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BHPian idoctor recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
So Amit and I were planning this trip to Chitkul for a while in his Curvv EV (55 kWh variant) but not getting an adequate window to get out of our work schedules. Aims were to see a new place and also to test out the limits of the car. Amit had owned a Tiago EV before this and has ~ 45000 kms of EV driving experience up his sleeve. Then came the Good Friday long weekend and we grabbed the opportunity to plan our trip.
While planning we realised that we were to travel ~200 kms on a hilly terrain without any charger in between as the journey from Gurugram to Theog was a breeze with plenty of charging options in between. The only charger at Jeori (at an IOCL petrol pump) had been out of order for sometime as we had gathered from the Plugshare check ins as well as calling a shop nearby (Shop owner was kind enough to enquire from the petrol pump people regarding the charger status). So the plan was to take a call en route whether we go straight to our destination or break our journey overnight at a place so that we could charge.
The elevation data reassured us a bit in terms of one descent which we had before doing our final ascent to our destination and planned to use every bit of regen on that descent.
So the 2 of us set off for our destination around 4 AM on 18th April with the following stats
Reached Savoy Suites around 9:30 AM, Jabli by driving around 70 kmph avg speed in 5.5 hours. We just had 2 small bags in the boot. Stats below
Charged at Statiq 50 kW charger for 90 mins from 9-100 and the car drew a max of 46 kW. Paid Rs 1100 for the session and meanwhile had breakfast at McDonald's. Stats at the end of the charging session
Started for our next charging stop at Theog which was ~ 100 kms away at around 11:15 AM and reached there around 2:30 PM with 55% SOC, using up 45%. This stop was at the Taj, beautiful property. Explored the property, clicked pictures while the car charged.
Charged at a Tata 30 kW charger there and it took around 90 mins to charge from 55-98%. Took some time for initiating the charging which involved fiddling around with main MCB for the charger. We were not very hungry till then so we snacked in the car watching a movie while it charged. This session costed us Rs 618. In hind sight, this was a bad decision to charge at a 30 kW charger, you'll find out why at the end.
Next we set out for the dicy part of the journey from Theog to our destination Chitkul around 4:30 PM with 98% SOC. This leg was of 220 km with ~1000m elevation rise. Amit is a pro at hypermiling and was confident that we would be able to do this in one charge. Started from Theog with the following stats
On the way we hypermiled a bit to gain as much power as we could. The last 50 kms was a very steep elevation (~500 m) with a pathetic road. This last stretch took lot of time as the car was barely going beyond 15 km/h. The road was so narrow that we had to stop at wider patches to let the other vehicle to pass through. All said and done, we reached Chitkul at 1 AM with 23% SOC covering 223 kms and using up 75% SOC!
We stayed at Zostel Chitkul and the had spoken to the reception people regarding charging our car. They said we have a 16 A plug at the reception which can be used for charging. The manager called us at 8 PM saying he was leaving for the day and was kind enough to leave a small extension board for us to charge (we had carried our own too). We put the car for charging and went to sleep.
Next day, took the car for sightseeing and drove around 20 kms and then put it back for charging.
On the day we were about to leave, we were blessed with a surprise snowfall!
We started for our return journey at 8:30 AM with 93% SOC and reached Gurugram at 4:30 AM covering a total of 1300 kms. Took only one charging stop at Kufri at an Adani 60 kW charger which took 70 mins to charge up from 30-95%. Costed Rs 927. This was the stop we should have taken in our onward journey instead of Theog, would have saved around 45 mins with this fast charger. Total charging cost for the entire 1300 km journey was ~ Rs 3200. Final trip stats
This trip was a great learning experience for me as a non EV owner (till date, have booked XEV 9e though ). Like I learned that Curvv regenerates even while normal braking with Level 0 regen. Also the drive modes do not matter much and its all about how heavy your foot is while driving. We drove the entire 1300 kms in city mode without switching to Eco mode even once. I hope with this travelogue, I would inspire a lot of you to venture out further in your EVs.
Enough words, now I'll let the pictures do some talking which I clicked en route.
News
BHPian 07CR recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
I visited a nearby Tata showroom which has both ICE and EV to get some doubts clarified about EVs. Sharing excerpts-
I will be shifting to a 15th-floor apartment in Sep 2025. Would the AC wall-mounted charger setup pose any challenge?
