In a groundbreaking development that has sent ripples through the electric vehicle industry, Bajaj Auto has unveiled its latest innovation – the Chetak Ghatak. Marking a significant leap in the evolution of electric mobility in India, the Ghatak stands as a testament to Bajaj’s commitment to revolutionizing the way we perceive electric scooters. With an extraordinary range of 500 kilometers on a single charge, this cutting-edge vehicle has effectively addressed one of the most persistent concerns plaguing electric two-wheelers: range anxiety.
Revolutionary Design Philosophy
The Chetak Ghatak represents a bold departure from its predecessors while still honoring the iconic Chetak lineage that has remained etched in the collective memory of Indian consumers for generations. Unlike the nostalgic, retro-inspired design of the current Chetak models, the Ghatak embraces a futuristic aesthetic that signals its revolutionary capabilities.
Featuring aggressive body lines and sharp angular panels, the Ghatak exudes a sense of power and dynamism that its name – meaning “powerful” or “intense” in Hindi – aptly captures. The scooter’s front fascia is dominated by a distinctive LED headlamp assembly with daytime running lights that double as dynamic turn indicators, creating a striking light signature that ensures visibility both day and night.
The side profile reveals a streamlined silhouette with integrated flush-mounted panels that contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency. Despite its modern appearance, Bajaj has maintained the premium all-metal body construction that distinguished the original Chetak from its competitors, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality and durability.
“With the Chetak Ghatak, we wanted to create something that honors our heritage while boldly stepping into the future,” explains Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto. “The design language communicates the scooter’s capabilities at first glance – this is not just another electric scooter; this is the future of urban mobility.”
Groundbreaking Range and Performance
The headline feature of the Chetak Ghatak is undoubtedly its phenomenal 500-kilometer range. This remarkable achievement represents more than three times the range of the current Chetak models, which typically offer around 150 kilometers per charge. This substantial improvement positions the Ghatak not just as a city commuter but as a genuine option for longer journeys and intercity travel.
This leap in range comes courtesy of Bajaj’s newly developed advanced lithium-sulfur battery technology, which offers significantly higher energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The 12 kWh battery pack is complemented by a sophisticated energy management system that optimizes power consumption under various riding conditions.
Performance hasn’t been compromised in the pursuit of range. The Ghatak is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor that generates 9 kW (12 hp) of peak power and 31 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 95 km/h, striking a balance between exhilarating performance and battery conservation.
The scooter offers multiple riding modes – Eco, City, Sport, and a unique Touring mode specifically calibrated for long-distance rides. Each mode adjusts power delivery, throttle response, and regenerative braking intensity to suit different riding scenarios and range requirements.
Cutting-Edge Technology Integration
True to its futuristic positioning, the Chetak Ghatak comes equipped with an array of technological features that elevate the riding experience. The centerpiece of its tech arsenal is a 7-inch full-color TFT touchscreen display with smartphone connectivity. This interactive interface provides access to navigation, ride statistics, battery management, and a host of personalization options.
Bajaj has also introduced its advanced “Ghatak Connect” ecosystem, which extends the functionality of the scooter through a dedicated smartphone application. Riders can remotely monitor their scooter’s status, plan routes based on available charging infrastructure, receive predictive maintenance alerts, and even share their scooter with family members through individualized rider profiles.
The Ghatak’s charging infrastructure compatibility is equally impressive. It supports both standard home charging and fast charging capabilities. Using a standard 15A domestic socket, the battery can be fully charged in approximately 6 hours, while the fast-charging option can replenish 80% of the battery capacity in just 45 minutes – making it practical for quick top-ups during longer journeys.
“The technology packed into the Chetak Ghatak isn’t just about features for features’ sake,” notes Sumeet Narang, President of Bajaj’s Urban Mobility division. “Every piece of technology serves a purpose – improving convenience, enhancing safety, or extending range. We’ve created a comprehensive ecosystem around the Ghatak that aims to transform the ownership experience.”
Safety and Comfort Reimagined
The Chetak Ghatak elevates rider safety through an integrated suite of active and passive safety features. The scooter incorporates an advanced traction control system that adjusts power delivery according to road conditions, preventing wheel slip on wet or loose surfaces. This is complemented by a dual-channel ABS system paired with disc brakes on both wheels, ensuring reliable stopping power in all conditions.
Rider awareness is enhanced through features like blind-spot detection, which uses ultrasonic sensors to alert the rider of vehicles in their blind spots, and a tire pressure monitoring system that provides real-time feedback on tire condition. The Ghatak also features automatic headlights and an emergency braking system that activates hazard lights during sudden deceleration.
Comfort hasn’t been overlooked in pursuit of performance and technology. The Ghatak features an adjustable front suspension system that allows riders to fine-tune the ride quality according to their preferences and road conditions. The ergonomically designed seat uses memory foam padding and offers 15% more surface area compared to the standard Chetak, providing ample comfort for both rider and passenger during extended journeys.
