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Mahindra XEV 9e's 2,056 km Snow-to-Sand Drive

The Indian automotive landscape is undergoing a quiet but powerful revolution, and at the heart of this transformation is a new generation of drivers willing to challenge perceptions. Leading that charge is Car Girls India – an all women motoring show. Car Girls India accomplished a feat that pushes the boundaries of what electric mobility can achieve. Their record-setting drive from snow to salt — spanning 2,056km in just 38 hours and 1 minute — was a test of endurance and a bold statement.

Across Four States in the Mahindra XEV 9e

The journey began in breathtaking snowy Gulmarg, known for its pristine beauty and challenging mountain terrain. From there, the team set course for Dandi beach, a historic coastal destination synonymous with India’s freedom movement. Traversing four states — Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat — the drive captured India’s diversity, from icy mountains to fertile plains, arid deserts and the Arabian Sea.

The initial leg through the Himalayan valleys between Gulmarg and Jammu proved to be the most demanding with broken roads, steep descents and traffic. Yet, XEV 9e handled these conditions with remarkable composure. Its driving dynamics inspired confidence, while the superb headlights ensured excellent visibility in low-light mountain conditions. What was particularly impressive was how effortlessly the vehicle tackled such unforgiving terrain, maintaining stability and control throughout.

Regenerative Braking Powers the Mountain Descent

One of the standout aspects of this leg was the vehicle’s regenerative braking system. Instead of draining the battery, the vehicle intelligently recovered energy, leaving the team with nearly 40 per cent charge after extensive downhill driving. This significantly reduced range anxiety and demonstrated how advanced electric powertrains can turn challenging terrain into opportunities for efficiency.

Long-Distance Comfort Meets EV Efficiency

As the journey progressed into Punjab, the landscape transformed dramatically. Smooth highways replaced rugged mountain roads and lush agricultural fields offered a visual respite. The XEV 9e truly came into its element here, showcasing its high-speed stability and refined cruising ability. The transition from Punjab into Rajasthan introduced yet another contrast — endless highways cutting through stark desert landscapes. Long stretches demanded unwavering focus, but the vehicle’s stellar music system provided both entertainment and comfort, making the drive less fatiguing.

Rajasthan also offered moments of cultural indulgence, as the team made brief stops at iconic palaces, blending heritage with their modern electric journey. After an overnight halt in Jodhpur and another in Ahmedabad, the final leg led them to Dandi. This coastal town was the endpoint of Mahatma Gandhi’s famous Dandi march. Arriving at Dandi was therefore not just the end of a drive, but a symbolic convergence of history and progress — freedom then and sustainable mobility now.

A Record That Redefines Long-Distance EV Travel

The achievement was officially recognised by the India Book of Records, which certified the feat as the “fastest drive from snow terrain to sand terrain in an electric vehicle”. The drive commenced from Gulmarg and concluded at Dandi Beach, covering 2,056 kilometres in 38 hours and 1 minute on-road driving.

Beyond the record, the numbers tell an equally compelling story.

The total battery consumption stood at 361.14kWh, delivering an impressive efficiency of 5.69 km/kWh. The vehicle maintained an average range of 449.75 kilometres — reinforcing the practicality of long-distance EV travel. The spacious and highly usable frunk added to convenience.

This record-setting drive by Car Girls India is more than just an automotive milestone — it is a glimpse into the future of mobility in India. It challenges outdated assumptions, showcases technological progress and inspires confidence in electric vehicles.