At EVJoints, the objective of the EV Trip Diaries series is simple. We want to show real electric vehicle journeys as they actually happen on Indian roads. Not perfect. Not filtered. Not theoretical.
These stories are meant to help EV users and future EV buyers understand what long-distance electric travel really looks like, how planning makes all the difference, what challenges can come up, and how they can be handled calmly with the right tools and mindset.
This trip, shared by Amith Bhargav, an EVJoints user who planned his journey using the EVJoints Trip Planner (along with ABRP), is a perfect example of how a well-planned EV journey through ghats, highways, temples, and coastal roads can be both practical and deeply memorable.
Trip Overview
- Car: Mahindra XEV9E Pack 3
- Battery Capacity: 79 kWh
- Estimated Real-World Range: ~500 km
- Trip Duration: 3 days
- Trip Type: One way
- Start: Bengaluru
- Route Covered: Horanadu, Sringeri, Thirthalli, Shimoga, Sagara, Sigandur, Kolluru, Kamalashile, Hattianagadi, Balekudru, Haleyangadi
This was not just a point-to-point drive. It was a journey that combined ghat roads, spiritual destinations, family time, and coastal stretches, all done in an electric SUV.
More Than Just a Drive
Amith Bhargav recently embarked on a memorable one-way electric journey from Bengaluru to Haleyangadi in his Mahindra XEV9E Pack 3 (79 kWh). With an estimated real-world range of around 500 km, this drive was not only about reaching destinations. It was about experiencing sustainable travel, family bonding, and understanding what EV travel looks like in parts of India where charging infrastructure is still evolving.
The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the ghat section drives. Amith and his mom were swept away by winding roads, lush greenery, and the calm, effortless performance of the EV. The silence of the electric drivetrain against the backdrop of nature made the journey even more special.
Day 1: Bengaluru → Hassan → Horanadu → Sringeri → Thirthalli
Date: 25th January 2026
Distance: 442 km
Driving Time: 14 hours
Charging Stops: 2 (since there was no charging availability in Thirthalli)
The journey began from Electronic City, Bengaluru, with excitement and anticipation.
Charging Stop 1: Hotel Sky Birds, Hassan
- Network:
- Network: Zeon Charging
- Start SOC: 64%
- End SOC: 100%
- Charger: 120 kW DC
- Energy Added: 29.29 kWh
- Time Spent: 49 minutes
- Cost: ₹791.47
- What he did: Had breakfast
This was a smooth and efficient stop. In under 50 minutes, the battery was topped up completely while breakfast took care of the break.
Charging Stop 2: Growers Café, Belur
- Network: Tata Power
- Start SOC: 85%
- End SOC: 86%
- Charger: 30 kW DC
- Energy Added: 1.67 kWh
- Time Spent: 11 minutes
- Cost: ₹35.07
This stop did not go as planned. The charger initially malfunctioned and required a 45-minute call with customer care to get it working. Even after that, the charging speed was painfully slow, adding barely 1 kWh every 10 to 15 minutes. Since there were no further chargers available on the planned route, Amith waited briefly, then decided to move on. This decision would later force a route change and a detour to Shimoga.
Despite this hiccup, the drive through Horanadu and Sringeri was absolutely magical. The ghats were covered in greenery and mist, and the XEV9E handled every curve with ease.
By evening, Amith reached Thirthalli, where he tried charging using a 3.3 kW portable charger at the stay. Unfortunately, this caused power fluctuations, and for safety reasons, charging was stopped. With no reliable charging option available, the plan was changed to drive to Shimoga the next day for a proper fast charge.
Day 2: Thirthalli → Shimoga → Sagara → Sigandur → Kolluru → Kamalashile → Hattianagadi → Balekudru Matha
Date: 26th January 2026
Distance: 310 km
Driving Time: 12 hours
Charging Stops: 1
The detour to Shimoga added nearly 100 km to the original plan, but it turned out to be a blessing.