Response received from Salesperson
The charger setup is done by Tata Power and there are absolutely no issues. All process is completed in under 1 month, and there is little to no involvement needed from my end. The salesperson claimed that they have already installed many such chargers for individual Tata EV owners across Pune in highrise apartments. I have requested her to share the contact details of any such customer, as I want to verify this claim. I also mentioned that I would be OK with even a 15Amp socket installation to which the salesperson confidently said that you need not worry about slow charging, the AC charger would be easily installed without any hiccups.
Was this a Sales tactic, or is the situation not that bad in Pune?
(2nd top variant. PS- this is only from a display vehicle since a test drive vehicle was not available)
Pros-
Cons-
She tried justifying that BE6E's unlimited warranty is actually a demerit considering BE6E carries NMC batteries (as per her) which require more maintenance and will prove costlier to maintain than the LFP ones on Tata. I tried correcting her but she was very adamant that BE6E does not have an LFP battery.
Apart from this she too agreed it's a brilliant package as well and there are no imminent flaws as of now, but asked me to rethink because of the NMC batteries used in BE6E.
Tata needs to train their salesperson better on this. Pretty sure such lies won't get them anywhere and may even hamper interest since the customer would think if the salesperson lies, what will happen after sales?
She mentioned as per year-end discount there was a discount of 75K-80K for Curvv.ev. Exact discount would only be conveyed as and when my delivery date is finalized (I had mentioned I will need the car 2 months from now).
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
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BHPian Ripcord09 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Here's what BHPian bijims replied:
Mahindra has hit it out of the park with the BE 6 and XEV 9E, they have features, dimensions and even battery packs that are a step above the competition! The XEV 9E in terms of size is a huge vehicle as compared to the rest of the cars in this comparison, and looking at the bookings it seems to be a hit as well, whatever the case, my choice goes for the XEV 9E or BE 6E (both in Pack 3 i.e. 79 kWh)
Here's what BHPian Sensible_Speed replied:
I would like to wait for the e-Vitara. It seems to most sensible of the lot to me. Creta EV may have been my second choice. The only reason I chose the e-Vitara over the Creta EV is it seems new and interesting.
Here's what BHPian darkgamer replied:
I've test driven Atto 3, BE6, XEV 9E, Curvv EV and ZS EV (basically all except Creta EV). Finalized the BE6 among them because it was the most fun to drive and felt the most unique.
The only other car that has matched(or exceeded) the fun-to-drive factor of the BE6 is the BYD Seal. I'd have bought it if it wasn't for the low ground clearance v/s mini mountain speed breakers in Bengaluru. Yet to drive the Sealion, but will try to do it this weekend.
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
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BHPian Ripcord09 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Hyundai Creta EV
What you'll like:
• Superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a satisfying experience
• User-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good quality parts. Great interior upgrades over the Petrol / Diesel Creta
• 168 BHP motor is enjoyable to drive. 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds!
• Unladen ground clearance of 200 mm is perfect for Indian roads
• Sorted road manners & handling
• Zero emissions, cheap “fuel” costs, no gears, light controls make it an ideal city car
• Safety package includes ADAS Level 2, hill descent control, 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, auto-hold, TPMS etc.
• Impressive kit (ventilated & electrically adjustable front seats, boss mode, reclining rear seats, memory function for driver seat, digital key, fully digital instruments, 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, rear window sunshades, adjustable regen, Bose sound system, V2L charging, in-car payment for charging & loads more)
• Hyundai's wide dealer & service network
What you won't:
• Smaller battery packs and shorter range compared to rivals such as the Tata Curvv & Mahindra BE 6
• EV-specific tyres limit the car's handling and braking capabilities
• Firmer suspension isn't as compliant as the regular Creta's
• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
• A few misses (e.g. wireless Android Auto & Apple Carplay, illuminated window buttons!!!)
• 433-litre boot is lesser than the Tata Curvv (500 litres)
• The usual EV challenges (charging infrastructure, highway range anxiety etc.)
• Although not bad, rear seat under-thigh support is lesser than the ICE Creta, and you do sit in a bit of a knees-up position. Taller people will have an issue with under-thigh support
Mahindra BE6
What you'll like:
• Looks like something that’s straight out of the future. Has a very unique design inside out. Surely a head-turner
• Powerful motor sends 282 BHP to the rear wheels (0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds)!
• Low centre of gravity, stiff suspension and connected steering offer a great handling package
• 79 kWh battery pack should comfortably offer 450 - 500 km real-world range. This is enough even for road-tripping with the family
• Lifetime warranty on the battery is a big assurance for EV owners
• 455-litre boot and the 45-litre frunk are good enough for family holiday luggage
• Fully loaded with a bunch of unique features like interactive rear LED strip, augmented reality integrated head-up display, infinity roof with interactive lights, 16-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos, selfie camera, UV filtration glass, auto-park with remote car control and many more
• Safety features include Level 2+ ADAS, 7 airbags, fatigue alert system, all-wheel disc brakes, ESP, front parking sensors, 360-degree camera, hill hold, hill descent, TPMS, etc.
