Impromptu 1000 km Road Trip in MG Windsor EV Due to Flight Issues
A recent account shared by a user on Team-BHP has drawn attention for showcasing just how far electric mobility has come in South India. What was supposed to be a routine flight from Bengaluru to Thrissur for a wedding turned into a spontaneous long-distance road trip when airline disruptions forced a change of plans. Instead of cancelling the travel or seeking alternate flights, the family decided to hit the road. Interestingly, they left behind their reliable Skoda Yeti, the car they would have normally chosen for a long journey, and instead opted to drive their MG Windsor EV.
This decision wasn’t based on experimentation alone. A look at a charger availability map changed everything for the traveler. The screenshot they referenced showed a remarkably dense network of fast chargers along the Bengaluru–Thrissur corridor, so dense that the icons could barely be distinguished on the map. That visual confirmation became the incentive to attempt the entire round trip of more than 1000 km in the electric car. The experience that followed has been described as smooth, stress-free, and surprisingly effortless.
A Road Trip to Guruvayoor with Zero Range Anxiety
The Windsor EV used for the journey is equipped with a 38 kWh battery pack, one of the two battery options MG offers for the model. Despite its comparatively modest size, the user reported that the entire trip went by without any planned charging stops. Instead, they adopted an opportunistic charging strategy: plugging in at fast chargers only when they were already stopping for a coffee break, meal, or rest. There was no pre-planned route charting, no meticulous calculation of charger distances, and no last-minute panicking for available stations, underscoring a major point about South India’s growing EV ecosystem.
South India, already known for being ahead in EV adoption, now seems equally ahead in infrastructure reliability. Major highways crossing Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have seen a rapid increase in private and public charging stations. For the traveler, this meant that the Windsor EV could be used just as conveniently as a petrol or diesel vehicle over long distances. The driver described the experience as a true testament to the EV ecosystem that has matured quickly over the last few years.
The decision to extend the drive with a detour to Guruvayoor for darshan at the Krishna temple only further illustrates the confidence they had in the availability of chargers even off the main highways. The traveler noted that the proximity to Guruvayoor made the addition of the short leg an easy choice.
Understanding the MG Windsor EV: Capabilities That Complement Long Drives
The MG Windsor EV is a feature-rich electric crossover offered with two battery packs: a 38 kWh pack delivering an approximate range of 332 km, and a larger 52.9 kWh pack capable of around 449 km. Both variants share the same electric motor producing 134 bhp and 200 Nm of torque, delivered through a single-speed transmission typical of EVs.
The 52.9 kWh variant supports DC fast charging that can bring the battery from zero to 80 percent in about 50 minutes using a 60 kW charger. AC charging at home or at slower stations takes roughly 9.5 hours through the 7.4 kW onboard charger. For many EV owners, these figures determine whether the vehicle is fit for long-distance travel. This road trip suggests that even the smaller 38 kWh option can be travel-ready on routes where public charging infrastructure is strong.
In terms of dimensions, the Windsor measures 4295 mm in length with a tall stance at 1677 mm in height. The long 2700 mm wheelbase contributes to a roomy interior, while the 186 mm ground clearance makes it suited to Indian highways and uneven patches. The R18 dual-tone alloys further elevate its premium positioning.
Inside, the Pro variant offers a cabin designed for comfort and technology-driven convenience. The dual-tone ivory interior, panoramic sunroof in select trims, and ventilated front seats help keep passengers relaxed over long distances. The 15.6-inch touchscreen, supported by a 9-speaker Infinity audio system, complements the modern feel of the cabin. The powered tailgate, 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS suite add functional ease throughout the journey. Features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Auto High Beam enhance highway safety, especially on longer stretches.
One of the standout elements of the Windsor lineup is the inclusion of Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging capabilities in the Pro models. These features allow the EV to power external devices or even charge another EV, adding utility beyond mobility.
A Journey That Reflects the State of EV Adoption Today
This real-world 1000 km experience demonstrates what many prospective EV buyers still question: can electric vehicles undertake impromptu long-distance road trips without the anxiety associated with charging? At least in South India, the answer appears to be yes. What began as a disrupted flight itinerary turned into a smooth, comfortable, and reassuring drive that reinforced confidence in electric mobility.
With the MG Windsor EV proving capable even with its smaller battery pack, and with the charging network proving robust across states, the story stands as an example of how EV travel is rapidly evolving. The casual, unplanned nature of the trip makes the experience all the more compelling for those still on the fence about switching to electric.
If this narrative is any indication, long-distance EV travel in India is no longer a futuristic promise but an everyday reality, especially for those travelling across the well-connected southern corridor.
