A recent 6,300-kilometre electric vehicle (EV) road trip from Bengaluru to Noida, encompassing a loop through significant spiritual and historical sites, has provided compelling evidence of India’s evolving e-mobility landscape.
Undertaken in a Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, this extensive journey underscores the increasing viability of EVs for long-distance travel, challenging conventional perceptions and highlighting the rapid advancements in charging infrastructure across the nation. This odyssey represents a significant step towards achieving India’s ambitious goals of fostering zero-net carbon, eco-friendly, and more equitable urban and inter-city environments, by demonstrating the practicality and burgeoning convenience of electric transportation as a mainstream alternative.
The meticulous planning for such an expansive trip hinged on the practical delivery of a substantial range, with the EQS SUV consistently achieving around 400 kilometres on a single charge. The comprehensive route, traversing Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Noida, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Vrindavan, Agra, Ayodhya, and back, necessitated strategic charging stops. The total cost for charging amounted to approximately Rs 26,000, supplemented by some domestic 15A charging, illustrating the economic efficiency of electric mobility over long distances. An average efficiency of 189 Wh/km further highlights the vehicle’s impressive performance.
A pivotal enabler for this journey was the burgeoning network of DC fast chargers strategically located along India’s major highways. Stops like the JIO-BP Pulse DC charger at Big Bay India, near Hyderabad, offering dual 60KW guns, proved invaluable. The traveller’s experience highlights the growing accessibility of such facilities, allowing for efficient charging while concurrently facilitating meal breaks. For instance, an arrival at Big Bay at 12:30 PM allowed the vehicle to charge to 95 percent during a lunch break, providing sufficient range to reach Hyderabad. This integration of charging with routine travel breaks significantly enhances the practicality of long-distance EV journeys.
The trip also underscored the importance of reliable charging infrastructure at overnight halts. Hotels in prime locations like Gachibowli in Hyderabad, specifically Oakwood Residences by Kapil and Sheraton, were chosen for their robust EV charging facilities. This burgeoning trend of luxury hospitality providers investing in destination chargers, notably observed across Taj and Marriott properties, is a game-changer for EV travellers, allowing vehicles to be fully charged overnight, ready for the next leg of the journey. While some challenges, such as occupied chargers or the variability in third-party charger reliability (as noted with some Adani chargers on the Agra-Lucknow expressway), were encountered, the overall prevalence of functional options from providers like ChargeZone, JIO-BP, and Tata Power facilitated the extensive travel.
The journey vividly showcased the environmental benefits of electric mobility. By traversing over 6,000 kilometres in an EV, the traveller significantly reduced their carbon footprint compared to a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle. This directly contributes to the overarching objective of creating zero-net carbon cities and mitigating the impact of climate change. Moreover, the growing presence of charging stations, even in religious and tourist hubs, points to a broader infrastructural shift that supports eco-friendly travel choices across diverse demographics. The journey also demonstrated the gender-neutral aspect of EV charging, as the technology is accessible and user-friendly for all, promoting equitable access to sustainable transportation.
The successful completion of this 6,300-kilometre EV road trip marks a crucial inflection point for electric mobility in India. It moves beyond theoretical discussions of range anxiety and charging infrastructure gaps, providing tangible proof of concept for long-distance electric travel. While continued expansion and standardisation of the charging network remain imperative, this journey demonstrates that the foundational elements are now in place. As more individuals embrace EVs for their cross-country adventures, India moves closer to its vision of integrated, sustainable, and eco-conscious urban and inter-city connectivity, ultimately contributing to a healthier planet and more equitable access to efficient transportation for all citizens.
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