters, the cost of ownership is lower over time.
“A robust metal body, long battery life, and improved software systems give the Chetak an edge in the premium EV scooter space,” said Manas Bhatia, an auto analyst with Motilal Oswal Financial Services.
Charging Infrastructure: The Key Enabler
Experts note that the expansion of fast and reliable charging infrastructure will be crucial to sustaining consumer confidence. Bajaj Chetak currently supports standard charging but is expected to introduce fast-charging capabilities in future variants.
“Improved infrastructure ensures that consumers can use EVs as daily vehicles, not just short-range options,” said Ritu Sinha, Senior Research Fellow at the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
Consumer Response and Early Market Trends
Initial consumer reaction to the discount has been positive. Multiple Bajaj dealerships have reported an increase in test ride bookings and inquiries. Urban buyers, especially those shifting from petrol scooters, cite lower running costs as a decisive factor.
Owners also highlight the premium ride quality, strong build, and trusted brand as influencing their purchase decision. “The lower price makes it far more attractive,” said Amit Sharma, a Chetak owner in Pune. “Charging at home is easy, and the performance is smooth.”
Market analysts believe Bajaj has the potential to see a boost in monthly deliveries, likely in the range of a quarter to almost a third, should the current discount remain available after its initial promotional period.
Economic and Industry Implications
The price cut reflects a broader cost-optimization trend in India’s EV sector. Battery prices, which make up nearly 40% of an electric scooter’s cost, have steadily declined due to global supply chain improvements and local cell manufacturing initiatives.
Bajaj’s Akurdi plant in Maharashtra, with an annual capacity of 500,000 units, has been central to this strategy. Industry experts suggest that greater localization of battery and motor production will enable Bajaj and other manufacturers to offer competitive pricing without sacrificing margins.
“India’s EV industry is entering a scale-up phase,” said Rajiv Menon, Senior Automotive Analyst at ICRA Limited. “As production volumes rise, companies will be able to offer more value to consumers.”
Global EV Context: India’s Position
India remains the world’s third-largest two-wheeler market, but EV penetration is still below that of countries like China and several European nations. The Indian government aims for 30% EV penetration by 2030, and experts see two-wheelers as the segment most likely to achieve this target.
Global automakers are watching India closely. Several companies, including Honda and Yamaha, have announced plans to expand their electric scooter lineups in the country. Bajaj’s aggressive pricing is seen as a signal to both domestic and international competitors.
Outlook: A Defining Moment for Electric Mobility
The ₹55,000 discount on the Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter marks a significant shift in India’s EV two-wheeler segment. If combined with continued subsidy support, growing charging infrastructure, and declining component costs, this move could accelerate mainstream EV adoption.
“This isn’t just a pricing strategy — it’s a signal that EVs are becoming a mass-market reality,” said Dr. Mehta of CEEW. “The next two years will determine how deeply electric scooters integrate into India’s mobility landscape.”
For Bajaj Auto, the challenge will be sustaining affordability while scaling innovation. For India, it is an opportunity to lead a global shift in clean mobility.
