{"id":5763,"date":"2026-01-29T17:48:31","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T12:18:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/?p=5763"},"modified":"2026-01-29T17:48:48","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T12:18:48","slug":"my-journey-from-bengaluru-to-coastal-karnataka-in-a-mahindra-xev9e-covering-800-km","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/my-journey-from-bengaluru-to-coastal-karnataka-in-a-mahindra-xev9e-covering-800-km\/","title":{"rendered":"My Journey from Bengaluru to Coastal Karnataka in a Mahindra XEV9E Covering 800+ km"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>At EVJoints, the objective of the <a href=\"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/category\/ev-trip-diaries\/\"><strong>EV Trip Diaries<\/strong><\/a> series is simple. We want to show real electric vehicle journeys as they actually happen on Indian roads. Not perfect. Not filtered. Not theoretical.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>This trip, shared by <strong>Amith Bhargav, an <a href=\"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/\">EVJoints<\/a> user who planned his journey using the EVJoints <a href=\"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/tools\/ev-trip-planner\/\">Trip Planner<\/a> (along with ABRP)<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Trip Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Car:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/mahindra-xev-9e-battery-range-and-charging-options-explained\/\">Mahindra XEV9E Pack 3<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Battery Capacity:<\/strong> 79 kWh<\/li>\n<li><strong>Estimated Real-World Range:<\/strong> ~500 km<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trip Duration:<\/strong> 3 days<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trip Type:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<li><strong>Start:<\/strong> Bengaluru<\/li>\n<li><strong>Route Covered:<\/strong> Horanadu, Sringeri, Thirthalli, Shimoga, Sagara, Sigandur, Kolluru, Kamalashile, Hattianagadi, Balekudru, Haleyangadi<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This was not just a point-to-point drive. It was a journey that combined <strong>ghat roads, spiritual destinations, family time, and coastal stretches<\/strong>, all done in an electric SUV.<\/p>\n<p><strong>More Than Just a Drive<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Amith Bhargav recently embarked on a memorable one-way electric journey from <a href=\"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/tools\/ev-charging-station-locator\/bengaluru\/\">Bengaluru<\/a> to Haleyangadi in his <strong>Mahindra XEV9E Pack 3 (79 kWh)<\/strong>. With an estimated real-world range of around <strong>500 km<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n<p>The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the <strong>ghat section drives<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day 1: Bengaluru \u2192 Hassan \u2192 Horanadu \u2192 Sringeri \u2192 Thirthalli<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Date:<\/strong> 25th January 2026<br \/>\n<strong>Distance:<\/strong> 442 km<br \/>\n<strong>Driving Time:<\/strong> 14 hours<br \/>\n<strong>Charging Stops:<\/strong> 2 (since there was no charging availability in Thirthalli)<\/p>\n<p>The journey began from <strong>Electronic City, Bengaluru<\/strong>, with excitement and anticipation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Charging Stop 1: Hotel Sky Birds, Hassan<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Network:<\/li>\n<li><strong>Network: <a href=\"https:\/\/zeoncharging.com\/\">Zeon Charging<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Start SOC:<\/strong> 64%<\/li>\n<li><strong>End SOC:<\/strong> 100%<\/li>\n<li><strong>Charger:<\/strong> 120 kW DC<\/li>\n<li><strong>Energy Added:<\/strong> 29.29 kWh<\/li>\n<li><strong>Time Spent:<\/strong> 49 minutes<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cost:<\/strong> \u20b9791.47<\/li>\n<li><strong>What he did:<\/strong> Had breakfast<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5764 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-136x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"136\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-136x300.jpeg 136w, https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-465x1024.jpeg 465w, https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-698x1536.jpeg 698w, https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM.jpeg 720w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 136px) 100vw, 136px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 136px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 136\/300;\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This was a smooth and efficient stop. In under 50 minutes, the battery was topped up completely while breakfast took care of the break.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Charging Stop 2: Growers Caf\u00e9, Belur<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Network: <\/strong>Tata Power<\/li>\n<li><strong>Start SOC:<\/strong> 85%<\/li>\n<li><strong>End SOC:<\/strong> 86%<\/li>\n<li><strong>Charger:<\/strong> 30 kW DC<\/li>\n<li><strong>Energy Added:<\/strong> 1.67 kWh<\/li>\n<li><strong>Time Spent:<\/strong> 11 minutes<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cost:<\/strong> \u20b935.07<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5765 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-1-136x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"136\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-1-136x300.jpeg 136w, https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-1-465x1024.jpeg 465w, https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-1-698x1536.jpeg 698w, https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-1.jpeg 720w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 136px) 100vw, 136px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 136px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 136\/300;\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This stop did not go as planned. The charger initially malfunctioned and required a <strong>45-minute call with customer care<\/strong> 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 <strong>force a route change and a detour to Shimoga<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Despite this hiccup, the drive through <strong>Horanadu and Sringeri<\/strong> was absolutely magical. The ghats were covered in greenery and mist, and the XEV9E handled every curve with ease.<\/p>\n<p>By evening, Amith reached <strong>Thirthalli<\/strong>, where he tried charging using a <strong>3.3 kW portable charger<\/strong> 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 <strong>drive to Shimoga the next day<\/strong> for a proper fast charge.