Amidst the fierce turbulence that is the electric mobility scene in India, the brand-new Bajaj Chetak 3501 clearly comes across as one of the frontrunners, bundling up solid range, performance and quality in a package that can only be described as Dhaasu – amazing in more ways than one. The next-gen electric scooter is not just one more from the lot; but is Bajaj’s way of ensuring that sustainable urban mobility can be achieved without sacrificing style, performance or functionality.
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Heritage Meets Innovation
The Chetak brandname is steeped in decades of nostalgia on the Indian market. The Chetak has been a part of the Indian transport system since 1972 and has evolved into a cultural symbol rather than a mere mode of transport. This new electric avatar pays homage to its legacy and takes it to the next level with state of the art technology.
The 3501 retains the same iconic profile which put the original Chetak into the limelight, albeit in a more modern avatar. Similar to many of its competitors made of plastic, The Chetak 3501 is made of all-metal, adding a premium feel and an extra toughness very few in current market can offer.
Performance That Impresses
What really differentiates the Chetak 3501 is its performance track record. Featuring a 4kW electric motor, this scooter has excellent torque and has no problem getting up to speed in urban environments. The engine is tractable and free-revving for the power it produces, and the Chetak 3501 is an enjoyable ride in all sorts of conditions.
At the heart of this electric wonder is the 3.5kWh battery pack, which was made using state-of-the-art 21,700 NMC cells – optimized for superior energy density. This enables an impressive IDC (Indian Driving Cycle) range of 153 km with only one full charge, so it can last multiple days of commuting without range anxiety.
And the Chetak 3501 doesn’t disappoint for speed. With a claimed speed of 73 kmph, it has adequate punch for the city and occasional highway riding. The Acceleration Smooth And Easy And Will Not Find Difficulty With Traditional Scooter Riders Trying On An Electric For The First Time.
Charging Convenience
One of the top worries for prospective electric vehicle shoppers is charge time. The 950W charger on bored the Chetak 3501 takes care of this. This configuration takes the scooter from 0 to 80% in 3 hours, which is practical for overnight charging or quick top-ups during office hours.
The process for charging does not require any particular infrastructure, only access to a standard power outlet. This “no-brainer” contest has removed on of the greatest impediments to electric vehicle adoption: particularly in a context where dedicated charging stations are still emerging.
Intelligent Functions for a Connected Ride
The 3501 Chetak is no more only the basics, it is packed with practical features that add to the ownership experience. The top of the line version gets a TFT touchscreen console which can be paired with smartphones via a dedicated app that is available for both Android and iOS.
This connection service can do wonders such as turn-by-turn navigation, live tracking, remote immobilization, over-speed alerts and even accident detection with automatic emergency notifications! It also can display vehicle diagnostics, trip information and control music playback – giving you smartphone-like features during your daily commute.
One consideration is the user defined option of setting a speed limit, great stuff there. Rider Admonition The over speed limit value setting reminder is +5-5 km/h, which can prompt the rider when during over speed –particularly pEF roductive for the parents in keeping their children from over-speed driving.
Practical considerations in the design
But in addition to the shiny tech, the Chetak 3501 impresses with practical design flourishes that make a genuine difference in daily use. The new chassis has a larger footboard for more comfort and it is equipped with a 35 litres under, large enough for a full face helmet plus your personal items.
The scooter has IP67-rated water and dust resistance for peace of mind during monsoon seasons or on dust-heavy roads, promising reliability in the wide breath of typical Indian weather. Even the seating ergonomics are designed for comfortable yet active open-road riding; and little touches when you ride stay with you over time.
Ride Quality and Handling
The ride quality on the Chetak is quite good and the well-sprung suspension makes short work of potholes. With a front disc brake and a rear drum brake for dependable stopping, the Nighthawk S offers excellent control overall, with a responsive quality well suited for city traffic yet stable and comfortable at other times.
Read more Despite being made of metal it feels light and well balanced – maneuvering in and out of heavy traffic is a doddle. Eco, Sport, and Reverse riding modes (with the latter a godsend in tight parking scenarios) add some flexibility for riders to choose between maximum range or performance as per their requirements.
Ownership Experience
Bajaj has made buying the Chetak 3501 a hassle free affair with a wide service network spread pan India. With more than 3,800 servicing touchpoints across India, help is just around the corner – just what an electric vehicle owner needs.
It gets 3 years/50,000km of base warranty pack with options for extended warranties packs. The premium TecPac option includes more features and even greater protection for those who need more out of their protection.
Value Proposition
With a price range of ₹1.35 lakh to ₹1.40 lakh (ex-showroom), Chetak 3501 takes pride of place in the premium electric scooter category. Yes, it’s more expensive up front than the traditional scooters but the economics over time are very different.
Running costs are way cheaper than petrol alternatives averaging at ₹6.47 per kWh at which electricity is available. With a 153km range, and very low maintenance costs, the total cost of ownership per annum will make the Chetak 3501 a financially viable proposition to the daily commuter.
Moreover, convenient financing options such as EMI plans at approx. ₹2,697 per month have made the electric alternative” even more accessible.
In Summary
The Bajaj Chetak 3501 is a perfect throwback to history and the future, balanced out perfectly. It maintains on what was most important in terms of range, performance, and build while adding smart features that improve the ownership value proposition.
Overall, for those urban riders specifically looking to go green without a drop in quality and functionality, the 3501 Chetak is certainly one of the best the Indian market currently has to offer. Is not mere transportation; it’s a statement of commitment to the use of sustainable mobility without renouncing the pleasure of being on the road.
A tantamount of nostalgia mixed with enviable robustitude, an unreal range and thoughtful features; Chetak 3501 not only follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, but scribble a new verse of electric mobility in the country. Truly jhakaas indeed.
