New Bajaj Chetak EV launches January 14, 2026! Teased tail lights, hub motor, under ₹1 lakh price expected. Rivals TVS iQube, Orbiter. EV revolution for Indian roads ahead!
Bajaj Auto gears up for a big reveal with the new Bajaj Chetak EV on January 14, 2026, promising an affordable electric scooter that could shake up India’s bustling two-wheeler market. This isn’t just another facelift; spy shots and teasers hint at a compact, cost-effective design aimed at everyday riders tired of petrol pump queues. Drawing from the iconic Chetak legacy, this launch taps into the growing EV wave, where sales hit millions last year alone.
Teased Design Highlights
The teaser drops a bombshell with a sleek horizontal LED tail light crowned by the classic Chetak badge, signaling a fresh evolution in styling. Spy images reveal a more compact frame than the current premium Chetaks, featuring an oval LED headlamp with a DRL ring, flat seat for practicality, and a digital instrument console for modern vibes. This refreshed look keeps the retro charm Indians love while trimming bulk for urban agility—perfect for dodging Mumbai traffic or navigating Delhi’s narrow lanes.
Expect a hub-mounted motor switch from the belt-driven setup in pricier models, slashing costs without skimping on pep. The test mules spotted on Indian roads flaunt a minimalist vibe, hinting at metal body panels for durability and that unmistakable Bajaj shine. No radical overhaul, but smart tweaks like these position it as a mass-market hero rivaling TVS iQube and Orbiter ranges.
Expected Specs and Performance
Word on the street from auto insiders points to a new platform with swappable battery packs in multiple capacities, targeting 100-150 km range per charge—enough for daily commutes from Pune suburbs to city centers. Top speed? Likely around 60-70 kmph, with quick acceleration suited for stop-go Indian roads. The hub motor promises low maintenance, a boon for budget-conscious families in Tier-2 towns like Nagpur or Indore.
Pricing steals the show at under ₹1 lakh ex-showroom, making EV ownership realistic for middle-class buyers facing rising petrol costs (now over ₹100/liter in Maharashtra). Charging via standard sockets or Bajaj’s network could take 4-5 hours, with fast options emerging. Safety gets a nod with combined braking, perhaps traction control, aligning with India’s push for greener rides.
Why This Matters for Indian Riders
India’s EV scooter scene exploded in 2025, with Bajaj Chetak grabbing 21% market share and selling nearly 2.7 lakh units. This new variant dives into the entry-level pool, where TVS Orbiter and budget Ola models dominate. For riders like us in Kalamb, Maharashtra, it means ditching 100cc petrol scooters for silent, zero-emission joy without breaking the bank. Government subsidies under FAME-III could drop effective prices further, fueling the shift.
Imagine zipping to work without fuel worries—New Bajaj Chetak EV embodies that desi dream. Bajaj’s Pune HQ edge ensures quick service networks, vital in our vast country. It’s not premium luxury; it’s practical EV for the aam aadmi, boosting local manufacturing and cutting urban pollution.
Bajaj Chetak Legacy Meets EV Future
Rewind to the 1980s: Bajaj Chetak ruled Indian roads with over 40 lakh units sold, a symbol of reliability from gearless gears to family pillion rides. Fast-forward, the electric reboot since 2020 reclaimed glory, blending heritage curves with lithium-ion power. This 2026 model honors that by going affordable, targeting youth and first-time EV buyers.
Bajaj’s EV game strengthened with in-house batteries and app-based features like geo-fencing, theft alerts. Competitors? TVS iQube offers style but pricier packs; Ather grazes focuses premium. Here, Bajaj Chetak EV wins on value, echoing Hero Splendor’s petrol dominance but electric.
Market Rivals Breakdown
| Feature | New Bajaj Chetak EV | TVS iQube | TVS Orbiter | Ola S1X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expected Price | Under ₹1 lakh | ₹1.15-1.85 lakh | ~₹85,000 | ₹70,000-1 lakh |
| Range | 100-150 km | 75-150 km | 100 km | 95-190 km |
| Motor | Hub-mounted | Hub | Hub | Hub |
| Top Speed | 60-70 kmph | 78 kmph | 60 kmph | 90 kmph |
| Strength | Affordable, Bajaj service | Features-rich | Budget rival | Aggressive pricing |
This table shows New Bajaj Chetak EV carving a sweet spot—cheaper entry, solid range, trusted badge.
Also Read : Simple One Gen 2 Launched in India: Prices Start at Rs 1.39 Lakh – A Game-Changer for Electric Scooter Riders!
EV Charging and Ownership Realities
Real talk: India’s charging infra lags, but Bajaj smartly pushes home charging. A full charge might cost ₹50-100 vs. ₹300 petrol equivalent. Running costs? Peanuts at 0.15 ₹/km. Maintenance skips oil changes, chains—pure bliss. Subsidies could make it ₹80,000 on-road in states like Maharashtra with extra incentives.
Ownership perks include Bajaj’s 3,500+ touchpoints, app diagnostics. Battery warranty? Likely 3-5 years/40,000 km. For content creators tracking bikes, this screams SEO gold.
Expert Take: E-E-A-T on Two Wheels
As an SEO specialist diving deep into automotive content, I’ve rewritten countless EV articles. This launch screams opportunity: fresh, teaser-driven buzz perfect for Google Discover. High-res spy pics, videos will dominate feeds. Bajaj’s authority shines—decades of two-wheeler trust, Pune R&D backing specs.youtube
Original angle? Pair with user polls: “Will you switch to EV under ₹1 lakh?” Depth via comparisons, cost breakdowns builds trust. Update post-launch for freshness—Discover loves timely, helpful content.
Buzz and What’s Next
Social media erupts with teasers; Twitter trends “#NewChetakEV”. Bookings might open launch day, deliveries soon after. Colors? Expect classic black, vibrant reds for Indian flair. Will it topple Ola? Watch January 14, 2026—game-changer alert.
Post-launch, expect variants: base, mid with bigger battery. Bajaj eyes 30% EV share by 2027. For riders, it’s eco-friendly desi pride on wheels.
Final Ride Thoughts
New Bajaj Chetak EV isn’t hype; it’s the affordable EV Indians craved. With January 14 launch, teased tail lights, and sub-₹1 lakh tag, it redefines commuting. Stay tuned—your next scooter awaits. Jai Hind!
