Bajaj Chetak 3001 vs Rivals: Price, Range, and Charging Time Compared

Bajaj has introduced a new entry-level variant to its electric scooter lineup – the Chetak 3001, priced at ₹99,990 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru). It aims to strike a balance between affordability and functionality, slotting into a competitive EV scooter segment. Let’s see how it stacks up against rivals such as the Ather Rizta S, Vida V2 Plus, TVS iQube (2.2kWh and 3.5kWh variants), the Honda QC1, and the upcoming Suzuki e-Access, focusing on three crucial factors: range, charging time, and price.

Range Comparison

The Chetak 3001 draws power from a 3kWh battery pack, placing it right between the smaller and larger battery variants in the current e-scooter market.

• Bajaj Chetak 3001 claims a range of 127 km, putting it neck-and-neck with the Ather Rizta S (123 km).

• TVS iQube 3.5 leads the group with a 145 km range, while the Vida V2 Plus isn’t far behind with 143 km, both courtesy of their larger battery packs (3.5kWh and 3.44kWh respectively).

• The iQube 2.2 manages 94 km, making it a more city-focused option.

• Suzuki e-Access, which shares the same 3kWh battery as the Chetak but uses an LFP cell (less energy dense than the NMC type in the Chetak), returns a lower 95 km range.

• The Honda QC1, with its small 1.5kWh battery, offers just 80 km, the lowest in this group.

Charging time is just as crucial as range, especially for users with tight schedules or limited access to charging points.

• Chetak 3001 comes bundled with a 750W charger that enables a 0–80% charge in 3 hours 50 minutes.

• The iQube 2.2, with a smaller battery, charges quicker – just 2 hours 45 minutes to 80% using a 650W charger. The larger iQube 3.5 takes 4 hours 30 minutes with the same charger.

• Vida V2 Plus requires 5 hours 15 minutes for an 80% charge via its portable charger but also supports fast charging via Ather Grid, delivering 12 km of range in just 10 minutes.

• Ather Rizta S takes a lengthy 6 hours 30 minutes with its 375W home charger, but its fast-charging network allows a 15 km top-up in 10 minutes.

• Suzuki e-Access also takes 4 hours 30 minutes on standard charging, but when plugged into Suzuki’s planned fast-charging stations, it can charge from 0–80% in just 1 hour 12 minutes.

• Despite having the smallest battery, Honda QC1 is let down by a slow 330W charger, taking 4 hours 30 minutes to reach 80%.

Affordability remains key in this segment, especially with government subsidies tightening.

• Vida V2 Plus undercuts the rest with a highly competitive ₹85,300 price tag, likely boosted by temporary discounts.

• Honda QC1 follows at ₹90,000, but its spec sheet reflects the lower price.

• Bajaj Chetak 3001, at ₹99,990, sits in a sweet spot between affordability and usable range.

• TVS iQube 2.2 comes in at ₹1 lakh flat, offering decent range and quick charging.

• Ather Rizta S is priced at ₹1.10 lakh, but important features (and extended battery warranty) are locked behind a ₹14,000 Pro Pack.

• The premium among these is the TVS iQube 3.5, commanding ₹1.31 lakh.

• Suzuki e-Access is still awaiting its official price, but its spec balance suggests it will be priced close to the Chetak.

The Bajaj Chetak 3001 positions itself as a well-balanced choice in the budget EV scooter market. It offers a respectable range, reasonably fast charging, and pricing that undercuts premium options while offering better performance than entry-level alternatives like the Honda QC1.

That said, if fast charging is a priority, scooters like the Rizta S, Vida V2 Plus, and Suzuki e-Access (upon launch) offer more flexibility. For those chasing maximum range, the TVS iQube 3.5 and Vida V2 Plus remain segment leaders.

In conclusion, the Chetak 3001 is a compelling pick for urban commuters looking for solid range and practicality without breaking the bank.

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