Top EVs for Summer Road Trips

Summer is right around the corner, and with EVs gaining traction over the past few years, many people have found themselves in a situation where they’re considering how an EV would fare on their summer road trips. And for people that do road trips often, thinking about which EVs will perform the best on road trips is justified. With so many options in the market right now (plus the improvement in charging infrastructure and battery performance), we break down which EVs are the most suitable for road-trip lovers!

Tata Nexon EV

The Nexon EV got a serious makeover last year. Tata Motors really went all out, especially on the inside, where you  immediately notice the huge, bright screens (10.25-inch instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment). The new design draws cues from the Curvv concept, making it hard to believe it’s just a facelift. Under the hood, the updated EV boasts a lighter, more efficient Gen2 motor, which helps deliver power in a smoother, more linear fashion. The long-range version offers a claimed range of 465km and includes vehicle-to-load charging which means it can charge other EVs. It’s got an LED light bar in front that shows the charge status when plugged in too! The Tata Nexon EV continues to be a fun-to-drive EV for all the March 2025 road trips.

MG ZS EV

The ZS EV makes a decent case for itself as a long-distance car. The updated model got a larger 50.3kWh battery pack that translates to a usable real-world range, making those out-of-town trips more feasible. The cabin is well-built, and the addition of rear AC vents ensures passenger comfort. A larger 10.1-inch touchscreen and features like a 360-degree camera are nice additions, though the infotainment system could be more intuitive. It has ample boot space. While it’s not the most engaging car to drive, its light steering and comfortable ride make it effortless on long stretches. Yes, the rear seat is a bit knees-up, so it’s best suited for kids. But with decent range and practicality, the ZS EV is a comfortable and capable EV for those family weekend getaways.

Mahindra XUV400

The XUV400 Pro, with its significantly improved interiors, makes a much stronger case for those longer drives. Mahindra really upped the bar for comfort and convenience, which is what matters most on long road trips. The new two-tone interior creates a more pleasant ambiance, and the comfortable, supportive seats allow a back-pain free long ride!. Another plus point is that thespace at the rear is plenty, and it can  accommodate three adults easily. Addition of rear AC vents and USB-C charging points ensures everyone stays cool and entertained with their fully charged devices. The 378-litre boot is practical enough for luggage, and the respectable real-world range means fewer charging stops. While the suspension is tuned for comfort and it is soft and supple at low speeds, it can get bouncy at higher speeds. With these updates, the XUV400 Pro is well-equipped for comfortable EV road trips.

BYD Atto 3

The Atto 3, with its quirky charm, makes a surprisingly good case for longer journeys. Its biggest strength is the Blade battery, delivering a real-world range of around 400km. The comfortable seats, combined with a smooth ride, keep occupants happy over extended periods. The spacious cabin, thanks to its born-electric platform, ensures passengers don’t feel cramped. Tech-wise, the rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen offers entertainment, though some might find the menus a bit ‘Tesla-esque which is not a bad overview for modern vehicle enthusiasts ‘. Safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist ease highway driving, while the large sunroof adds to the airy feel. Boot space is adequate at 440 litres. While it’s not the most exciting to drive, the Atto 3’s smooth and refined nature makes it a relaxing companion for those cross-country adventures.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Ioniq 5 is very well-suited for longer journeys. The spacious and airy cabin offers excellent comfort for all passengers. A claimed range of 481km (ARAI) means fewer stops, and the rapid charging capability allows you to quickly top up on the go. The comfortable seats and smooth ride quality make it a relaxing cruiser. The sliding centre console and reclining front seats are a cool touch. While the boot isn’t the largest, the flexible interior configuration helps. It is worth noting that you don’t get a spare tire, which could be a problem in case of a tire puncture. Plus, its retro-futuristic looks add up too.

Kia EV 9

The Kia EV9, Kia’s flagship EV, is quite the head-turner and a tempting option for long-distance family trips. The biggest talking point is, of course, the three-row seating, a rarity in the EV world. This allows you to bring the whole family along. Boasting a 561km range, it’ll also give you a stress-free drive. And with 700Nm of torque, it’s got plenty of punch for effortless cruising. The spacious cabin offers a premium feel. Plus point, the EV9 is loaded with tech that helps further on those long journeys. The EV9 is an interesting option for those looking for a spacious and tech-rich EV for family road trips.