What you won't:
• Uncomfortable rear seat experience. High floor, difficult ingress and egress and limited headroom (due to the sloping roofline)
• Stiff suspension setup means you feel the bad roads. Ride is liveable, but not for someone looking for a comfortable suspension
• Concept car-like styling may not be to everyone’s liking. Will surely divide opinions
• Rearward visibility is poor, as is the case with most Coupe-SUVs
• Some cabin plastics don't feel premium in an otherwise loaded SUV. Excessive piano black in the cabin isn't to my tastes and makes it very difficult to keep scratch-free
• This car is extremely complex - we have concerns over niggles & bugs in a freshly baked Mahindra, especially the early batches
• Mahindra's after-sales service is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble. Wondering how many of them will be able to handle such a complicated car too
• Missing features like a full-size spare tyre (you get a skinny 135 mm space saver which will cap your cruising speed to 80 km/h), cooled glovebox, rear sunshade and no physical buttons for HVAC controls
Tata Curvv.EV
What you'll like:
• Coupe SUV styling is unique & a great differentiator. Grabs attention on the road
• A good overall package that’s priced competitively against rivals like the ZS EV, XUV400 & Nexon EV Long Range
• 165 BHP motor is very enjoyable. 400 km real-world range is sufficient for city + highway driving
• Sorted road manners & high speed stability
• Zero emissions, cheap “fuel” costs, no gears, light controls make it an ideal city car
• 500-litre boot is accommodating enough for family holiday luggage
• Long list of features includes flush door handles, powered tailgate with gesture activation, 9-speaker JBL audio system (sounds really nice!), panoramic sunroof, V2L & V2V charging, Arcade.ev app suite, recline adjustment for rear seats and more
• Loaded with safety tech like level 2 ADAS, 6 airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, acoustic vehicle alert system for pedestrians, ESP, front parking sensors, 360-degree view camera, TPMS, hill hold assist & hill descent control
What you won't:
• Rear seat is uncomfortable for tall passengers - high floor, difficult ingress & egress and limited headroom (due to the coupe styling)
• Suspension has a firm edge to it due to 18-inch wheels (top variant). Ride is liveable, but you do feel the bad roads. 17” wheel lower variants could ride better
• Build quality and fit & finish – while being satisfactory - have room for improvement
• Rearward visibility is poor, as is the case with most Coupe-SUVs
• A few missing features like telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, cupholders for front passengers, a rear sunshade…
• The usual EV challenges (charging infrastructure, range anxiety etc.)
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• It's a brand-new Tata launch, so the probability of niggles is high, especially in the initial batches
MG Windsor
What you'll like:
• A unique proposition for the Indian market. The Windsor is a Crossover MPV that focuses on practicality and comfort
• Very well-priced! MG has set the cat among the pigeons. Definitely worth considering over the competitors. BaaS (Battery as a Service) option is also available if you want a lower acquisition cost
• A well-built car that doesn’t feel cheap by any standards
• Good looking cabin paired with spacious interiors. Rear seats are especially comfortable with plenty of legroom & headroom
• 134 BHP motor has enough power for the city as well as highway runs. Real-world range of 250 km should be good for urban dwellers
• Selectable drive modes and adjustable regen braking are useful in various driving conditions
• 604-litre boot is great for family outings (note: top variant has ~579 liters of boot space)
• Long list of features includes electronic flush-fitting door handles, ventilated front seats, 135-degree reclining rear seats, 15.6-inch touchscreen head-unit with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, OTT apps and more
• Zero emissions, cheap running costs & green image will appeal to a lot of people
What you won't:
• MPV styling – in this era of SUVs & Crossovers - may not appeal to everyone. Also, the headlight placement makes them prone to damage
• 250 km range is on the lower side by 2024 standards. MG should have given the bigger 50 KWh battery as an option
• Suspension tune is busy at the rear. The ride is liveable, but you do feel bad roads
• Lack of physical buttons is a major inconvenience. Too much dependence on the touchscreen even for core functions (e.g. ORVM adjustment)
• Missing some features like a spare wheel (please get one at additional cost), rear wiper (big miss), ADAS tech, height adjustable seatbelts…
• The usual EV challenges (charging infrastructure, range anxiety, setting up home charging etc.)
