Mahindra XUV 9E Real World Range Test
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular on Indian roads, but range anxiety remains one of the top concerns. A frequent question people ask is: Can an EV handle a real-world highway road trip in India without needing a recharge midway? To find out, we decided to test the latest offering from Mahindra.
We took the Mahindra XUV 9E, one of the brand’s most advanced electric SUVs, on a round trip from Gurgaon to Jaipur and back, aiming to complete the journey — over 440 km — on a single full charge. This blog documents our experience, including battery usage, road conditions, driving behavior, and charging performance.
The Vehicle: Mahindra XUV 9E Type 3
Our test was conducted using the XUV 9E Type 3 Pack, which includes:
- 79 kWh usable battery capacity
- Claimed MIDC range: 615 km (without AC)
- Claimed range with AC: 533 km
- DC fast charging support
- Multi-level regenerative braking
- Advanced infotainment and connected car features
This model is designed for extended range and was ideal for testing long-distance travel on Indian roads.
The Plan: A One-Day Round Trip
We began the journey with a 100% charged battery from Gurgaon. The plan was:
- Drive from Gurgaon to Jaipur (~270 km one way)
- Return via a different highway route
- Keep the AC running throughout
- No switching to eco mode
- Carry 5 adult passengers with luggage
- Track metrics using the on-board display and Static charging app
- Avoid charging until absolutely necessary
The Journey Begins: Gurgaon to Jaipur (270 km)
We took the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway heading toward Jaipur, maintaining consistent speeds of 100–110 km/h using cruise control.
Performance milestones:
- After 40 km: battery at 90%
- At 205 km: battery at 50%
- Reached Jaipur ring road with 36% battery remaining and ~170 km of range left
Even with full AC, heavy load, and highway cruising, the Mahindra XUV 9E delivered a projected real-world range of approximately 420–450 km.
Driving Conditions and Key Observations
- High-speed driving on expressways reduces regenerative braking, slightly affecting efficiency.
- Driving in city or traffic improves regeneration and extends range.
- AC usage consumed around 3% of the battery, proving the system is energy efficient.
- The SUV handled highway and city traffic with equal ease, providing a comfortable ride.
Overall, the XUV 9E felt composed and capable throughout the journey.
The Return: Jaipur to Gurgaon with Low Battery
On the return, we chose a different route via NH2, which had more traffic and narrower lanes. Starting with 36% battery, we had to cover 111 km to reach the nearest fast charger in Kotputli.
Despite getting a low battery warning at 15%, we continued to drive as usual — no eco mode, AC on. This was a true test of how an average user might behave in a real-world situation.
Just before reaching Kotputli:
- Battery dropped to 1%
- Estimated range was 3–4 km
- Successfully reached the EArthon DC fast charger
Total range achieved on a single charge: 441 km
This was cutting it close, but it confirmed that the XUV 9E can handle real-world intercity trips.
Charging Experience with Static App
We used the Static app to locate and activate a nearby charger. Here’s how the charging session went:
- Charger: EArthon 30 kW DC fast charger
- Time to charge from 61% to 100%: 32 minutes
- Minor issue: needed to restart the session once
- App automatically detected battery drop and suggested the nearest charger
The app and charger functioned smoothly overall, reflecting the growing reliability of India’s EV charging infrastructure.
Battery Usage Breakdown
At the end of the trip, battery consumption was reported as:
- Driving: 94%
- Climate control (AC): 3%
- Accessories (music, phone, lights): 1.7%
- Battery conditioning: 0.4%
This clearly shows that most of the battery was spent on actual propulsion, making the SUV energy-efficient even with all accessories running.
Final Verdict: Can You Take the XUV 9E on Long Drives?
What Worked Well:
- Real-world range exceeded 440 km
- Comfortable ride, stable at high speeds
- Excellent regenerative braking in city traffic
- Easy-to-use charging ecosystem
- Handled full passenger load with no drop in performance
Areas for Improvement:
- Range drops slightly faster at highway cruising speeds
- More charging stations would increase peace of mind
- First-time EV drivers may still feel range anxiety
Conclusion: The XUV 9E is Road-Trip Ready
The Mahindra XUV 9E passed the real-world range test with flying colors. Covering 441 km on a single charge with AC on, full load, and no eco mode proves that it’s not just a city commuter — it’s a legitimate road-trip SUV.
With improved highway infrastructure and reliable charging apps like Static, EV range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past.
If you’re in the market for a long-range electric SUV, the XUV 9E should definitely be on your shortlist.
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