Next Gen Bajaj Chetak EV Teased Ahead of January 14 Launch
Bajaj Auto is gearing up for the official unveiling of the next generation of its flagship Chetak electric scooter, which will launch on January 14th, 2026. The announcement comes after multiple sightings of test mules in India, with spy shots suggesting a slight redesign, while retaining its original iconic Chetak shape. Bajaj Chetak is expected to launch on January 14th, 2026, as indicated by the official teaser.
Once launched, the electric scooter will take on the likes of TVS iQube, Ather Rizta and Hero Vida VX2. Currently, Bajaj Chetak has shown market dominance, with Bajaj sitting comfortably at No.2 spot in electric scooter sales. However, with this new launch, they are expected to increase sales and might even beat out TVS and claim the crown.
New Bajaj Chetak EV Teased
Bajaj has officially teased its upcoming electric scooter. The teaser shows the scooter’s rear LED tail lights. The pixelated tail light design has not been seen on any Chetak scooter before and will bring a whole new aesthetic to the brand. Spy shots also indicate that there will most likely be a new headlight design as well, though it is unlikely that Bajaj will switch out the circular headlamp. At most, it will have a different finish and trim, but should retain the iconic ring.
In the teaser, we can see a vaguely W-shaped LED tail light housing that includes the LED turn indicators. The chetak badge sits beautifully above the tail light. This is very different from the current setup with split lighting elements. There is also going to be a Chetak badging inside the LED headlight, instead of just the Chetak logo. We can also expect a tire hugger at the rear with this update, alongside thin ORVM stalks instead of the fancier ones used in the current models.
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Bajaj Chetak 2026 — What to expect?
The Bajaj Chetak is offered in two primary series, the 30 series and 35 series. As the name suggests, the 30 series features a 3.0 kWh battery while the 35 series features a 3.5 kWh battery. The former only has one variant, the 3001, while the latter gets three variants — 3501, 3502, and 3503. The new scooter might be a facelift for the existing range, or an entirely new addition to the Chetak lineup.
In terms of equipment, you can expect a TFT touchscreen on higher variants while the lower variants will get a basic LCD screen. The battery packs are expected to be either 3.0 kWh or 3.5 kWh, powering a hub motor as seen in the spy shots.
It is worthy to note that the current Chetak scooters do not get a hub motor, and all of them are equipped with a mid-mount electric motor. Further details will be revealed on January 14th, 2o26, on day of the launch.
New Chetak EV — What do Spy Shots Reveal?
Despite heavy camouflage, certain updates on the test mule confirm Bajaj’s intention to modernize the Chetak without straying too far from its roots. The rear LED tail light setup is completely reworked, now integrated into a single unit that combines brake lights and turn indicators. This not only gives the scooter a cleaner rear profile but also aligns it with the latest design trends.
The number plate holder appears slightly revised, and a new rear tire hugger has been added—possibly to enhance safety and reduce splashes during rain. Interestingly, the charging port is not visible at the rear, suggesting it may have been relocated to the front apron area or concealed under a flap for better aesthetics and practicality.
The side body panels also seem to have undergone subtle changes, although they remain well-hidden under the camouflage wrap. The rear grab rail appears to be carried over, while the seat design now looks flatter, possibly to enhance rider comfort. Up front, the familiar LED headlamp and DRLs have been retained, but the Chetak logo has been replaced with new Chetak lettering, giving it a more contemporary touch. Another noticeable change is the repositioning of the turn indicators from the apron to the handlebar area, which could improve visibility.
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This spied prototype is likely a mid-level variant of the Next-Gen Bajaj Chetak—potentially called Chetak 3502 or Chetak 3002. Several details hint at this positioning. For instance, it features a front disc brake, but lacks premium components found on higher-end models. The hub motor mounted on the rear wheel is a notable change, as none of the existing Chetak models currently use one. This could indicate Bajaj’s attempt to offer a more cost-effective variant with efficient power delivery.
In terms of features, the absence of keyless start and TFT instrument display points toward a more accessible version. Instead, there’s a new LCD instrument cluster, which deviates from the circular design seen on the current model. The switchgear layout appears new, and the scooter skips premium ORVM stalks that are typically offered on top variants. Another major change is the suspension setup. Bajaj seems to have replaced the signature single-sided front suspension with conventional twin telescopic forks, likely for better cost optimization and easier maintenance. The rear end might use twin shock absorbers, although this is yet to be confirmed.
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While technical specifications are still under wraps, reports suggest that the Next-Gen Chetak could feature somewhere between a 3 kWh and 3.5 kWh battery pack. This would give the scooter a range of around 150 km on a single charge, placing it in a competitive position against rivals like the TVS iQube ST, Ola S1 Pro, and Ather 450 Apex. The use of a hub motor could also translate into a smoother riding experience with fewer moving parts and lower maintenance requirements.
Conclusion
Bajaj seems to have struck a fine balance between preserving the classic Chetak appeal and introducing modern functionality. The company’s design approach emphasizes familiarity and nostalgia while incorporating meaningful upgrades that align with current EV trends. The Next-Gen Chetak is expected to be offered in multiple variants — each catering to different price brackets and feature preferences. Higher-end trims could include features like keyless operation, connected display, and fast-charging capability.
