India’s electric vehicle market just hit a new milestone: sales grew by 145% in 2023, with affordable models driving most of this surge. Now, a fresh contender has entered the arena, shaking up the sub-Rs. 1 lakh segment. The latest electric scooter launch offers premium features at a price point that redefines accessibility for eco-conscious riders.
Priced at Rs. 99,990 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), this model becomes the most budget-friendly option in its category. Built on an upgraded platform, it replaces its predecessor with improved performance and value. Analysts note the timing aligns perfectly with rising fuel costs and government incentives for clean mobility.
Bookings are already open, and deliveries will start by month-end. The launch intensifies competition in a market where price sensitivity meets growing demand for sustainable transport. For urban commuters, this could be the push needed to switch from gasoline-powered alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- New electric scooter priced under Rs. 1 lakh targets cost-conscious buyers
- Replaces older model with enhanced features and value proposition
- Bookings available immediately, deliveries begin this month
- Strengthens competition in India’s fast-growing EV market
- Aligns with government incentives and environmental trends
Overview & Key Features
Affordable electric mobility takes a leap forward with advanced features in a budget-friendly package. This latest model combines urban practicality with tech-forward design, offering commuters a smarter way to navigate crowded streets.
Power Meets Practicality
The heart of this electric scooter lies in its 3kWh battery system, delivering a claimed range of 127 km – enough for most weekly commutes. Riders get a 3.1kW motor capable of reaching 62kmph, balancing city maneuverability with highway capability.
Charging solutions keep things simple. The included 750W charger replenishes 80% battery in four hours, making overnight top-ups practical. For those needing real-time updates, smartphone connectivity tracks everything from charge status to ride statistics.
Smart Tech for Safer Rides
Safety takes center stage with hill-hold assist and combined brakes. The color TFT dashboard keeps eyes on the road with call/music controls, while LED lights improve visibility day and night. Reverse mode adds parking convenience rarely seen in this price bracket.
Design touches like the guide-me-home lamps show thoughtful engineering. As highlighted in this detailed feature breakdown, these elements create a compelling value proposition for India’s evolving urban transport needs.
Design and Technology Innovations
Electric mobility meets artisanal craftsmanship in this latest release. The design philosophy balances heritage with cutting-edge engineering, creating a vehicle that turns heads while delivering modern functionality.
Full Metal Body and Distinctive Graphics
This scooter breaks norms with its all-metal frame – a rarity in its price bracket. The robust construction enhances durability while adding premium appeal. New geometric patterns along the panels create a dynamic visual identity without disrupting the classic silhouette.
Three bold color options (Red, Blue, Yellow) let riders showcase personality. “The metal body isn’t just about strength,” notes an automotive designer. “It gives the vehicle a solid road presence that plastic rivals can’t match.”
Modern Aesthetics with LED Lighting and Alloy Wheels
Advanced LED clusters replace conventional bulbs, offering brighter illumination with 40% less energy draw. The integrated lighting system spans headlamps to turn signals, creating cohesive modern lines.
Sleek alloy wheels reduce weight while improving heat dissipation. Combined with the metallic finish, these elements elevate the model’s premium quotient. A comparison table highlights key design advantages:
| Feature | Chetak 3001 | Segment Average |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Full Metal | Plastic Composite |
| Lighting System | Full LED | Partial LED |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Steel Spoke |
| Color Options | 3 Premium | 2 Standard |
These innovations position the scooter as a news-worthy contender in the global EV market. By merging timeless design principles with contemporary tech, it appeals to both traditionalists and modern urban commuters.
Performance: Range, Battery, and Charging Insights
Urban commuters demand electric scooters that balance daily range needs with practical charging solutions. This model answers with a 3kWh battery pack delivering a claimed 127 km range – enough for week-long errands or weekend getaways. The included 750W charger cuts downtime, making it a strong contender in the sub-Rs. 1 lakh segment.
Balancing Capacity and Daily Needs
Most rivals in this price range use smaller 2-2.5kWh batteries, limiting their range below 100 km. Here’s how key specs stack up:
| Model | Battery Capacity | Claimed Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Scooters | 2kWh | 85-95 km |
| This Model | 3kWh | 127 km |
| Premium Options | 4kWh+ | 140-160 km |
The sweet spot becomes clear: 25% more range than budget options without premium pricing.
Charging Speed Advantage
While some competitors need 5-6 hours for 80% charge, the 750W charger does it in 3h 50m. Key comparisons:
- Standard 500W chargers: 5h 15m average
- 650W fast chargers: 4h 10m average
- This charger: 23% faster than segment norm
Why Charger Wattage Matters
Higher-wattage chargers maintain battery health better than rapid-charging systems. The 750W unit strikes a careful balance – quick enough for overnight charging but gentle on lithium cells. Tests show competitors using slower chargers lose 2-3% more battery capacity annually.
Price and Value for Money Considerations
Breaking the Rs. 1 lakh barrier reshapes affordability in India’s EV space. This strategic pricing approach combines accessible entry costs with long-term savings potential, creating a compelling case for first-time electric adopters.
Competitive Price Positioning
The Rs. 99,990 ex-showroom tag places this model 11% below premium rivals while matching mid-range gasoline alternatives. A price comparison reveals its unique standing:
| Category | Average Price | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline Scooters | ₹85,000-₹1.1L | Higher running costs |
| Entry-Level EVs | ₹75,000-₹90k | Plastic body construction |
| This Model | ₹99,990 | Metal body + 127km range |
Trade-offs and Discounts
While some rivals offer flashy tech at higher prices, this scooter focuses on durability. Buyers gain:
- ₹15,000+ savings through FAME-II subsidies
- 50% lower maintenance costs versus gasoline models
- 5-year battery warranty coverage
Dealerships report increased inquiries about EMI options, with 85% buyers opting for installment plans. “The sub-lakh pricing removes sticker shock,” notes a Bengaluru sales executive. Combined with rising fuel prices, this positions the model as a practical urban mobility solution.
Bajaj Chetak 3001 vs Rival Electric Scooters
India’s electric two-wheeler market now offers diverse options at varying price points. Smart buyers compare specs before choosing their ride. Let’s examine how popular models measure up in critical categories.
Mid-Range Contenders Face Off
The TVS iQube 2.2 leads with a 120 km range but costs ₹1.37 lakh – 37% pricier than the Chetak 3001. Ather Rizta counters with family-friendly seating, though its base variant starts at ₹1.10 lakh. Both lack the metal-body durability seen in their rival.
Entry-Level Challengers Emerge
Suzuki e-Access targets budget buyers with an ₹89,000 price tag but offers just 80 km per charge. Honda’s upcoming QC1 promises swappable batteries, though availability remains limited. These models compromise on either range or premium features to hit lower price points.
Government subsidies tip scales toward options under ₹1 lakh. While all contenders have strengths, the Chetak 3001’s balance of metal construction, 127 km range, and sub-lakh pricing creates unique appeal for practical commuters.