• A/C does take some time to cool the large cabin; the large greenhouse & glass roof are contributors
Tata Nexon.EV
What you'll like:
• A solidly built & good-looking electric car
• Zero tailpipe emissions & green image will appeal to the environmentally-conscious
• Increased driving range is adequate for city commutes & inter-city travel to nearby destinations
• Stupendously cheap fuel cost of 1 rupee / km (if you charge at home)
• Fast performance! 0-100 km/h in ~9 seconds is enjoyable
• Sorted road manners & solid high-speed stability due to the lower center of gravity & firmer suspension
• Smooth drive, no gears, light controls & compact size make it an ideal city car
• Nice, spacious cabin with comfortable seats. You get a practical 350-liter boot too
• Loads of features over the standard Nexon EV such as faster charging, ventilated seats, auto-dimming IRVM, Sport & Eco modes, multi-mode regen, cruise control, air purifier, wireless smartphone charging, sunroof and more
• Safety kit includes disc brakes all-round, ESP, traction control, TPMS, electronic parking brake, auto hold etc.
• Low running costs & cheaper long-term maintenance (as is the case with all EVs)
What you won't:
• Considerably more expensive than the Petrol / Diesel Nexon. You're paying for the tech & being an early adopter
• Needs a charging point installed at your home parking spot. This is not doable for many people
• Lack of charging infrastructure limits long-distance / highway usability
• Long “full tank” charging times in comparison with an ICE car. Overnight charging is best
• Top speed is restricted to 140 km/h
• Ride is compliant, but not plush. Firmness at lower speeds means you feel the big potholes
• Only 3 dual-tone colour options to pick from. No single tone colour options available. Boring colour palette = just white, grey & blue
• Fit, finish & interior quality don’t match up to the 20-lakh on-road price of the XZ+ Lux
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
Mahindra XUV400
What you'll like:
• Finally a proper EV from Mahindra that's well-built and refined
• Zero tailpipe emissions & green image will appeal to the environmentally-conscious
• 250-260 km real-world driving range should be adequate for city commutes & inter-city travel to nearby destinations
• Exhilarating performance! 0-100 km/h in 8.3 sec is fun
• Remarkably cheap fuel cost of 1 rupee / km (if you charge at home)
• Sorted road manners, compliant ride quality & solid high-speed stability. Beautiful handling package
• Smooth drive, no gears, one pedal operation, light controls & compact size make it an ideal city car
• Spacious and wide cabin with comfortable seats. Now gets a more practical 378-litre boot too
• Well-equipped with features like drive modes, sunroof, cruise control, auto headlamps & wipers
• Safety kit includes 6 airbags, disc brakes all-round, IP67 protection for motor and battery, and adjustable headrests for all 5 passengers. The XUV300 has scored 5-stars in the GNCAP!
• Low running costs & cheaper long-term maintenance (as is the case with all EVs)
What you won't:
• Needs a charging point installed at your home parking spot. This is not doable for many people
• Lack of charging infrastructure limits long-distance / highway usability
• Long “full tank” charging times in comparison with an ICE car. Overnight charging is best
• Boring interior design feels kind of old by current standards
• Concerns over niggles in a freshly baked Mahindra EV. Our test car itself had issues!!
• A few cabin plastics & rough areas don't feel premium
• Mahindra's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• Missing features such as fog lamps, front parking sensors, auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated seats, wireless charging, rear AC vents, etc. Some of these are provided in the XUV300
• Will carry a price premium, like most EVs today. We expect the pricing to be in the vicinity of the Nexon EV
• OEM speaker & sound quality are terrible
MG ZS EV
What you'll like:
• One of the most sorted EVs in India!
• A well-built car with good interiors
• Green image & zero tailpipe emissions appeal to the environmentally conscious
• Fast performance and excellent mid-range. 0-100 km/h run of 8.5 seconds is enjoyable
• Selectable regenerative braking and drive modes help you extract maximum performance or efficiency, as needed
• Range is adequate for urban commuting as well as road-trips to nearby destinations
• Low running costs & cheaper long-term maintenance (as is the case with all EVs)
• An excellent city car. Smooth driving experience, easy to drive, very chuckable
• 5 year / unlimited km warranty, 5 labour-free services & 8 year / 150,000 km battery warranty
• Features such as the panoramic sunroof, cruise control, Bluetooth key, connected car tech & more
• International model got a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Safety kit includes 6 airbags, blind spot monitoring, ESP, HSA, TPMS etc.