Charging Stop: Harsha The Fern, Shivamogga (Relux)
- Network: Relux
- Start SOC: 37%
- End SOC: 90%
- Charger: 120 kW DC
- Energy Added: 42.72 kWh
- Time Spent: 49 minutes
- Cost: ₹1008.10
This charging session went exactly as one would hope. In under 50 minutes, the car was charged from 37% to 90%. Breakfast during the stop ensured no time was wasted.
From here, the journey unfolded beautifully.
- In Sagara, Amith spent around 30 minutes with his cousins, adding a warm personal touch to the trip.
- Visits to Sigandur, Kolluru, and Kamalashile brought spiritual depth.
- Hattianagadi and Balekudru Matha added cultural richness to the journey.
Even in regions where charging infrastructure is sparse, the XEV9E’s range and performance inspired confidence.
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Day 3: Balekudru Matha → Haleyangadi
Date: 27th January 2026
Distance: 108 km (including several temple visits on internal roads in Udupi)
Driving Time: 2 hours
Charging Stops: None
The final stretch to Haleyangadi was short and relaxed. With enough charge left, no charging stop was needed. The drive was smooth, calm, and a perfect closing chapter to a journey that blended technology, tradition, and togetherness.
Apps and Tools Used for Planning
- Trip Planners: EVJoints, ABRP
- Charging Network Apps: Zeon Charging, Tata Power, Relux
- Other Apps Tried: Google Maps, Mapple (but they could not reliably show charging stations)
This again highlights a key lesson: EV-specific planning tools matter.
Key Challenges and How They Were Solved
Challenges:
- Sparse charging stations beyond Hassan
- Unreliable charger at Belur
- No usable charging option in Thirthalli
- Poor visibility of chargers on Google Maps and Mapple
Solutions:
- Careful pre-trip planning using EVJoints and ABRP
- Flexibility in route planning
- Making the most of high-speed chargers when available
- Accepting a detour when reality demanded it
Charging Summary of the Trip
Over the entire journey, Amith used three DC charging sessions:
- Zeon Charging at Hotel Sky Birds, Hassan
- Energy added: 29.29 kWh
- Time: 49 minutes
- Cost: ₹791.47
- Tata Power at Growers Café, Belur
- Energy added: 1.67 kWh
- Time: 11 minutes
- Cost: ₹35.07
- Relux at Harsha The Fern, Shivamogga
- Energy added: 42.72 kWh
- Time: 49 minutes
- Cost: ₹1008.10
Total DC energy added: ~73.7 kWh
Total DC charging time: ~1 hour 49 minutes
Total charging cost: ~₹1834.64
Overall Trip Summary
- Total Distance Covered: ~800+ km
- Total Trip Energy Efficiency: ~6.13 km/kWh
- Approximate Real-World Energy Consumption: ~160 to 165 Wh per km
- Total Trip Cost: ~₹1915
- Average Running Cost: ~₹2.39 per km
These numbers represent the true real-world cost and efficiency of the journey, including ghats, highways, temple visits, and mixed driving conditions over three days. For a large electric SUV like the Mahindra XEV9E, this is a strong and very realistic performance and clearly shows how practical long-distance EV travel can be with proper planning.
Reflections and Learnings
Despite all the hurdles, the trip was deeply rewarding. The Mahindra XEV9E proved its mettle in long-distance travel and handled ghats, highways, and rougher sections with ease.
The silence of the EV amplified the beauty of nature. Every charging stop, even the problematic ones, became part of the story rather than a frustration.
Most importantly, this journey reinforces one big truth for EV travel in India today:
Planning is not optional. Planning is the journey.
Closing Thoughts
This trip was more than just kilometers covered. It was about family bonding, sustainable travel, and discovering India in a new way.
Amith and his mom especially cherished the ghat drives, where the EV’s quiet power made them feel closer to nature.
Yes, charging infrastructure still has gaps. But with patience, flexibility, and the right planning tools, EV travel is not only possible, it is deeply enjoyable.
And sometimes, the unexpected detours give you the best memories, like reconnecting with cousins in Sagara.
For Amith, this journey became a reminder that every EV trip is a story of resilience, discovery, and connection.
