Bajaj Chetak 3001 Launched - Sometimes Less Is More

Quick Read:

• New Bajaj Chetak variant launched

• Chetak 3001 costs Rs 99,990 (ex-showroom)

• Will replace the 2903, and costs less than it too

Bajaj has launched the Chetak 3001 in India, priced at Rs 99,990 (ex-showroom). It is positioned as the successor to the company’s best-selling Chetak 2903, and the new model is built on the Chetak 35 Series platform.

What It Offers

The Chetak 3001 has a 3kWh floorboard-mounted battery, with a claimed IDC (Indian Driving Cycle) range of 127km on a single charge. In comparison, the 2903 has a range of 123km. Bajaj says the floorboard battery architecture lowers the center of gravity for improved handling. The scooter gets a 750W onboard charger, which is capable of recharging the battery from 0% to 80% in a claimed 3 hours 50 minutes, as compared to 4 hours for the 2903.

What Else? 

Bajaj also offers an optional “TecPac” upgrade, which includes features such as call/SMS handling, music control, reverse light, hill hold assist, guide-me-home lighting, and auto-flashing brake lights. The Chetak 3001 also gets an IP67 water resistance rating, and a full metal body - which Bajaj says no other electric scooter offers. While a metal body is heavier than fibre bodywork (also impacts range), Bajaj has retained it because it is often perceived by Indian customers as more solid and durable than plastics. 

Chetak 35 Series

Bajaj had launched the 35 series of Chetak back in December 2024, based on a new platform. The 35 lineup currently includes the 3501, 3502, and 3503 (in descending order of price, might we add). With this series, the Chetak gets an under-floorboard battery - which is also larger, and this also ensures a bigger 35 -litre underseat storage space. That’s one of the biggest ones on offer currently - be it electric or petrol scooter. This new 3001 is also based on this platform, which we think will also streamline the manufacturing process as this scooter will be built in the same line as the 35 range.

2903 To Be Phased Out?

With the launch of the 3001, Bajaj specifically mentioned in its press statement that the 3001 is “…As an Upgrade to the Popular and Highest Selling 2903”. This implies that the 2903 will eventually be phased out. The 3001 will be manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s EV-dedicated production facility in Akurdi, Pune.

A Numbers Game 

The Chetak lineup recently emerged as India’s highest-selling electric scooter range in Q4 FY25 (January–March), according to Bajaj Auto. Bajaj’s new Chetak model launch should offer a much better value to its customers as it is not only superior in almost every way to its predecessor, but is also a lot more affordable.

For perspective, the Chetak 2903 costs Rs 1,09,998 (ex-showroom Delhi), which is Rs 10,008 more than the Chetak 3001. To round things off, Bajaj will also offer the Chetak 3001 on Amazon, along with its other Chetak models. The Chetak 3001 will rival the Ather Rizta, Vida V2, Honda QC1, Ola S1 X+, and the TVS iQube.