What you won't:
• Expensive! Even after subsidies, EVs carry a huge price premium over ICE cars. You're paying for the tech & being an early adopter
• Needs a charging point installed at your home parking. This is not doable for many people
• Lack of charging infrastructure & ~350 km range limits long-distance / highway usability
• Firm ride quality means you always feel the road, especially with the recommended 41 PSI tyre pressure
• Long “full tank” charging times in comparison with an ICE car. Overnight charging is best
• Missing features such as ventilated seats, auto-dimming IRVM, steering reach adjustment, ADAS tech (which Astor gets), wireless Android Auto / CarPlay…
• The rear seat is better suited to 2 adults & a kid, not 3 adults
• 6-speaker sound system is ordinary for the price. Subwoofer conspicuous by its absence
Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:
BE6 for me. No contest. I haven't driven it yet, but based on our official review and the many drive reports from BHPians, it's got the looks, build, power, sorted suspension, features, sound system and the makings of an all-rounder. Other than the XUV700, these might just be the best cars Mahindra has ever made in 10 years.
Two points though:
1. I will wait for 2 years and buy a fully sorted BE6. This is a brand-new model from Mahindra with brand-new technology. There are bound to be many niggles. I don't want to be their beta tester.
2. Between the BE6 and XEV 9e, I will most likely go for the latter. But final comments after driving both
Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
News
GTO recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
• Along with the Punch EV, the Curvv EV is the best EV that Tata has launched to date. However, unlike the Nexon EV which had a free run for the longest time, the Curvv EV is going to face tough market conditions. The primary reason being the formidable competition. Hyundai Creta EV is here and so are Mahindra’s electric twins, the BE 6 and XEV 9e and not to forget Maruti’s e Vitara. Tata is no longer the only game in EV town. People want something different and they’re getting it. Plus, the Curvv EV’s rear seat headroom and premium pricing don’t help things either. I have a feeling that the Curvv EV will continue to do well, but it’s not going to do crazy volumes.
• Unfortunately, in the rapidly evolving EV world, a first-mover advantage doesn’t really count for too much. People buy a car to keep for 5 years, 7 years, or 8 years and they will buy the best car that is available for them as of that date and not because of any manufacturer’s history of making them (Tata cars anyway aren’t known to be niggle free). The only exception is of course if you build a charging network like Teslas, that’s where the first mover advantage remains crucial to your success. Tesla has just done it beautifully because Elon Musk realized that was a key USP of the Tesla EVs when everyone was playing catch up. But we don’t see that in India.
• Tata has given the Curvv EV in a sexy grey colour that we first saw on BMWs, Porsches and Octavia VRS in India. It’s a sexy mud grey colour and it looks fantastic on the Curvv’s sexy design.
• This electric gear shifter is not flawless. In quick front-back parking manoeuvres, it would frequently be in reverse when I wanted to go forward. So in tight parking spots where you continuously go from ‘R’ and ‘D’ and you’re moving the car front and back, you need to be careful which mode is selected.
• Every time you start the Curvv EV, the music system starts at zero volume and you have to bring the volume up. User-friendliness would’ve meant that the volume starts off at the same level where you left off or at the most at some neutral level like 30-40% level. But why should the audio system always start on zero?
• Engage Sport mode and the Curvv EV becomes a properly quick car. I just floored the accelerator while driving at 60 km/h and the front wheels chirped and there was torque steer. This is just a beautifully tuned powertrain and it shows Tata’s years of learning in the EV space.
• Range anxiety is a thing of the past. It was a term coined when EVs had a 100-120 km range. Early EVs like the Nissan Leaf, Mahindra Reva, etc. Today’s EVs are just fantastic. Especially for city driving and going to close-by destinations. Especially in city driving there is no such thing as range anxiety. Even when you travel far in the city. To give you an example, I started the Curvv EV in the morning and the battery level was at 88% and the range displayed was 252 km. I drove all the way to Thane for Raymond’s supercar show and the battery level was 70%. Also, since the roads were empty, it was free flowing and there was good efficiency. Even after driving 40 km, it was showing a 248 km range. EVs truly rock for the city.
• The three adjustable regen levels offer so much flexibility. You can adjust them via the paddle shifters. My personal preference is to use aggressive level 3 for heavy traffic. Where there’s a lot of stop-and-go. I’d use it in heavy traffic where I’d get away with one-pedal driving for the most part. It’s very aggressive. I’d put it on level 2 for normal city traffic where it’s moving but not fast (the regular Bombay speed). I’d retain level 1 for the fun drives, the early mornings in Bombay for the highway drives and empty roads.
