In a landmark demonstration of electric mobility, automotive platform 91Wheels.com, in collaboration with Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited (MEAL), successfully completed a cross-border electric vehicle (EV) expedition from New Delhi to Thimphu, Bhutan, covering nearly 1,850 kilometres.
The expedition featured a convoy of 10 Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs, including the XEV 9e, XEV 9S and BE 6 models, making it the largest EV convoy to undertake an international road trip across borders. The achievement has been officially recognised by the India Book of Records as the “Largest EV Convoy on a Cross-Border International Road Trip.”
Adding a unique dimension to the journey, the convoy included real-world EV owners comprising families, friends, siblings and solo drivers. Their participation provided valuable insights into the practical capabilities of electric vehicles for long-distance travel.
The five-day expedition followed a route from New Delhi through Agra, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Muzaffarpur and Siliguri before entering Bhutan via Phuentsholing and reaching Thimphu. Participants later undertook additional drives between Thimphu and Paro.
The journey highlighted the endurance and touring capabilities of Mahindra’s INGLO EV platform across varied terrain, challenging weather conditions and international road networks. Drivers relied entirely on public and planned charging infrastructure, demonstrating the feasibility of long-distance EV travel with adequate charging support.
According to organisers, the convoy faced demanding conditions, including consecutive DC fast-charging sessions, temperatures as high as 47°C across northern India, and elevations approaching 9,000 feet in Bhutan. Collectively, the participating vehicles covered nearly 40,000 kilometres by the time all customers returned to New Delhi.
The convoy also visited Bhutan’s first Mahindra Electric Automobile showroom in Thimphu, marking a significant milestone in the company’s international EV expansion.
Speaking on the achievement, Bunny Punia, Group Editor of 91Wheels.com, said the expedition proved that modern EVs are capable of handling international road trips, mountain routes and extended highway journeys. Reeti Nageshri, Head of Business Operations at MEAL, noted that the drive showcased not only vehicle capability but also growing customer confidence in electric mobility.
Sunish Kumar, Founder of 91Wheels, said the initiative aligns with the platform’s commitment to helping consumers make informed mobility choices while promoting confidence in emerging transportation technologies.
The successful expedition is being viewed as a significant step towards strengthening consumer trust in electric vehicles and demonstrating their readiness for real-world, cross-border adventures.
