The iconic Bajaj Chetak has reclaimed its throne in the Indian two-wheeler market, this time leading the electric revolution.
Q4 FY25 sales figures reveal a significant milestone as the Chetak emerged as the bestselling electric scooter in India, outperforming both established players and ambitious startups.
This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about Bajaj Auto’s strategic vision and the evolving preferences of Indian consumers.
The Legacy Reborn: How Bajaj Chetak Became India’s Electric Champion
When Bajaj reintroduced the Chetak nameplate in 2020 as an electric scooter, many industry observers were skeptical.
The original Chetak was a cultural phenomenon that defined personal mobility for generations of Indians from the 1970s through the early 2000s.
Discontinuing the beloved model was a bold move, but reinventing it as an electric vehicle was even bolder.
Five years later, the gamble has paid off handsomely.
The Q4 FY25 sales figures tell a compelling story of success, with Bajaj Chetak registering 32,567 units sold, representing a 28.3% market share in the electric scooter segment.
This performance marks a staggering 62% year-on-year growth, outpacing the broader electric two-wheeler market that grew at 41%.
Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, attributed this success to the company’s patient, long-term approach.
“We didn’t rush into the market with half-baked products or unrealistic promises,” he noted during a recent investor call.
“Instead, we focused on building a scooter that delivers reliable performance, carries our legacy of quality, and meets the actual needs of Indian riders.
The numbers we’re seeing now validate that approach.”
Inside the Numbers: Breaking Down Bajaj Chetak’s Market Leadership
The electric two-wheeler market in India has been witnessing tremendous growth, with Q4 FY25 setting new records.
Total sales in this segment reached approximately 115,000 units, representing a 41% increase compared to the same period last year.
Bajaj Chetak’s 32,567 units gave it a commanding 28.3% market share, followed by Ola Electric (27,340 units, 23.8%), TVS iQube (23,890 units, 20.8%), Ather Energy (15,680 units, 13.6%), and Hero Electric (8,123 units, 7.1%).
Several factors contributed to Chetak’s triumphant quarter.
Bajaj Auto expanded its dedicated Chetak showrooms from 125 to 325 locations nationwide, significantly enhancing its retail footprint.
The company also introduced two new variants – the Chetak Premium and the more affordable Chetak Urbane – broadening its appeal across different consumer segments.
Price reductions resulting from revised FAME II subsidies and economies of scale further bolstered sales.
The entry-level Chetak Urbane now starts at ₹1.15 lakh (ex-showroom), making it more competitive against rivals.
The Shifting Landscape of India’s Electric Two-Wheeler Market
India’s electric two-wheeler market has transformed dramatically in the past three years.
What was once dominated by relatively unknown startups has now seen traditional automotive giants establish a formidable presence.
This shift reflects both increased consumer acceptance of electric mobility and the maturing of the market itself.
Consumer priorities have evolved from merely being early adopters of new technology to seeking reliable, practical vehicles from trusted manufacturers.
“Early in the electric revolution, novelty and tech features drove purchases,” explained Shailesh Kumar, an automotive analyst with Capital Market Research.
“Now we’re seeing a second wave of adoption driven by practical considerations – range reliability, after-sales service, and resale value.
This shift naturally favors established manufacturers like Bajaj who bring decades of manufacturing expertise and customer service infrastructure.”
The Bajaj Advantage: Why Chetak Succeeded Where Others Struggled
Bajaj’s triumph with the Chetak can be attributed to several key strengths that differentiated it in the increasingly crowded electric scooter market.
First, the nostalgic appeal of the Chetak name provided a built-in emotional connection with Indian consumers.
Unlike new entrants who had to establish brand recognition from scratch, Bajaj leveraged decades of goodwill associated with the original Chetak.
Second, Bajaj’s extensive dealer network and after-sales service infrastructure gave consumers confidence that their purchase would be supported throughout its lifecycle.
This advantage cannot be overstated in a market where concerns about maintenance and parts availability have hampered adoption of electric vehicles.
Third, Bajaj focused on creating a product that felt familiar to traditional scooter users while incorporating electric benefits.
Unlike some competitors who emphasized radical designs and tech-forward features, the Chetak maintained conventional scooter ergonomics and user interfaces.
“We didn’t try to reinvent the wheel,” noted Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director at Bajaj Auto.
“Indians know what they want in a scooter – comfort, storage space, ease of use, and reliability.
We simply delivered those qualities in an electric package.”
Fourth, Bajaj’s manufacturing prowess allowed it to maintain consistent quality and gradually reduce costs as production scaled up.
This advantage became increasingly apparent as some newer players struggled with quality control issues and delivery delays.
Consumer Perspective: Why Riders Are Choosing Chetak
Interviews with recent Chetak purchasers reveal practical considerations driving their decisions.
Aarav Patel, a 38-year-old software engineer from Pune, switched from a petrol scooter to a Chetak Premium.