• Tata truly has an extremely competent and wide choice of powertrains on the Curvv. There’s the turbo petrol with the dual-clutch, turbo diesel with the dual-clutch and there’s an EV as well. All three are simply fantastic motors. You’re going to have to pick based on what you’re driving style is. For city use and if you have access to home charging, even slow charging, there’s no doubt that the EV is the most superior. On the other hand, if you’re frequently logging high miles on the highway, nothing touches that diesel automatic.
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
News
Tata Motors has announced discounts on the Curvv for the first time since its launch. The carmaker is offering benefits of up to Rs 50,000 on the SUV.
The ICE-powered Tata Curvv is available with a discount of up to Rs 20,000, while MY2024 models get benefits of up to Rs 50,000. The Curvv.ev gets discounts of up to Rs 20,000 on the MY2025 stock.
Tata Motors has also introduced a new exterior colour option for the Curvv called Nitro Crimson. The SUV is now available in seven colour options: Gold Essence, Flame Red, Pristine White, Pure Grey, Daytona Grey, Opera Blue and the new Nitro Crimson shade.
The Tata Curvv is powered by 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, 1.2-litre GDi petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The Curvv.ev comes with either a 45 kWh or 55 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 502 km and 585 km, respectively.
Source: Autocar India
News
BHPian EVCruiser recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
An electric road trip across India, a commitment to sustainable energy, a commitment to a greener future. In the 14 days of our travel, my wife and I drove from Bangalore to different iconic destinations like Rann of Kutch, Jaisalmer et all covering the diversity of our country and the many challenges of driving Electric car. From charging infrastructure to scenic routes, each leg of the journey reinforced our commitment on reducing our carbon footprint.
Sustainability isn’t just something we talk about—it’s how we live. Between our two electric cars (Tata Curvv and Mercedes EQB), an electric bike, a 14-kilowatt solar setup at home, and a house full of over 300 plants, going green isn’t just a choice; it’s a lifestyle. This trip was our way of proving that electric travel isn’t just possible—it’s practical, fun, and the future. We hope our journey inspires more people to embrace sustainable travel.
While there were some early challenges driving an electric car on an epic cross-country journey — notably, finding enough charging stations — the obstacles added to the excitement and spontaneity of the trip. We found that the charging stations we encountered, many with restaurants and rest areas, were encouraging us to take breaks, reducing driving fatigue and making the trip more enjoyable.
The Joy of the Unexpected
The highlight of the trip is it is entirely unplanned. We only had Ran of Kutch and Jaisalmer in our minds and route and stays along the way are out of spontaneity. We have chosen Tata Curvv for this trip because of easiness in terms of servicing in any emergency case. We tried to charge mostly in Tata Power wherever it is available but mostly others as well since they are faster compared to Tata Power Chargers. Charging in 120kwh fast charger is so refreshing that it charges 20% to 80% in less than 20min.
Trip in Numbers –
Total Trip Days: 16
Core Travel Days: 11
Distance Covered: 6,387 km (Bangalore to Bangalore), 5,522 km (Nellore to Nellore)
Average Km per Day: 400 (Bangalore to Bangalore), 502 (Nellore to Nellore)
States Covered: 7
Total kWh Consumed: 954 (Bangalore to Bangalore), 816 (Nellore to Nellore)
Km per kWh: 6.7 (Bangalore to Bangalore), 6.77 (Nellore to Nellore)
Charging Stops: 31 (Bangalore to Bangalore), 27 (Nellore to Nellore)
Day 1: Bangalore to Tirupati (250 km)
Our journey began in Bangalore, leaving in the late afternoon at 4:30 PM. We reached Tirupati by 8:30 PM. After charging our electric vehicle at the Taj Hotel (Tata Power Station, 37 kW), we stayed overnight at my sister’s place, marking the first leg of our exciting road trip.
Day 2: Tirupati to Nellore (135 km)
We spent the day in Nellore, where we dropped our kids and Fizzy (Doggy) off at their grandparents' house. We didn’t rush and enjoyed some quality family time before continuing our journey.
Day 3: Nellore to Hyderabad (485 km)
After leaving Nellore, we stopped in Ongole to see some friends while charging as well. We stopped at Rompicherla for a quick charge, then continued to Hyderabad, where we arrived by 6:00 PM. We stayed at friends place and topped up the vehicle at TML Select in Alkapuri (Tata Power).
