The highly anticipated Bajaj Auto has been finally launched in India. Here's how it compares with its biggest rival - the Ather 450.
Also Read: Honda to start testing electric scooter in India in Q1 FY2021
| Vehicle | Bajaj Chetak | Ather 450 |
| Engine and Performance | ||
| Peak Power | 3.8kW/4.08kW (continuous/peak power) | 3.3kW/5.4kW (continuous/peak power) |
| Peak Torque | 16 Nm | 20.5 Nm |
| Top Speed | 60 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Acceleration (0-40 km/h) | NA | 3.9 seconds |
| Riding modes | Eco and Sport with Intuitive Kickdown mode | Eco, Ride and Sport |
| Regenerative Braking | Yes | Yes |
| Hardware and Features | ||
| Body Type | Metal | ABS Plastic |
| Lighting | Full LED | Full LED |
| Keyless entry | Yes | No |
| Battery Type | Li-ion | Li-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 3 kWh | 2.7 kWh |
| Max Range (Eco Mode) | 95 km | 75 km |
| Battery Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Fast Charging | No | Yes |
| Charging Time (Standard Charger) | 25% - 1 hour
100% - approx. 5 hours |
0-80% - 4 hrs 20 mins
0 - 100% - 5 hrs 30 mins |
| Battery Warranty | 3 years / 50000 km | 3 years / unlimited km |
| Removable | No | No |
| Public Charging | No | Yes (Ather Grid) |
| Home Charging | Complementary Charger | Complementary Charger |
| Data connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Urbane: INR 1 lakh*
Premium: INR 1.15 lakh* |
INR 1,13,715 lakh (On-Road Bengaluru) |
Chetak vs. Ather 450 – Styling and Features
In terms of design, the new Chetak features a retro-styling that is inspired by the original Chetak scooter. The retro looks are enhanced by modern equipment such as full LED lighting, a digital display, backlit switchgear, keyless access and an onboard USB charger. The digital display is Bluetooth-enabled, and it works with a dedicated smartphone application that is available for Android as well as iOS. The smartphone app offers access to functions such as the unauthorized movement of the vehicle, accident detection and battery status. The Chetak electric also benefits from a full metal body.
Overall, the feature list makes a strong case for the Chetak electric scooter, although the Ather 450 packs even more functions.
The Ather 450 uses contemporary design and packs, even more advanced features such as 7-inch capacity touchscreen (IP65) with onboard navigation (map-style layout instead of turn-by-turn setup), app-based service booking, auto indicator cut-off, doorstep pick up and drop for service, guide me home lights and document storage on the dashboard. Full LED lighting also comes as standard on the Ather 450. The electric scooter from the Bengaluru-based brand uses ABS Plastic for the body.
Chetak vs. Ather 450 – Engine Performance and Battery
The Chetak's electric motor produces 4.08 kW (3.8 kW continuous) and 16 Nm of maximum torque. It allows for a top speed of 60 km/h, irrespective of the riding mode (Eco or Sport) that is engaged. It benefits from Intuitive kickdown mode that comes handy for quick acceleration. The 3 kWh battery pack promises a range of 95 km in Eco Mode and 85 km in Sport Mode.
The Ather 450, on the other hand, packs more power. The electric motor on the Ather 450 boasts a higher peak power and maximum torque of 5.4 kW (3.3 kW continuous) and 20.5 Nm respectively. The top speed stands at 80 km/h (Sport mode)/65 km/h (Ride Mode)/45 km/h (Eco mode). The range is 75 km (Eco Mode)/65 km (Ride Mode)/55 km (Sport Mode).
The Ather 450 has an edge in terms of performance, while the Chetak boasts a longer range.
Chetak Vs. Ather 450 – Hardware
The Chetak uses a link-type front suspension at the front and a single-spring at the back to perform the shock absorption tasks. In the Urbane variant, has drum brakes on both wheels, while in the Premium variant, it uses a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear. The braking setup is at par with some of the other electric scooters in the Indian market, although the Ather 450 has a clear advantage in this department.
The Ather 450 uses disc brakes on both wheels as standard, which gives it better-stopping power. The shock absorption setup includes telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the back. Unlike the Chetak electric, the Ather 450 is available in a single variant (as on 14 January). The Ather 340, theoretically a separate model but technically just a variant, was axed due to low demand. However, Ather Energy will soon introduce a new variant of the 450, the 450X, that promises better performance and connectivity than the standard scooter.
Chetak vs. Ather 450 – Price
The base variant (Urbane) of the Chetak is available at INR 1,00,000*, while the higher-spec variant (Premium) of the same electric scooter retails at INR 1,15,000*. These prices do not include insurance and registration charges. The Ather 450, on the other hand, is priced at INR 1,13,715 (on-road Bengaluru).
Also Read: Electric two-wheeler manufacturers learning to live without FAME-II subsidy
The higher performance numbers, more advanced features, massive charging infrastructure and a relatively lower price tag make a strong case for the Ather 450. Meanwhile, the Chetak electric has a nostalgic value, longer range and a retro-styling that makes it more desirable.
*Ex-showroom
