The Ghulatis On The Go family undertook a spiritual and informative road trip from Jalandhar to Mata Chintpurni Temple in their MG Windsor electric vehicle. The journey aimed to test the EV's performance on hilly terrain, assess its real-world range, and experience the regenerative braking benefits during downhill sections. The trip offered insights into driving comfort, road conditions, and the overall practicality of an electric car for family pilgrimages to destinations like Mata Chintpurni, located in the scenic Shivalik hills of Himachal Pradesh.
The family's objective was to provide a comprehensive review of EV travel in the mountains, covering aspects such as battery consumption during uphill climbs, charging strategies, and the general driving experience on highways and winding roads. This detailed travelogue serves as a practical guide for other EV owners considering similar hill journeys, highlighting both the challenges and advantages of electric mobility in diverse Indian landscapes.
Departure from Jalandhar and Initial Highway Drive
The journey commenced from Jalandhar with the MG Windsor EV's battery at 92% charge. The initial leg of the trip involved navigating through Jalandhar city before transitioning onto the four-lane highway. The highway, which also leads to Adampur Airport, offered smooth driving conditions. The family noted the ongoing construction of a flyover in Adampur, with pillars erected several years prior but no significant progress on the structure itself. Despite this, the separate lanes for traffic ensured a relatively smooth passage through the area.
As they continued, the route passed by the turn-off for Adampur Airport, which has also been converted into a four-lane road. The drive through the plains of Punjab was characterized by open roads and green landscapes, providing a comfortable start to the pilgrimage. The vehicle's performance on these flat sections was effortless, maintaining a steady pace without significant battery drain.
Journey Through Hoshiarpur and Towards the Hills
Approaching Hoshiarpur, the battery charge was observed to be at 75%, indicating a consumption of 17% over the initial distance. Hoshiarpur marked a significant point in the journey, as it is where the bypass towards Una and Chandigarh is located. The family highlighted the presence of a food court with various eating joints at this intersection, offering a convenient stop for travelers. They opted to turn left into Hoshiarpur city, heading towards Mata Chintpurni.
After traversing through the city center, the road crossed a dry riverbed, which typically fills with monsoon water. This section of the road was well-maintained, contributing to a smooth ride. Beyond Hoshiarpur, the landscape began to change, with the first signs of hilly terrain appearing as the vehicle approached the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border. The family expressed excitement about entering the hills, anticipating the true test of their EV's capabilities.
Entering Himachal Pradesh and the Hill Climb Test
The MG Windsor EV officially entered Himachal Pradesh, marked by a prominent welcome sign. Immediately after the border, a toll barrier required an 80 rupee payment. The road conditions in Himachal Pradesh were generally good, with newly laid blacktop in several sections, although some areas still lacked proper road markings. The family noted the presence of a Chohal Dam, offering scenic views of the water below.
The real test for the EV began with the steep uphill climbs. Despite the challenging gradients, the MG Windsor EV performed effortlessly, easily overtaking other conventional cars. The regenerative braking system proved highly effective during downhill sections, contributing to battery regeneration. The family observed the battery strength at 68% during an uphill climb and later at 64% after navigating several turns, demonstrating the EV's efficiency in recovering energy. Signboards along the route indicated distances to various destinations, with Chintpurni being 35 km away, Jawalaji 61 km, Kangra 99 km, and Dharamshala 105 km.
Lunch Stop at Bombay Picnic Spot and Continued Drive
The family made a planned stop for lunch at the Bombay Picnic Spot, a popular eatery along the route. This location offered a buffet lunch, and the family enjoyed a meal before continuing their journey. Notably, the Bombay Picnic Spot also featured an EV charging station with both 10 kW and 30 kW options, highlighting the growing infrastructure for electric vehicles in the region. After lunch, the family resumed their drive, with the battery still showing 46% charge, indicating minimal consumption during the previous leg of the journey and effective regeneration.
The road from Bombay Picnic Spot towards Mata Chintpurni continued through scenic hilly landscapes, characterized by lush greenery and winding turns. The family appreciated the smooth road conditions, which made for a comfortable drive. They passed through Mubarakpur, a significant intersection where roads diverge towards Una and Talwara. This area also featured a fuel station, which was noted as the oldest on this route. The journey continued with a mix of plain and hilly sections, leading them closer to their final destination.
Arrival at Mata Chintpurni Temple and Darshan
Upon reaching Mata Chintpurni, the family navigated through the bustling temple town. They obtained permission from the police station to drive their car up to the market area, which is typically restricted. The market was vibrant with shops selling religious offerings and souvenirs. The final ascent to the temple involved a very steep climb, which the MG Windsor EV handled with ease, showcasing its robust hill-climbing capabilities without any noticeable strain on the battery.
Inside the temple, the family joined the devotees for darshan (viewing of the deity). The atmosphere was filled with spiritual chants and the ringing of bells. They offered their prayers at the Mata Chintpurni Pindi, a sacred stone representation of the goddess. The temple complex was adorned with traditional decorations, and the family took a moment to appreciate the spiritual ambiance. After their darshan, they exited the temple through a different route, passing by more shops and a dhol player, adding to the cultural experience.
Return Journey and Regenerative Braking Insights
The return journey from Mata Chintpurni to Jalandhar provided further insights into the MG Windsor EV's regenerative braking capabilities. As the vehicle descended the hills, the battery charge, which was at 47% upon leaving the temple, remained largely stable. The regenerative braking system effectively converted kinetic energy back into electrical energy, minimizing further battery consumption. The family observed the power meter frequently showing negative kilowatt readings, confirming the active regeneration process.
By the time they reached Hoshiarpur, the battery charge was 35%, and upon entering Jalandhar, it was 22%. This demonstrated that despite the long journey and significant uphill driving, the downhill sections allowed for substantial energy recovery, making the overall trip highly efficient. The family concluded that the MG Windsor EV performed exceptionally well on the hill drive, proving its suitability for such journeys without range anxiety, thanks to its regenerative braking system.
Practical Takeaways for EV Travelers
- Hill Performance: The MG Windsor EV demonstrated excellent power and comfort on steep inclines, easily overtaking other vehicles.
- Regenerative Braking: Downhill driving significantly recharges the battery, extending the effective range for mountain travel.
- Range Management: Careful monitoring of battery percentage and understanding regenerative capabilities are crucial for planning EV trips in hilly regions.
- Charging Infrastructure: While growing, it's advisable to identify charging stations along the route, especially for longer journeys.
- Road Conditions: The route from Jalandhar to Mata Chintpurni features well-maintained highways and newly blacktopped hilly roads, ensuring a comfortable drive.
- Destination Accessibility: With prior permission, it's possible to drive closer to the temple market, enhancing convenience for pilgrims.
- Overall Experience: EV travel offers a smooth, quiet, and environmentally friendly way to explore spiritual and scenic destinations.
Watch the Original Journey
This article is connected to the original Ghulatis On The Go video below. Watch it for the complete visual experience and conversations from the road.