Day 4: Hyderabad to Ellora Caves and then to Dhule (764 km)
We set out early and debated whether to take the route through Maharashtra to Rann of Kutch or the one heading to Jaisalmer. We opted for the former and took a detour to Ellora Caves, stopping to charge at Basavakalyan and Beed along the way. Reaching Ellora, driving 600 km, by late afternoon, we explored the caves and the Grishneswar Temple before heading to Dhule for the night. Charged in Ellora Resort in Ellora while having our dinner.
Day 5: Dhule to Statue of Unity and to Mehsana (568 km)
After a relaxing overnight stay in a nice hotel and nice breakfast and quick charge in Dhule, we made our way to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. Reaching by 3:00 PM, we spent the afternoon touring the statue and other attractions nearby, while charging our vehicle in Ramada Encore. We then continued to Mehsana for an overnight stay after charging at Kalol while dining.
Day 6: Mehsana to Rann of Kutch (355 km)
The drive to Rann of Kutch was one of the most memorable of our trip. We charged our vehicle in Radhampur and continued our journey of 245 kms to Rann Utsav area. As we drove through the vast, endless white desert, we felt like we were in another world. We reached Rann of Kutch by 4:30 PM, charging the car at Mobiline before heading out to explore the white desert and catching the night views. If the only charging station in Rann Utsav is not working then the backup plan was to drive 82 km to Bhuj for charging which would be a detour. We stayed at Tent City for the night, enjoying cultural programs and traditional food. The following morning, we caught the stunning sunrise over the desert.
Day 7: Rann of Kutch to Barmer (475 km)
We started from Rann of Kutch and crossed through the picturesque Radhampur route. Along the way, we visited the Dholavira Harappan civilization site and stopped to charge at Hotel Shivaay in Tharad. After another quick charge in Sanchur along with Dinner, we reached Bamar by evening, ready to rest.
Day 8: Bamer to Jaisalmer (166 km)
We left Bamar early and reached Jaisalmer by 11:30 AM. We charged the car at Taj Gowrabandha Palace Hotel before heading to Jaisalmer Fort and other nearby attractions. The city, with its sand-coloured architecture, was a sight to behold. After some shopping, we headed to the desert camp area in Sam, where we stayed overnight in neat and clean tents, enjoying cultural programs and delicious food.
Day 9: Jaisalmer Desert Safari and Longewala and to Pachpadra (558 km)
The morning began with a thrilling desert safari and a camel ride in the Sam Desert. Afterward, we decided to visit Longewala, a site with significant historical importance due to the 1961 India-Pakistan war. My wife’s father had sentimental ties to the place as he was posted in Jaisalmer. We visited the Longewala Museum and picked up some souvenirs. We then returned to Jaisalmer and charged the car before starting our journey back. We have reached Pachpadra for overnight stay. We took a non-highway route for some reason and ended up in an nervousness filled drive as we have seen none for over 100 kms in that pitch dark but safely cruised along to Pachpadra and stayed overnight.
Day 10: Pachpadra to Ujjain (658 km)
We departed Pachpadra and made our way toward Ujjain. We reached Udaipur for a brief stop where we charged and dined. Due to time constraints, we didn’t visit the Udaipur Fort but enjoyed lunch and a drive around the city. By evening, we headed to Ujjain for a brief rest and planned to visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple the next morning. We charged in Malgalwaad while snacking and in Dhodar while dining.
Day 11: Ujjain to Khamgaon (390 km)
Early in the morning, we visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain before heading to Indore for a charge and breakfast. Afterward, we drove to Omkareshwar Temple, but due to a heavy rush we were stopped 4 kms before, we had to take an auto rickshaw and after reaching we were told the darshan would take hours. Since I visited the temple earlier, we decided to head to Hyderabad for the New Year’s Eve celebration instead. The road from Omkareshwar to Maharasthra border was was very rough. We reached Khamgaon by 7:30 PM for charging and dining. We contemplated for a moment to stay overnight or continue to Hyderabad and decided the later.
Day 12: Khamgaon to Hyderabad (570 km)
We didn’t stop overnight and instead continued our journey to Hyderabad, charging the vehicle at Nanded around 2:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, we reached Hyderabad, where we spent the day resting and celebrating New Year’s Eve with friends.
Day 13: Hyderabad to Nellore (480 km)
After having a nice breakfast while charging and also visiting couple of friends in Hyderabad, we started our journey to Nellore at 1.30pm. We reached Nellore by 8.30pm while got briefly charged in Ongole along the way. Reunited with family there.
Day 14 and 15 : Quality time with family and friends
Nothing exciting except taking our Fizzy (Dog) to beach for the first time along with the kids.