Mahindra BE 6

Mahindra’s BE.05, with its radical looks and focus on tech, is positioning itself as a tempting option for those who want to hit the open road and with an EV. The design is super fresh, yet doesn’t look overdone. It promises a seriously thrilling driving experience with performance that will leave some entry level BMWs shy. And its 683 km range is why you can expect to effortlessly cover distances. The cabin is loaded to the brim with features, meaning those long journeys should be exciting. It’s definitely shaping up to be a strong contender in the EV segment. Keep an eye on this one if you’re looking for a stylish and tech-packed EV for your next road trip.

Mahindra 9e

Mahindra’s XEV 9e is proving to be a tempting proposition for long drives. The first green flag is, well, space. The spacious cabin offers a premium experience, and rear passengers will appreciate the comfortable seating, sunshades, and dedicated charging ports. Its large 663-litre boot is plenty for luggage. What’s more is that the XEV 9e’s claimed 500 km-plus real-world range minimizes charging stops. You get a smooth, refined ride, even on less-than-perfect roads. Features like ADAS, a sophisticated heads-up display, and a Harman Kardon sound system add to the experience. The car will be compatible with 175kW DC fast-charging, making those quick top-ups along the way very quick.

Macan EV

The Macan EV, while not the entry-level Porsche anymore, has transformed into a solid option for those who want to eat up the kilometres in style. With a range of up to 591km (Turbo) and rapid charging at up to 270kW, range anxiety will never be there. The cabin is high-tech, featuring a panoramic sunroof and Porsche’s excellent 18-way adjustable front seats, which now get heating, ventilation, and a massage function! The new heads-up display with augmented reality is great for navigation. Although the rear isn’t the roomiest, the ride is smooth, and it is the best handling EV. Though the price is high at Rs 1.89 crore, more affordable models will be added to the India range later this year. It combines performance with practicality.

Audi Q8 e-Tron

If effortless long-distance cruising in an EV is what you’re after, the Q8 e-tron is worth a look. With a WLTP range of nearly 600km in the Sportback version, range anxiety shouldn’t be an issue. What’s more, it is supremely comfortable on the inside as well. The cabin is well-built and practical, making it ideal for those long journeys. The ride is smooth and composed, so you don’t feel any broken roads and sharp edges. The steering is sharp, so you can confidently dodge past slow traffic. It’s perfect for cruising on the open road. All in all, this is one solid, smooth, and supremely refined luxury EV!

BMW iX1

The iX1, with its potent electric powertrain, makes a case for itself as a fun long-distance tourer. What’s nice is that with one e-motor over each axle and almost 500Nm of torque, the iX1 can pull out an explosive launch off the line! While the rear seat isn’t the most spacious, especially compared to the regular X1, the cabin is well-built and luxurious, ensuring a comfortable journey for those up front. It gets features like massaging seats up front, a large panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay, automatic headlight range control, mood lighting front and rear. The tested real-world range of over 300km should be sufficient for most trips, and fast charging will minimize downtime. While it might not have the traditional BMW agility, the iX1 offers strong performance, a luxurious cabin, and a usable range, making it a compelling choice for those who want an electrifying road trip experience.

Mercedes Benz EQB

The EQB is an appealing option for family road trips. Its main selling point is its ability to seat seven, a rarity in our EV market as of now. This flexibility makes it great for longer journeys. Moreover, the EQB has a nice surge of power on tap with 229hp, which makes it ideal for effortless drives. The interior is comfortable, with a touch of copper tones to remind you it’s electric, and it rides well, even on broken surfaces. With a real-world range of around 350-400km, you’ll have fewer range issues on the open road. It’s a well-rounded electric SUV.

Summary

Electric vehicles are proving to be excellent companions for summer road trips, thanks to their quiet operation, strong torque, and growing charging infrastructure. And now, the Indian car market is flooded with options. Plus, with more charging stations popping up, EVs are no longer limited to city commutes. They’re practical, efficient, and ready to hit the road.

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