Mangaluru Rider Completes 12,111 km India EV Expedition

Mangaluru-based adventurer Girish Shet has successfully concluded a record-breaking 12,111-kilometre journey across India on a Hero VIDA VX2 electric scooter. Spanning 52 days and covering 16 states, the expedition aimed to challenge perceptions regarding the long-distance viability of electric two-wheelers. Despite facing an accident near Jabalpur and battling severe heatwaves across northern India, Shet completed the route without needing major technical repairs, with the scooter demonstrating significant durability throughout the journey.

The expedition underscored the substantial economic benefits of electric mobility compared to traditional internal combustion vehicles. Shet reported saving approximately Rs 32,000 in fuel costs, with total electricity expenses for charging ranging between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000. The journey relied heavily on the growing charging infrastructure, including Hero’s fast-charging network and a strategic partnership with Ather Energy, which provided access to nearly 6,000 fast chargers. In remote areas, local community support proved vital, highlighting the practical integration of EV charging into everyday life.

Recognised by the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records, this feat reinforces the technological advancements in modern lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery systems, which now offer improved range and longevity. Shet’s success serves as a critical proof-of-concept for electric vehicle adoption in India. As the industry advances, such endurance challenges play a pivotal role in shifting public perception from range anxiety to confidence in EV reliability. Future developments in charging accessibility will be the primary indicator for the mass adoption of electric scooters for intercity travel.