The Ghulatis On The Go family undertook a significant road trip in their MG Windsor EV, traveling from Jalandhar to Gurugram. This journey aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of long-distance electric vehicle travel in India, specifically focusing on the charging infrastructure and costs along National Highway 44 (NH44). The family meticulously planned their charging stops to ensure a smooth and worry-free experience, addressing common concerns about EV range anxiety on extended trips.
The video documents the entire journey, offering insights into the real-world performance of the MG Windsor EV, the availability of charging stations, and the overall cost efficiency compared to traditional fuel vehicles. The Ghulatis shared their strategy for maintaining battery charge above 30% and highlighted key locations for charging and refreshment breaks, making this a valuable guide for other EV owners planning similar routes.
Departure from Jalandhar and Initial Route
The journey commenced from Jalandhar, with the MG Windsor EV starting at a 97% charge, indicating a range of 308 km. The family's initial plan was to cover approximately 200 km before their first charging stop, ensuring the battery level remained above 30% for safety. They began their drive from the outskirts of Jalandhar, quickly merging onto NH44, a major highway connecting various cities in northern India. The road signs indicated distances to key cities like Ambala (164 km), Karnal (239 km), and Delhi (364 km), providing a clear sense of the distances ahead.
As they progressed, the navigation system was actively used to guide them to their pre-planned charging locations. The initial stretch of NH44 appeared to be a well-maintained highway, allowing for steady cruising speeds. The Ghulatis noted their current battery percentage dropped to 75% as they passed through areas like Phagwara, indicating the vehicle's consumption rate during highway driving.
First Charging Stop: Indo-American Diner near Rajpura
The first planned charging stop was at the Indo-American Diner near Rajpura, approximately 97 km from their starting point. The navigation system guided them off the main highway, requiring a U-turn under an underpass to reach the diner. This stop was strategically chosen not only for charging but also for a breakfast break. Upon arrival, the charging station offered multiple options, including Static, Tata EV, and Jio BP Pulse chargers. The Ghulatis opted for the Jio BP Pulse charger, which they intended to use throughout their trip for consistency.
The charging process was initiated via a mobile app, and the car, which was at 36% charge upon arrival, began to replenish its battery. While the car charged, the family enjoyed their breakfast at the diner, which featured an American-style interior. After approximately 25 minutes, the car's charge reached 78%, having consumed 17.59 kWh of energy. This stop demonstrated the convenience of combining meal breaks with charging, optimizing travel time.
Second Charging Stop: Dharam Dhaba near Karnal
Continuing their journey, the Ghulatis set their navigation for their second charging stop at Dharam Dhaba near Karnal, which was 119 km away. The route continued along NH44, passing through Ambala Cantt, marked by its iconic archway. The highway conditions remained favorable, facilitating a smooth drive. As they approached Karnal, the navigation indicated that Dharam Dhaba was just 8.5 km away, with the car's battery at 43%.
Similar to the first stop, Dharam Dhaba also featured a Jio BP Pulse charging station. The charging process was again initiated through the mobile app, and the car was charged for a shorter duration, receiving 4.94 kWh of energy, bringing the battery to 54%. This brief charge was sufficient to ensure they had ample range for the next leg of their journey. The Ghulatis took this opportunity for a quick tea break at the food court within the dhaba complex, highlighting the practicality of these highway stops for both vehicle and passenger needs.
Final Stretch to Gurugram and Arrival
With their second charge complete, the family proceeded towards Gurugram. They planned to bypass any further charging stops, aiming to reach their destination with the remaining charge. The route involved transitioning onto the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), a modern expressway designed to ease traffic congestion around Delhi. This section of the journey showcased excellent road infrastructure, including tunnels and elevated sections, providing a comfortable and efficient drive.
As they neared Gurugram, the navigation indicated their hotel, The Westin, was 79 km away, with the car's battery at 64%. The Ghulatis successfully reached their destination, The Westin Gurugram, with 57% battery remaining, having covered approximately 400 km in total. The entire journey, including two charging stops, cost a total of ₹800 (₹500 at Indo-American Diner and ₹300 at Dharam Dhaba), demonstrating the significant cost savings of traveling in an EV compared to a petrol or diesel vehicle.
Practical Takeaways for EV Owners
The Ghulatis' road trip offers several valuable lessons for current and prospective EV owners:
- Strategic Planning is Key: Pre-planning charging stops based on the vehicle's range and the availability of reliable charging infrastructure is crucial for a stress-free long-distance journey.
- Utilize Highway Amenities: Many charging stations are located at highway diners and food courts, allowing travelers to combine charging time with meal breaks, optimizing efficiency.
- Monitor Battery Levels: Maintaining a comfortable buffer in battery charge (e.g., above 30%) helps mitigate range anxiety and provides flexibility for unexpected delays or changes in plans.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The total charging cost of ₹800 for a 400 km journey highlights the substantial savings offered by electric vehicles compared to traditional fuel cars.
- Evolving Infrastructure: The presence of multiple charging providers like Jio BP Pulse, Static, and Tata EV along NH44 indicates a growing and improving EV charging network in India.
- Vehicle Performance: The MG Windsor EV demonstrated reliable performance and sufficient range for a long-distance trip, even with strategic charging intervals.
This journey underscores that with careful planning and awareness of the available infrastructure, long-distance EV travel in India is not only feasible but also an economical and enjoyable experience.
Watch the Original Journey
This article is connected to the original Ghulatis On The Go video below. Watch it for the complete visual experience and conversations from the road.