The electric two-wheeler market in India has recently seen many changes and welcomed many new variants too. This holds true for both Bajaj and TVS since the Chakan-based company brought the 2024 Chetak Urbane and the latter launched the iQube in its most affordable trim. So, we have pitted the two electric scooters against each other on paper, and here is the result.
Design
The TVS iQube has carried the same design since its inception for its models. It appears simple and gets a boxy design which appears subtle. It looks contemporary and practical but nothing flamboyant. On the other hand, the Chetak e-scooter takes its design inspiration from yesteryear’s model, the iconic Chetak (petrol-powered). So, the Chetak EV gets a curvy design with flowing lines and a proper old-school design. It gets a round headlight and a sweeping rear end which give the Chetak a distinctive look.
Features
Along with LED illumination, the TVS iQube comes with a five-inch TFT with smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, OTA updates, two ride modes – Economy and Power, call/SMS alerts, distance to empty, crash and fall alert, geo-fencing, anti-theft alert, live indicator status, park assist, and USB charging port.
Bajaj has offered the Chetak with colour LCD, Eco mode, and limited smartphone connectivity. But if you opt for the TecPac that costs an additional Rs. 8,000, then it also gets an additional ride mode called sport, hill hold, reverse mode, and full connectivity features that include call management, music control, and geo-fencing. Clearly, the TVS iQube has more features than the Chetak.
Motor and Battery
Powering the iQube is a 2.2kWh unit and it offers 75km with 75kmph top speed. But there is another battery option with 3.4kWh capacity that gets 80kmph of top speed and 100km of maximum range.
The Chetak Urbane uses a 2.9kWh battery with a maximum range of 113km. Its top speed is limited to 63kmph but can be bumped up to 73kmph with the TecPac. While the Chetak has a lower top speed, it offers notably more range than the iQube.
Hardware
The TVS iQube rides on telescopic front forks and dual rear springs. It gets a front disc and rear drum brake setup mounted on 12-inch wheels wrapped in a 90/90 tyre setup. On the other hand, the Chetak gets a single front and rear shock absorber. But it uses a drum brake at both ends. The iQube wins an extra point here with its hardware.
Price
The asking price for the TVS iQube is set at Rs. 94,999 for the smaller battery trim and Rs. 1,36,628 (both ex-showroom, Bengaluru) for the bigger battery. Bajaj has priced the Chetak at Rs. 1.23 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune) including the Tec Pac. While the price difference between the two electric scooters is significant, it is also noteworthy that the iQube offers a lower range, more features and better hardware than the Chetak.
