A 500 km Test Drive with the Mahindra BE6

Surprising EV Performance

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are redefining the future of mobility, and I recently had the chance to experience it first-hand with the Mahindra BE6. This was my first long-distance EV trip, covering 500 km, and I was curious to see how the BE6 would perform on highways, hilly roads, and city traffic. From charging stops to adaptive features, this journey gave me valuable insights into the real-world performance of an EV.


The Journey: Planning and Starting the Trip

Route and Destination

I chose an eco resort near Trimbakeshwar, just outside Nashik, mainly because it had a JioBP DC Fast Charging station close by. The plan was simple — enjoy a scenic drive, test the EV in different terrains, and explore how it performs compared to a regular ICE car.


Travel Companions

  1. 2 passengers onboard
  2. A fair amount of luggage
  3. Mix of highway driving, city traffic, and short tea/lunch breaks

The car handled the load perfectly without any stress.


Driving Experience with Mahindra BE6

Adaptive Features in Action

While driving, I tested the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist features. The car smoothly adjusted speeds according to traffic and maintained lane discipline with minimal intervention from me.


Smooth and Controlled Acceleration

Unlike a typical ICE car that revs hard, the BE6 offered a moderate yet responsive acceleration. It didn’t lunge aggressively but kept the ride smooth and stress-free.


Heads-Up Display & Tech Features

The HUD (Heads-Up Display) integrated seamlessly with the ADAS features, showing real-time updates like speed, lane assist, and adaptive braking information — all projected conveniently on the windshield.


Charging Experience

Midway Charging Stop

  1. After driving ~320 km, the battery dropped to 34%.
  2. At the JioBP charger, I faced an issue as it couldn’t handle the full 60kW charge, so I had to adjust to 30kW, which worked fine.


Cost and Options

The charging was slightly pricey. Although a better 60kW ChargeZone station was available in Nashik, I skipped it to avoid extending the trip time.


Energy Efficiency

Before Lunch Break

  1. Distance covered: 7 km/kWh


After Lunch Break

  1. Distance covered: 8 km/kWh


Average Efficiency

  1. Around 3 km/kWh after a full day of driving.


With ECON mode and AC set to 24°C, the BE6 delivered an excellent balance of comfort and efficiency.


Comfort and Ride Quality

Interior Comfort

  1. The BE6 cabin stayed cool and fresh, even during long hours.
  2. ECON AC mode made the journey energy-efficient without compromising comfort.


Confidence on Long Drives

  1. The car gave me the confidence to treat it just like a regular petrol/diesel car.
  2. Handling, safety, and driving ease made the 500 km road trip feel effortless


Conclusion

The Mahindra BE6 truly surprised me with its performance, efficiency, and reliability on a long-distance road trip. From ADAS features like Adaptive Cruise Control to its realistic range, the car proved that EVs are more than ready for highway journeys in India. With smart charging stops and ECON mode efficiency, the BE6 can easily be trusted for both city and long-distance drives. I’m already looking forward to more adventures with this EV!



FAQs

1. What is the real-world range of the Mahindra BE6?

During my test, the BE6 managed around 320 km on a single charge, with an efficiency of up to 8 km/kWh in ECON mode.


2. Does the Mahindra BE6 support fast charging?

Yes, the BE6 supports DC fast charging. At 30–60kW chargers, it charges efficiently, though charging costs may vary by provider.


3. How comfortable is the BE6 for long trips?

Very comfortable! With ECON AC mode, spacious interiors, and smooth acceleration, it’s well-suited for road trips.


4. Is the Mahindra BE6 safe for highways?

Yes. With ADAS features like Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and HUD, it provides excellent safety and convenience on highways.


5. How does driving an EV differ from an ICE car?

EVs like the BE6 provide instant torque, smooth acceleration, quieter rides, and fewer vibrations, making them less stressful for long drives compared to ICE cars.