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day 2: Thirthalli \u2192 Shimoga \u2192 Sagara \u2192 Sigandur \u2192 Kolluru \u2192 Kamalashile \u2192 Hattianagadi \u2192 Balekudru Matha<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Date:<\/strong> 26th January 2026<br \/>\n<strong>Distance:<\/strong> 310 km<br \/>\n<strong>Driving Time:<\/strong> 12 hours<br \/>\n<strong>Charging Stops:<\/strong> 1<\/p>\n<p>The detour to Shimoga added <strong>nearly 100 km<\/strong> to the original plan, but it turned out to be a blessing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Charging Stop: Harsha The Fern, Shivamogga (Relux)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Network:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/reluxelectric.com\/\">Relux<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Start SOC:<\/strong> 37%<\/li>\n<li><strong>End SOC:<\/strong> 90%<\/li>\n<li><strong>Charger:<\/strong> 120 kW DC<\/li>\n<li><strong>Energy Added:<\/strong> 42.72 kWh<\/li>\n<li><strong>Time Spent:<\/strong> 49 minutes<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cost:<\/strong> \u20b91008.10<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5766 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-2-136x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"136\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-2-136x300.jpeg 136w, https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-2-465x1024.jpeg 465w, https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-2-698x1536.jpeg 698w, https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-27-at-7.34.53-PM-2.jpeg 720w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 136px) 100vw, 136px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 136px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 136\/300;\" \/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>From here, the journey unfolded beautifully.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In <strong>Sagara<\/strong>, Amith spent around <strong>30 minutes with his cousins<\/strong>, adding a warm personal touch to the trip.<\/li>\n<li>Visits to <strong>Sigandur, Kolluru, and Kamalashile<\/strong> brought spiritual depth.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hattianagadi and Balekudru Matha<\/strong> added cultural richness to the journey.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Even in regions where charging infrastructure is sparse, the XEV9E\u2019s range and performance inspired confidence.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day 3: Balekudru Matha \u2192 Haleyangadi<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Date:<\/strong> 27th January 2026<br \/>\n<strong>Distance:<\/strong> 108 km (including several temple visits on internal roads in Udupi)<br \/>\n<strong>Driving Time:<\/strong> 2 hours<br \/>\n<strong>Charging Stops:<\/strong> None<\/p>\n<p>The final stretch to <strong>Haleyangadi<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Apps and Tools Used for Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Trip Planners:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/tools\/ev-trip-planner\/\">EVJoints<\/a>, ABRP<\/li>\n<li><strong>Charging Network Apps:<\/strong> Zeon Charging, Tata Power, Relux<\/li>\n<li><strong>Other Apps Tried:<\/strong> Google Maps, Mapple (but they could not reliably show charging stations)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This again highlights a key lesson: <strong>EV-specific planning tools matter.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Key Challenges and How They Were Solved<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Challenges:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sparse charging stations beyond Hassan<\/li>\n<li>Unreliable charger at Belur<\/li>\n<li>No usable charging option in Thirthalli<\/li>\n<li>Poor visibility of chargers on Google Maps and Mapple<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Solutions:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Careful pre-trip planning using <strong>EVJoints and ABRP<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Flexibility in route planning<\/li>\n<li>Making the most of high-speed chargers when available<\/li>\n<li>Accepting a detour when reality demanded it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Charging Summary of the Trip<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Over the entire journey, Amith used <strong>three DC charging sessions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Zeon Charging at Hotel Sky Birds, Hassan<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Energy added: 29.29 kWh<\/li>\n<li>Time: 49 minutes<\/li>\n<li>Cost: \u20b9791.47<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tata Power at Growers Caf\u00e9, Belur<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Energy added: 1.67 kWh<\/li>\n<li>Time: 11 minutes<\/li>\n<li>Cost: \u20b935.07<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Relux at Harsha The Fern, Shivamogga<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Energy added: 42.72 kWh<\/li>\n<li>Time: 49 minutes<\/li>\n<li>Cost: \u20b91008.10<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Total DC energy added:<\/strong> ~73.7 kWh<br \/>\n<strong>Total DC charging time:<\/strong> ~1 hour 49 minutes<br \/>\n<strong>Total charging cost:<\/strong> ~\u20b91834.64<\/p>\n<p><strong>Overall Trip Summary <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Total Distance Covered: ~800+ km<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"704\" data-end=\"748\">Total Trip Energy Efficiency: ~6.13 km\/kWh<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"755\" data-end=\"821\">Approximate Real-World Energy Consumption: ~160 to 165 Wh per km<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"828\" data-end=\"853\">Total Trip Cost: ~\u20b91915<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"860\" data-end=\"897\">Average Running Cost: ~\u20b92.39 per km<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"904\" data-end=\"1254\">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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Reflections and Learnings<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Despite all the hurdles, the trip was deeply rewarding. The <strong>Mahindra XEV9E proved its mettle<\/strong> in long-distance travel and handled ghats, highways, and rougher sections with ease.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Most importantly, this journey reinforces one big truth for EV travel in India today:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Planning is not optional. Planning is the journey.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Closing Thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This trip was more than just kilometers covered. It was about <strong>family bonding, sustainable travel, and discovering India in a new way<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Amith and his mom especially cherished the ghat drives, where the EV\u2019s quiet power made them feel closer to nature.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, charging infrastructure still has gaps. But with patience, flexibility, and the right planning tools, <strong>EV travel is not only possible, it is deeply enjoyable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>And sometimes, the unexpected detours give you the best memories, like reconnecting with cousins in Sagara.<\/p>\n<p>For Amith, this journey became a reminder that <strong>every EV trip is a story of resilience, discovery, and connection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5419,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[385],"tags":[374],"class_list":["post-5763","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ev-trip-diaries","tag-electric-vehicle"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Blog-Cover-Images.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5763","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5763"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5763\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5767,"href":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5763\/revisions\/5767"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5763"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5763"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evjoints.com\/ev-guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5763"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}