Can an electric car do a long drive in India? A realistic guide

Start with honest range

ARAI range is measured in test conditions. At expressway speeds with the air-conditioning on and a full car, a common rule of thumb is to plan on about two-thirds to three-quarters of the ARAI figure. For a VF 7 Wind rated at 532 km, plan on roughly 350 to 400 km between charges, and keep a buffer of 10 to 15%.

Trips from Delhi

Distances are approximate and vary by route.

Tips that make long drives easy

• Leave with a full charge. Charge to 100% at home the night before.
• Use fast charging for the stop, not the whole trip: the battery charges quickest between about 10% and 70%, which takes 25 to 30 minutes.
• VinFast owners charge free at V-Green stations until 31 March 2029.
• Check your charging stops in an app before you leave, and have a backup.
• Steady speeds use less energy than fast driving. Slowing from 120 to 100 km/h noticeably extends range.
• Pre-cool the cabin while plugged in, so the battery is not spent on cooling.

Is it comfortable?

The VF 7 has ventilated front seats, a head-up display and Level 2 driver assistance on the Wind and Sky variants, which take a lot of the effort out of expressway driving. The VF MPV 7 is built for family trips, with seven seats and third-row AC.

Frequently asked questions

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