The streets are about to get a lot quieter—and cleaner. Bajaj has pulled the cover off its latest electric scooter, the Chetak 35, and it’s already causing a stir. Why? Because not only does it promise a hefty 200 km range on a single charge, but it also comes with a ₹15,000 launch discount and zero road tax in several states under India’s EV policies. For a country where fuel prices swing like a Bollywood plot twist, that’s big news.
What’s Special About the Chetak 35?
For starters, Bajaj isn’t exactly new to the electric two-wheeler game. The earlier Chetak EV already made waves, but the new Chetak 35 edition is clearly aimed at young professionals and daily commuters who want reliability without constantly hunting for a charging socket. A 200 km certified range means most city riders might plug in just twice a week, not every night.
The scooter also brings in a few upgrades: lighter frame, improved battery cooling, and an updated connected dashboard that syncs with your smartphone. Think turn-by-turn navigation, battery health monitoring, and even geo-fencing if you’re worried about theft.
Feature | Bajaj Chetak 35 |
---|---|
Range | 200 km per charge |
Top Speed | ~70 km/h |
Battery | Advanced Li-ion, fast-charging support |
Warranty | 7 years (battery included) |
Price (after discount) | Around ₹1.15 lakh ex-showroom |
Extra Perks | Tax-free in EV-friendly states, launch discount of ₹15,000 |
Why the “Tax-Free” Tag Matters
Here’s the interesting bit. Several Indian states including Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka have waived road tax and registration charges for EVs under the FAME-II scheme and state EV policies (Ministry of Heavy Industries has the official details). For buyers, that’s immediate savings running into thousands.
Plus, under Section 80EEB of the Income Tax Act, you can claim tax deductions on loans taken for EV purchases—up to ₹1.5 lakh in interest. So not only are you saving on fuel, you’re also getting some relief on your income tax.
The Bigger EV Picture in India
The timing of this launch is no accident. India’s EV market is projected to grow at nearly 50% CAGR over the next few years, with two-wheelers leading the charge. Ola, Ather, and TVS have been the big names, but Bajaj bringing in a 200 km scooter with aggressive pricing is like throwing a cricket googly in the middle of the innings. Suddenly, the competition is sweating.
Also, let’s be honest: in Indian cities, scooters are lifelines. They weave through traffic, carry entire families (sometimes with the family dog squeezed in), and now with EVs, they’re helping cut down tailpipe emissions choking our air.
Is It Worth Buying?
That depends. If you’re someone commuting 20–30 km daily, the Chetak 35 is overkill in range—but you’ll love the peace of mind. The upfront cost still feels higher than petrol scooters, but considering petrol is hovering around ₹100/litre in most states (PPAC official data), you’ll recover the extra cost in a couple of years. And with fewer moving parts, maintenance bills are far lighter.
The only catch? Charging infrastructure is still patchy. Bajaj has expanded its network, but unless your city has reliable fast-charging points, you’ll mostly rely on home charging. For most users though, that’s not a deal-breaker.
Fact Check
Yes, the Bajaj Chetak 35 with 200 km range is a real launch. Bajaj Auto has officially announced the scooter as part of the Chetak line-up and confirmed the ₹15,000 introductory discount. The “tax-free” part, however, depends on your state’s EV policy—some waive road tax, some don’t. Always double-check your local RTO rules before purchase.
FAQs
What is the price of Bajaj Chetak 35 after discount?
Around ₹1.15 lakh ex-showroom, depending on the city.
Does it really offer a 200 km range?
Yes, on certified test cycles. Real-world range may vary between 160–180 km.
Can I get road tax waived everywhere?
Not everywhere. States like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka do offer it, but confirm with your RTO.
How long does the battery last?
Bajaj offers a 7-year warranty. On average, the battery should last 6–8 years with normal use.
Does it support fast charging?
Yes, it supports fast-charging options, but availability depends on your city’s charging infrastructure.