So, you’re planning a road trip in an EV? First off—props to you. It can be a little scary to try something new, but take comfort in knowing you’re not the first person to do it. In fact, EV owners have already set records driving to the most extreme points and terrains of India. If you’re here doing your homework, you’re already ahead of the curve.
We’ve scoured the internet, spoken to EV owners, and gathered real-world insights to bring you this no-BS guide on planning an electric road trip across India. From charging apps to on-road hacks, here’s everything you need to know before hitting the highway.
Before You Leave
1. Download and Set Up Charging Apps
Every EV road trip begins with one thing—apps. Most car manufacturers now offer their own navigation app with a database of charging stations tailored to your vehicle. Enter your EV’s make, model, and starting state of charge (SoC), and the app will help you plan routes with recommended charging stops.
But don’t stop there. PlugShare is your best friend. It’s crowd-sourced, packed with reviews, photos, and real-time updates on whether a charger is working. It even tells you about plug compatibility.
Google Maps has improved too and often does the trick for locating chargers. Many EV drivers suggest using it in combination with PlugShare to confirm charger functionality.
Pro tip: Download apps for the major charging networks (Tata Power, Statiq, Jio-bp, ChargeZone, etc.) ahead of time. Get your payment method set up while you have good internet at home, so you don’t end up fiddling with it on the roadside with one bar of signal.
You can check out which ones we recommend right here!
2. Double-Check Charging Options
Some charging network apps may list new chargers faster than PlugShare. So if you’re looking for a charger in a very specific location, cross-check both apps.
3. Plan Your Route Like a Pro
Your car’s built-in navigation system is useful, but conditions like weather and road gradients can affect your range. Freezing temps, steep climbs, and headwinds will drain your battery faster. On the flip side, mild weather, tailwinds, and downhill stretches can help you stretch every kWh.
Rule of thumb: Plan to recharge when your battery hits around 30% SoC. This gives you enough buffer to handle surprises like detours, closed charging stations, or slower charging speeds.
4. Book EV-Friendly Stays
Hotels and rentals across India are becoming increasingly EV-friendly, often offering Level 1 or Level 2 chargers. But here’s the catch—not every charger works all the time. Before booking, call the hotel and confirm:
- Do they have a working charger?
- Is it compatible with your EV’s charging gun?
- Are there any usage fees?
If there’s no fresh PlugShare update about that location, pick up the phone. A quick call could save you a lot of stress.
Charging overnight is a huge time-saver—you wake up to a full battery, ready to roll. But don’t worry if your accommodation doesn’t offer charging. Many EV owners road-trip without it, relying on public stations along the way.
Read this to know more about charger types.
5. Start Fully Charged
If you have a home charger, leave with a 90% (or higher) charge. That first stretch with maximum range will give you confidence and flexibility.
On the Road
Monitor Your Speed
Yes, it’s tempting to zoom down open highways, but high speeds drain your battery fast—just like in petrol cars. If you find yourself low on charge, slow down. That alone can extend your range enough to reach the next charger.
Turning off your AC won’t make a huge difference. Driving a bit slower will.
Fast-Charging Smartly
When using a DC fast charger, don’t bother charging to 100%. The last 20% is painfully slow—like water trickling into a glass. Charge to around 80% (or whatever’s needed to reach the next charger) and get moving again.
Save full charges (95-100%) for overnight or longer daytime stops on slower AC chargers.
For perspective: If your EV has an estimated range of 400 km, expect to stop every ~230 km for a top-up. That way you’re not cutting it too close to zero.
Weather Watch
Weather makes a big difference. Tailwinds will extend your range; headwinds and rain may cut it short. Just like fuel cars, EVs need a little more TLC in challenging weather.
Plan Stops Around Meals
If your charging stop isn’t near food, grab takeout en route. If it’s near a restaurant, plan a slightly longer charging session and enjoy a proper meal while your car fills up. By the time you’re done eating, your EV will be ready too.
Know Your Car’s Charging Speed
Every EV has a maximum charging rate. For example, if your EV can only accept 50 kW, plugging into a 150 kW charger won’t magically make it faster. Learn your car’s rate and pick chargers that match, so you don’t hog high-capacity stations unnecessarily.
Enjoy the Breaks
Many EV drivers actually end up enjoying charging breaks. They’re a natural pause to stretch, grab a coffee, or even meditate for a few minutes. Road trips are about the journey as much as the destination, right?
Always Have a Backup Plan
Stuff happens—chargers can be down, occupied, or out of order. Know your alternatives ahead of time so a hiccup doesn’t turn into panic.
Charging Etiquette 101
Just like road etiquette, EV charging comes with a few unspoken rules. Let’s make them spoken:
- Don’t hog the charger. Once your EV is topped up, unplug and move. Someone else might be depending on it at midnight.
- Charging ≠ Parking. Only park at EV charging spots if you’re actively charging. In some cities, you can even get fined otherwise.
- Park straight. Sounds obvious, but bad parking can block access to nearby chargers.
- Keep it tidy. Put the cable back in its holder, throw trash in bins, and leave the space as you found it.
- Report broken chargers. Charging companies can’t fix what they don’t know. A quick call or app report helps everyone.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Feeling nervous? That’s normal. Every first-time EV road tripper has felt the same. But once you do it, you’ll realize it’s not just manageable—it’s fun. You’ll discover new pit stops, appreciate the slower pace of travel, and maybe even brag about being an EV pioneer on Indian highways.
Road trips in EVs are different, yes. But they’re also quieter, smoother, and often more enjoyable. Take a deep breath, prep your apps, pack some snacks, and hit the road. You’ve got this.
