Bajaj Challenges Ola & TVS: New Chetak C25 Debuts with 113 km Range to Dominate ‘Bharat’ Market
In a major strategic pivot aimed at dominating the mass-market "Bharat" segment, Bajaj Auto has officially launched the Chetak C25 today, 14 January 2026, at an aggressive ex-showroom price of ₹91,399. Positioned as the new entry point for the Chetak family, the C25 variant undercuts the previous base model, the 3001, making the "life-proof" legacy more accessible than ever.
Strategic Hardware Pivot To achieve this disruptive price point, Bajaj has introduced significant mechanical departures for the first time in the Chetak lineup. The C25 features a 2.2kW peak hub-mounted BLDC motor, moving away from the complex mid-drive units found in the premium 35 series. Additionally, the brand has opted for twin telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers, a move designed to enhance "urban agility" and simplify maintenance.
Key Specifications at a Glance:
- Price: ₹91,399 (Ex-showroom, Bengaluru).
- Battery: 2.5 kWh floorboard-mounted NMC pack.
- Range: 113 km claimed IDC range.
- Top Speed: 55 km/h, optimised for dense city traffic.
- Weight: 107 kg (22 kg lighter than previous generations).
- Charging: 0–80% in 2 hours 25 minutes via a 750W off-board charger.
The "Life-Proof" Build for the Next Gen Buyer. Despite the lower price, Bajaj has refused to compromise on its core USP: an all-metal body. While many rivals in the sub-₹1 Lakh segment use plastic panels, the C25 retains its durable steel frame and IP67 rating, reinforcing the brand's "built to last" promise. This is a calculated move to appeal to the 40% of Chetak buyers who are under 35, offering a "neo-classical" design with updated artistic rear graphics and a single horizontal light bar.
Practicality and Smart Features: The C25 offers 25 litres of underseat storage, large enough for a full-face helmet. While it features a colour LCD console with Bluetooth as standard, users can unlock premium features such as Hill Hold Assist, reverse mode, and music control via the optional ₹3,000 ‘TecPac’.
What Lies Ahead? The Chetak C25 enters a fierce "Battle for Silver" against the TVS Orbiter, Ola S1 X, and Ampere Magnus. While today's launch focuses on affordability, the industry is already asking: Can a hub-motor legacy vehicle truly outperform high-speed digital rivals?