Storage capacity has been significantly enhanced, with the Ghatak offering 45 liters of under-seat storage – sufficient to accommodate two full-face helmets. Additional storage compartments in the front apron provide convenient access to smaller items during the ride.
Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials
Bajaj’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the zero-emission operation of the Ghatak to its manufacturing processes and material selection. The production facility in Pune dedicated to the Ghatak operates primarily on renewable energy, with solar panels providing a significant portion of the energy requirements.
The scooter itself incorporates sustainable materials wherever possible. The seat upholstery and interior panels are made from recycled PET plastic, while bio-based composites derived from agricultural waste are used for non-structural components. Even the battery housing incorporates recycled aluminum, reducing the overall environmental footprint of the vehicle.
Furthermore, Bajaj has implemented a comprehensive battery lifecycle management program. The company offers a 10-year warranty on the battery pack, after which it commits to repurposing end-of-life batteries for stationary energy storage applications before final recycling.
“Environmental responsibility doesn’t begin and end with zero tailpipe emissions,” emphasizes Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director at Bajaj Auto. “We’ve examined every aspect of the Ghatak’s lifecycle – from raw material sourcing to manufacturing to end-of-life disposal – to ensure we’re creating a truly sustainable mobility solution.”
Market Positioning and Availability
The Chetak Ghatak is positioned as a premium offering in Bajaj’s electric portfolio. With its advanced features, exceptional range, and sophisticated technology, it targets not just existing electric scooter enthusiasts but also premium petrol scooter owners looking to transition to electric mobility without compromises.
Bajaj has announced a competitive pricing strategy despite the Ghatak’s premium positioning. The scooter will be available in three variants – Urban, Touring, and Pro – with prices starting at ₹1,79,999 for the base Urban variant. The mid-tier Touring variant, which adds navigation and fast-charging capabilities, is priced at ₹1,99,999, while the top-of-the-line Pro variant with all features enabled comes in at ₹2,19,999.
The Ghatak will initially be available across 100 cities in India, with deliveries scheduled to commence from July 2025. Bajaj plans to expand availability to 300 cities by the end of the year and has also announced intentions to export the Ghatak to select international markets in Asia and Europe.
To support the Ghatak’s extensive range capabilities, Bajaj is establishing a network of fast-charging stations along major highways connecting metropolitan cities. The company plans to install 500 such stations by the end of 2025, creating corridors that enable truly long-distance travel on the Ghatak.
Consumer Response and Industry Impact
The unveiling of the Chetak Ghatak has generated unprecedented interest among consumers and industry experts alike. Pre-bookings opened immediately after the launch event and exceeded 10,000 units within the first 24 hours, signaling strong consumer confidence in Bajaj’s vision for electric mobility.
Industry analysts view the Ghatak as a potential tipping point for electric two-wheeler adoption in India. “The 500-kilometer range effectively eliminates range anxiety, which has been one of the primary barriers to widespread electric vehicle adoption,” notes Shailesh Kumar, Senior Analyst at ElectricMobility Research. “With the Ghatak, Bajaj isn’t just incrementally improving the electric scooter; they’re fundamentally changing the conversation around what electric mobility can offer.”
Competitors are watching closely, with several manufacturers reportedly accelerating their own development programs in response to the Ghatak’s specifications. This competitive pressure is expected to benefit consumers as more manufacturers strive to match the Ghatak’s capabilities, potentially accelerating the overall development of electric two-wheeler technology.
Government officials have also responded positively, with the Minister for Road Transport and Highways highlighting the Ghatak as an example of Indian innovation in sustainable transportation. The government has indicated that vehicles like the Ghatak align perfectly with India’s electrification goals and may benefit from additional incentives to promote adoption.
Redefining Electric Mobility
The Bajaj Chetak Ghatak represents more than just another entry in the increasingly crowded electric scooter market – it signals a fundamental shift in how electric two-wheelers are perceived and used. By addressing the range limitations that have historically confined electric scooters to urban commuting, Bajaj has opened new possibilities for electric mobility in India.
With its striking design, exceptional range, advanced technology, and thoughtful features, the Ghatak stands as a bold statement about the future of transportation. It demonstrates that electric vehicles can offer not just environmental benefits but also superior performance, convenience, and versatility compared to their internal combustion counterparts.
As Rajiv Bajaj summarized during the launch event: “The original Chetak transformed Indian mobility decades ago by providing reliable, affordable transportation to millions. With the Chetak Ghatak, we aim to catalyze a similar transformation – this time toward sustainable mobility that doesn’t ask consumers to compromise on performance, range, or features. The future of mobility isn’t just electric; it’s exciting, versatile, and without limitations.”
The Chetak Ghatak, with its revolutionary 500-kilometer range and comprehensive feature set, doesn’t just represent Bajaj’s vision for electric mobility – it offers a glimpse into the future of transportation where sustainable solutions exceed their conventional counterparts in every measurable aspect.