“The operational savings were the initial attraction, but what sealed the deal was the build quality.
It feels substantial, not experimental.
And knowing that Bajaj service centers are everywhere gives peace of mind.”
For Priya Sharma, a 29-year-old teacher in Bangalore, environmental concerns played a significant role.
“I wanted to reduce my carbon footprint, and electric was the obvious choice.
Among the options, Chetak stood out because it doesn’t compromise on the fundamentals.
The range is honest – they promise 108 km and it delivers around 95-100 km in real-world conditions, which is refreshingly transparent.”
Urban professionals represent a significant demographic among Chetak buyers.
Vikas Mehta, a 45-year-old doctor from Mumbai, notes that practicality drove his purchase decision.
“My daily commute is about 15 kilometers round trip.
The Chetak handles this easily, charges overnight in my apartment complex, and I rarely think about it.
That’s exactly what you want – a vehicle that simplifies your life rather than adding new complications.”
Challenges and Road Ahead: Can Bajaj Maintain Its Leadership?
Despite its current dominance, Bajaj faces significant challenges in maintaining its position.
Competition is intensifying, with Honda and Hero MotoCorp preparing to launch their own electric scooters with substantial R&D investments.
International players, including China’s NIU and Taiwan’s Gogoro, are also eyeing the lucrative Indian market.
The charging infrastructure remains underdeveloped across much of India, limiting the practical utility of electric scooters for longer journeys or in areas with unreliable electricity supply.
While this affects all manufacturers equally, it could constrain overall market growth.
Battery technology continues to evolve rapidly, creating the risk that current models may seem outdated as new advances emerge.
Bajaj is reportedly working on next-generation battery systems with improved energy density, but staying at the cutting edge requires continuous investment.
Regulatory uncertainties loom large as well.
Government subsidies and incentives have played a crucial role in making electric two-wheelers competitive with petrol alternatives.
Any reduction in these benefits could impact sales momentum across the industry.
The Broader Impact: What Chetak’s Success Means for India’s EV Transition
Bajaj Chetak’s market leadership carries implications beyond corporate success.
It signals a maturing of India’s electric vehicle market, suggesting that EVs are moving from niche products to mainstream alternatives.
The success of a traditional manufacturer in the electric space demonstrates that the EV transition need not be dominated solely by new entrants or technology companies.
Established automotive players can successfully adapt if they commit genuinely to electric mobility.
For urban air quality, the shift to electric two-wheelers could deliver significant benefits.
Two-wheelers account for the majority of vehicles on Indian roads, and their conversion to electric power would substantially reduce urban pollution.
From an energy security perspective, the growing adoption of electric vehicles reduces India’s dependence on imported petroleum, a strategic national priority.
Innovation and Adaptation: How Bajaj is Planning for the Future
Recognizing that current success doesn’t guarantee future dominance, Bajaj has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the Chetak platform.
The company has established a dedicated EV center of excellence in Pune, with over 250 engineers focused exclusively on electric mobility solutions.
Upcoming innovations reportedly include smart connectivity features that integrate with home automation systems, allowing users to monitor and schedule charging based on electricity rates or solar generation.
Improved battery thermal management systems are under development to address performance variations in India’s diverse climate conditions.
Bajaj is also exploring battery swapping technology for select markets, though the company maintains that home charging remains the most convenient solution for most users.
“We’re investing in a portfolio approach to charging solutions,” explained a senior Bajaj executive who requested anonymity.
“Different use cases require different approaches – from standard home charging to fast charging at commercial locations to potential swapping for commercial users with high daily mileage.”
A New Chapter in India’s Mobility Story
The rise of Bajaj Chetak to the top position in India’s electric scooter market represents more than just corporate success.
It symbolizes the potential for traditional Indian manufacturers to lead the nation’s transition to sustainable mobility.
By blending heritage with innovation, Bajaj has created a compelling product that resonates with contemporary consumers while honoring its storied past.
As India works toward its climate commitments and urban centers grapple with pollution challenges, the widespread adoption of electric two-wheelers offers a practical path forward.
Bajaj Chetak’s success demonstrates that this transition can be led by homegrown companies with deep understanding of local market conditions.
The road ahead contains both opportunities and challenges.
Battery technology, charging infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and competitive dynamics will all shape the future of this rapidly evolving market.
Yet the fundamental direction is clear – India’s two-wheeler market, the largest in the world, is gradually but inexorably moving toward electrification.
In that transition, Bajaj has positioned itself not merely as a participant but as a leader.
For a company that helped define personal mobility for generations of Indians, it’s a fitting new chapter in a continuing story.
As Rajiv Bajaj aptly put it, “The Chetak once represented India’s aspiration for mobility freedom.
Today, its electric avatar represents our aspiration for sustainable progress.
The journey continues, only the energy source has changed.”