You love road trips. The idea of hitting the highway, rolling down the windows, and seeing India unfold mile after mile is exciting. But what if you own—or are planning to buy—an electric vehicle (EV)? Can you really go on a long-distance road trip in India with an EV?
That’s the fear many people have. They worry about charging stations, battery life, and being stranded in the middle of nowhere. It feels risky. But here’s the truth: with a little planning, EV road trips in India are absolutely possible—and they can be cheaper, quieter, and even more enjoyable than petrol or diesel cars.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about charging options, routes, real costs, practical tips, and even examples of successful EV road trips across India. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to plan your first electric adventure with confidence.
Why Consider an EV for Road Trips?
At first glance, it feels easier to take a petrol/diesel car. But let’s pause for a moment. Why are so many people switching to EVs even for long journeys?
- Low running cost: Imagine driving hundreds of kilometers at ₹1–1.5 per km instead of ₹7–8 per km on petrol. That’s huge savings.
- Quiet and smooth driving: EVs are silent. No vibrations, no constant engine hum—just pure comfort.
- Eco-friendly travel: Every kilometer you drive, you’re reducing pollution compared to a fuel car. That feels good.
- Growing charging network: India’s highways are catching up fast with new fast chargers every month.
So yes, the old fear of “EVs can’t do road trips” is slowly fading. Let’s break it down further.
EV Road Trips in India:
1. The Current Charging Infrastructure:
India now has over 10,000 public charging stations, with fast chargers appearing on major highways like:
- Delhi–Chandigarh
- Delhi–Jaipur
- Mumbai–Pune–Bangalore corridor
- Chennai–Hyderabad
- Delhi–Agra (Yamuna Expressway)
Many hotels, malls, and even dhabas are adding chargers. Apps like Tata Power EZ Charge, Statiq, and ChargeZone help you find stations easily.
2. Range of Today’s EVs:
- Entry-level EVs (e.g., Tata Tiago EV): 200–250 km on a full charge.
- Mid-range EVs (e.g., Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV): 300–450 km.
- Premium EVs (e.g., Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6): 500+ km.
For context, Delhi to Jaipur is ~270 km. A Nexon EV can do this on a single charge, with a fast-charger available midway if needed.
3. Charging Time:
- Fast charger (DC): 30–60 minutes to 80%.
- Normal charger (AC): 6–8 hours at hotels or home stays.
This means if you plan stops wisely—lunch breaks, overnight halts—you can charge without losing extra time.
Cost Comparison: EV vs Petrol/Diesel on a Road Trip
Let’s say you’re planning a 1000 km road trip.
- Petrol Car: Mileage ~18 km/litre → Needs ~55 litres → ₹5500–6000.
- Diesel Car: Mileage ~22 km/litre → Needs ~45 litres → ₹4500–5000.
- EV (Nexon EV, ~6 km per unit): Needs ~165 units of electricity. Even at ₹7 per unit, that’s only ₹1150!
That’s not a small difference. It’s almost 4–5x cheaper to road trip in an EV.
Challenges of EV Road Trips (and How to Solve Them):
Yes, there are challenges. But each one has a solution.
1. Range Anxiety:
The fear of running out of charge mid-journey.
- Solution: Plan routes with apps, note charging stations ahead of time, and avoid running below 20% battery.
2. Charging Time:
Worried about wasting hours waiting?
- Solution: Align charging with meal breaks. On overnight trips, choose hotels with EV charging.
3. Limited Stations in Remote Areas:
Some rural routes still lack chargers.
- Solution: Carry a portable charging cable to use with regular 15A sockets. This is slower but works as a backup.
Planning an EV Road Trip in India: Step-by-Step:
Step 1: Choose the Right EV
- For city + short trips: Tata Tiago EV, Citroën eC3.
- For long trips: Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona, or Kia EV6.
Step 2: Plan the Route
- Use Google Maps + EV charging apps.
- Select stops with chargers, preferably fast ones.
Step 3: Pack Smart
- Keep charging cables, adapters, and extension cords.
- Carry power banks, snacks, and water—charging breaks become picnic breaks.
Step 4: Drive Efficiently
- Avoid sudden acceleration; it drains battery faster.
- Use regens braking (recharges battery when slowing down).
- Maintain steady speeds between 60–80 km/h for best efficiency.
Step 5: Enjoy the Journey
- Treat charging stops as mini breaks to rest, eat, and explore local spots.
Popular EV-Friendly Road Trip Routes in India:
- Delhi to Jaipur (270 km) – Nexon EV can make it easily with one top-up.
- Mumbai to Pune (150 km) – Well-covered with chargers.
- Delhi to Agra (230 km, Yamuna Expressway) – Fast chargers on the route.
- Bangalore to Mysore/Coorg (150–250 km) – Scenic and EV-friendly.
- Chennai to Pondicherry (150 km) – Perfect for a short EV getaway.
Longer trips like Mumbai to Goa (600 km) are also possible with careful planning and overnight charging halts.
Tips for a Stress-Free EV Road Trip:
- Start with a full charge before leaving.
- Keep at least two charging apps installed.
- Don’t depend on a single station—always have a backup.
- Book hotels with EV chargers in advance if staying overnight.
- Embrace the pace—charging breaks force you to slow down, rest, and enjoy the journey.
EV Road Trips vs Petrol/Diesel Road Trips: The Experience:
- Petrol/Diesel Cars: Familiar, quick refueling, no planning needed, but expensive and noisy.
- EVs: Needs planning, but gives cheaper, quieter, and greener trips. Charging stops often turn into memorable parts of the journey.
Think of it like this: petrol cars are like the “fast food” of travel—quick but costly. EV trips are more like “home-cooked meals”—they take planning but leave you feeling better.
Conclusion:
So, can you go on an EV road trip in India?
Absolutely yes. With today’s growing charging network, improved battery ranges, and smart planning, long-distance EV travel is not just possible—it’s enjoyable and economical.
Sure, you’ll need to plan your route and stops, but isn’t that part of the fun of a road trip anyway? And when you realize you’ve traveled hundreds of kilometers at a fraction of the fuel cost, you’ll feel proud of your choice.
🌱 The future of road trips is electric. Start small—maybe a weekend trip to a nearby city. Once you experience the comfort and savings, you’ll never see long drives the same way again.
🚗⚡ Your turn: Plan your first EV road trip today and discover the joy of traveling electric across India.