Bajaj has upgraded the entry-level Chetak with the launch of a new variant, named Chetak 3001. Effectively a replacement for the Chetak 2903, the Chetak 3001 is priced at Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom, including central subsidy), which makes it roughly Rs 1,500 more expensive than the outgoing 2903. For the additional outlay, buyers will benefit from a slightly larger battery, a marginally higher range and substantially enhanced storage space.
Also Read: Bajaj Chetak 3503 Launched At Rs 1.10 Lakh: Base 35 Variant Has Up To 155 KM Range
The big change with the 3001 is the switch to the new frame used by the Chetak 35 series scooters. With the larger 3 kWh battery pack moved to the floor board, the Chetak 3001 has an underseat storage capacity of 35 litres, which is much higher than the Chetak 2903. The larger battery also spells a slightly higher claimed range of up to 127 km (123 km for the 2903). Real-world range is expected to be just shy of 100 kilometres. Its top speed mirrors that of the Chetak 3503 – 63 kmph.
The Chetak 3001 has a 0 to 80 per cent charging time of 3 hours and 50 minutes using the bundled 750-watt charger, which is almost identical to the charging time of the outgoing Chetak 2903.
With the optional TecPac software enabled, the Chetak 3001 will have functions such as call and music controls, guide-me-home lights, hill hold assist, reverse light and an auto-flashing stop lamp. Like the 3501, the Chetak 3001 will also have drum brakes only.
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The 3001 has the same circular LCD colour display as the Chetak 3501. It also misses out on keyless go – replaced by a conventional physical key – as well as the lockable glove compartment seen on the 3501, replaced by open storage pockets. The 3001 will be available in five colours – black, blue, red, white and yellow.
The 3001 is set to bolster sales of the Chetak even further, with Bajaj having already sold well over 1.40 lakh units of the electric scooter this calendar year, as per the latest registration data on the VAHAN portal. The Chetak 3001 will take on the Ather Rizta S, TVS iQube 2.2 kWh, Vida V2 and the Ola S1 X.
