EV Can Do It Series: Travelling from West to East Nepal 2734 km in 9 Days on BYD Atto 3 EV

We Completed a Journey from Kathmandu to  Mahendra Nagar in the Far West to Kakarvitta in the East, covering 2734 kilometers from the Eastern Side of Mechi to Mahakali in Just 9 Days. We Accomplished this Journey in the BYD Atto 3 EV. BYD Atto 3 Superior Variant has got 60.48 kWh battery which has a claimed WLTP range of 420 km.

Why EV Can Do It Series?

The main objective of this endeavor was not only to conduct any Range Test, Performance Test, or Review but rather to travel and document our experiences as best as we could. However, a lot of information can still be gleaned from this series. If you plan carefully, you can easily travel long distances in an electric vehicle (EV) these days.

Charging and Cost Details

The below table contains our day-to-day distance travelled, battery consumed and costs for charging:

Over nine days, we covered a total distance of 2734 kilometers and the total battery consumption was 638%, utilizing 382.8 kWh of energy. The total cost, based on an average unit cost of 12, amounted to just Rs. 5157.6. On Day 4, BYD Atto 3 performed really well as we travelled 401 km on a single charge from Dhangadi to Butwal on 89% battery where 11% battery has remained showing an estimated range of 46 km with AC on all the time. This means we got around 447 km of range which also shows that it can even give the range more than the claimed WLTP range of 420 km based on the driving condition.

EV VS ICE Cost of Travel 

Let’s include the difference in cost between the EV and ICE scenarios:

For ICE Scenario 1, which has a mileage of 15 km/L, the total cost amounts to Rs. 31,896.67. The difference in cost between the EV and ICE Scenario 1 is Rs. 26,739.07, with an economical ratio of 6.18.

For ICE Scenario 2, with a mileage of 12 km/L, the total cost is Rs. 39,870.83. The difference in cost compared to the EV is Rs. 34,713.23, and the economical ratio is 7.7.

In summary, the EV demonstrates the lowest total cost among the options, signifying potential savings. Moreover, the economic ratios underscore the superior cost efficiency of the EV over the ICE scenarios, with higher ratios indicating greater cost-effectiveness.

Saving the Environment

Using the electric vehicle (EV) for this travel, we also helped to save the environment by reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by approximately 419.85 kilograms.

Performance

The performance is commendable, especially when utilizing the sport mode. Comfort:

Comfort

The comfort level is good, with a soft suspension system that ensures a smooth ride on various road conditions even on very bad roads.

Ground Clearance

There are no concerns regarding ground clearance, as the vehicle handles well even on challenging terrains like the Butwal-Narayanghat road.

Charge Points and Waiting Time

Throughout the journey, the charging experiences varied day by day. On the first day, there was a wait at Pokhara BYD’s DC 30 kW charger due to a holiday, supplemented by charging at Hotel Pauwa using an AC portable charger. The second day saw smooth charging at Nepalgunj BYD with no waiting. Day three included two hassle-free charges at Dhangadhi BYD, one of which was during the night. Butwal BYD on the fourth day provided another seamless charging experience with no wait. However, on the fifth day, a brief 15-minute wait was necessary at Hariwon NEA’s DC 60 kW charger. The sixth day faced challenges with an issue at Itahari NEA resulting in only 7-8% charge, subsequently switching to a NEA DC charger at Birtamode with a 5-10 minute wait. Birtamode BYD on the seventh day offered swift charging with no waiting. Day eight marked significant delays at Itahari NEA due to a stuck charger gun, with speeds dropping below 20 kW, resulting in nearly two and a half hours of waiting along with other vehicles. Finally, on the ninth day, charging at Kwality Beach Resort using a BYD 60 kW charger was prompt with no waiting time.

Suggestions for Charging

Based on my journey and experience, here are some suggestions for optimizing your electric vehicle (EV) travel:

1. Utilize Multiple Resources: Make use of various resources like the NEA Charging Station App, your vehicle brand’s charging network, the Plugshare app, and hotels offering AC/DC charging facilities. This diversified approach ensures flexibility and availability.
2. Avoid Sole Reliance: Don’t solely rely on one charging option, such as NEA charging stations, to prevent potential delays. Having multiple options gives you peace of mind and ensures smoother travel.
3. Time Your Travel: Start your journey early and avoid traveling at night whenever possible. This minimizes the risk of encountering unexpected issues and ensures better access to charging facilities during operating hours.
4. Confirm in Advance: Call hotels and charging stations a day before or on the same day of your arrival to confirm availability and compatibility with your vehicle. This proactive step helps avoid last-minute surprises.
5. Ensure Safety: Check for proper earthing at charging locations or carry an earthing kit if necessary. Safety should always be a priority when charging your EV.
6. Maintain Range Reserve: Always maintain a reserve range in your vehicle to reach another charging station in case of emergencies or unexpected circumstances. This precautionary measure ensures you’re prepared for any situation on the road.

By following these suggestions, you can enhance your EV travel experience and enjoy a smooth, worry-free journey.

Good Experience

Having already covered over 13,000 kilometers, I’ve become well-acquainted with my vehicle, its range, and the various charging stations along the way. Fortunately, I encountered no major issues during my travels, making the journey enjoyable and hassle-free. In fact, I’m already eagerly planning my next adventure. Every moment of the trip was filled with joy, and I had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people along the route. Exploring the picturesque landscapes of Western Nepal, particularly the stunning Bardiya area, was a highlight, and I found the beauty of the Eastern region equally captivating.

Bad Experience

During our stay at Bardiya, we encountered a minor inconvenience as the hotel lacked proper earthing facilities. However, this was not a significant issue for us since we had sufficient range to reach Dhangadhi without any problems. On another note, our experience with the DC charger at NEA Itahari was disappointing. The charging speed was unacceptably slow, clocking in at less than 20 kW, and we encountered no support to address this issue.

Final Words

EV Can Do It Series: West to East Nepal – Travelled more than 2700 km in 9 days on an EV is just a start. I will be traveling more and making more series like this in the future. Hope this will help many and inspire them in EVs. We can have fun traveling, covering Nepal’s major highways and long distances. It serves as a good example for many new EV users and those thinking of switching from ICE.

Day 1 Video: EV Can Do It Series – Day 1: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Palpa | Travelling West to East Nepal

Day 2 Video: EV Can Do It Series – Day 2: Palpa to Bardiya | Travelling West to East Nepal

Day 3 Video: Finally! Reached Far West Nepal-India Border on EV – Mahendranagar | EV Can Do It Series – Day 3

Day 4 Video: Butwal Dhangadi Single Charge? BYD Atto 3 EV Ultimate Range Test!

Day 5: EV Can Do It Series – Day 5: Butwal – Narayangarh – Bardibas | Travelling West to East Nepal

Day 6: EV Can Do It Series – Day 6: Bardibas – Kakarvitta India Border | Travelling West to East Nepal

Day 7: West to East Nepal Travel Cost EV VS ICE – Kanyam, Illam To Dharan | EV Can Do It Series – Day 7

Day 8: EV Can Do It Series ⚡ – Day 8: Dharan – Hile, Dhankuta | Travelling West to East Nepal

Day 9: Dharan To KTM: Final Day 9 of EV Can Do It Series ⚡ | Travelling West to East Nepal on an EV

Summary Video: 2734 KM Travel on an EV in Nepal! EV Can Do It Series – Final Episode – West to East Nepal