Day 16: Nellore to Tirupati and to Bangalore (390 Km)
Started the final leg of our Journey from Nellore to Bangalore, stopping at Tirupati for Charging and Lunch with sister’s family.
Looking Back
This 6,400-kilometer road trip across India in an electric vehicle was more than just a journey—it was an adventure that combined exploration, sustainability, and a shared passion for driving. Every stop along the way, from the serene white deserts of Rann of Kutch to the historic sands of Jaisalmer and the spiritual Jyotirlingas, added a unique layer to our experience.
The highlight of this road trip was the stunning drives through the vast white deserts and golden sand dunes. These scenic routes reminded us of the beauty of India’s diverse landscapes and why the journey matters just as much as the destination.
This road trip reaffirmed our confidence in the potential of electric vehicles to support long-distance travel while reducing our carbon footprint. And hence we have immediately done an another 1,600 km trip to Bhimavaram for Sankranthi/Pongal celebrations.
With this trip, we’ve proven to ourselves—and hopefully to others—that long journeys in electric vehicles are practical, enjoyable, and aligned with the vision of a greener future. And as we set our sights on our next adventure, potentially the Maha Kumbh Mela, we hope to inspire more people to embrace sustainable energy solutions and explore the world with an eco-friendly mindset.
After all, it’s not just about the destinations we reach; it’s about the memories we create and the impact we leave behind.
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News
The Tata Nexon.ev last received an update in September 2023. The facelift version was followed by the introduction of a larger battery pack. This year, Tata Motors is said to be planning to roll out the next-generation Nexon.ev.
The next-gen Tata Nexon.ev could be launched in India by Diwali 2025. The EV is expected to get new features and battery options.
The latest iteration of the Nexon.ev will be based on Tata’s Acti.ev platform and could be offered with two battery options: a 45 kWh and a larger 55 kWh unit. The former delivers a range of 489 km on a single charge, while the 55 kWh battery, which powers the Curvv.ev, offers a range of 585 km.
Currently, the entry-level Nexon.ev comes with a 30 kWh battery pack. Whether it will continue to be on sale remains to be seen.
Tata is said to be upgrading the Nexon.ev on the lines of the new Curvv. It is likely to get smart door handles, a hands-free boot lid, and a more refined interior with features such as dual 12.3-inch screens, 6 airbags, ADAS, and a ‘summon’ function.
Thanks to the Team-BHP fan (he prefers to remain anonymous) who sent this information in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts via this Team-BHP share page!
News
BHPian elevator recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
We took a short trip from Pune to Devkund on the 31st. Although it wasn't the ideal time to visit the waterfall, we wanted to do some trekking and preferred a less crowded place, making it the perfect destination.
We started with a 100% charge, and Devkund is 101 km from our location. The journey from Pune involved a downhill elevation from 600m to 100m, so we reached there with an AEC of 108 Wh/km, taking around 2.5 hours.
On the return trip, it took about 3 hours for uphill elevation, and the AEC increased to 151 Wh/km.
We arrived home with 47% charge remaining (approximately 200 km range) without any charging during the trip.
Here are some moments we captured during the trip:
Total journey stats:
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News
BHPian anurag.somani recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Hi Everyone,
We got the Curvv.Ev (Empowered + S, 55 Kwh) home on 2nd Nov; 1200 kms so far with a mix of city and highway; has been an amazing experience!
Dealership Experience:
Look and feel:
Exteriors - Enough said! Trivia: We were stopped yesterday for checking twice while driving back from Lonavala (Maharashtra is in election mode, increased vigilance). On both occasions the policemen got into jolly good conversations on the looks, range, charging experience etc! Feels like evangalizing the Ev sceptics to take the plunge!
Most useful & under-rated features:
Range & Charging:
410 - 430 km across 4 charging cycles so far (mix of city and highway). Have charged at 7.5 kwh as well as 60 kwh - been a breeze. Charging infra in and around Mumbai for fast charging is sorted. 7.5 kwh; not so much - have it installed at home pl (thankfully all variants come with the 7.5 kwh charger by default)
I usually think about charging only once range goes below 100, so worry free range for me is 300+ km.
Drive and Powertrain:
Niggles & Complaints:
Niggles - None so far, touchwood! The wiper sensitivity for one of the rain showers was a bit erratic, should be taken care in first service.
Complaints/Omissions:
Curvv Ev 55 or Nexon Ev 45:
While Nexon ev 45 is absolutely VFM, why I preferred over Nexon (apart from the spec sheet differences and looks)
Some pics on delivery day to wrap up!
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