The year is 2026, and the “Range Anxiety” that once plagued electric vehicle owners is officially a thing of the past. The Bangalore to Goa corridor has transformed into one of India’s most EV-friendly highways. Whether you are driving a Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, or a BYD, this journey is now not just possible—it’s a pleasure.
Gone are the days of driving at 60 km/h without AC to save battery. Today, high-speed DC fast chargers appear every 40-50 km, allowing you to cruise at highway speeds with confidence. This guide covers the two best routes, a detailed charging map, and real-world expert advice to make your trip smooth.
Also Read:- 6 Weekend Getaways from Bangalore via Vande Bharat Express (Under 5 Hours)
Route 1: The Highway Sprint (via Hubli)
Best For: Speed, Reliability, and First-Time EV Trippers.
This is the classic NH48 (formerly NH4) route. It is a six-lane highway for the most part, offering the highest density of fast chargers. If you want to reach Goa quickly without worrying about technical terrain, this is your choice.
Charging Station Map (Bangalore -> Chitradurga -> Hubli -> Goa)
| Stop Name | Distance from BLR | Charger Type | Network | Amenities |
| Paakashala, Sira | ~120 km | 60kW DC Fast | Zeon / Tata Power | Top-tier veg restaurant, clean restrooms. |
| Mysore Cafe, Chitradurga | ~200 km | 50kW DC Fast | Zeon Charging | Great for Davangere Benne Dosa. |
| Jio-BP, Ranebennur | ~300 km | 60kW DC Fast | Jio-BP Pulse | Reliance petrol bunk, quick snacks. |
| Ganesh Hotel, Hubli | ~410 km | 50kW DC Fast | Zeon Charging | Famous for North Karnataka meals. |
| Kittur / Belgaum Bypass | ~460 km | 30kW DC Fast | Statiq / Tata | Last reliable fast top-up before turning towards Goa. |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Charger Density: You will find a charger every 50-80 km. | ❌ Tolls: This route has expensive toll gates. |
| ✅ Speed: Consistent high speeds (80-100 km/h) possible. | ❌ Traffic: Heavy truck traffic between Tumkur and Chitradurga. |
| ✅ Support: 24/7 assistance available at most charging hubs. | ❌ Scenery: The drive is monotonous until you cross Hubli. |
Expert Review: The “Range” Reality
“I drove my Tata Nexon EV (Long Range) on this route in Jan 2026. The infrastructure has matured beautifully. I stopped at Sira for breakfast and Hubli for lunch. The 60kW chargers at Paakashala are a game-changer; I went from 20% to 90% in just 40 minutes while eating. The only tricky part is the Chorla Ghat section after Belgaum—regenerative braking helps, but ensure you have at least 40% battery leaving Belgaum.”
— Arjun K., EV Enthusiast (Bangalore)
Image Description for this section: A modern Tata Nexon EV plugged into a Zeon fast charger at a highway restaurant with solar panels on the roof.
Route 2: The Scenic Coastal Route (via Shimoga)
Best For: Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers, and Relaxed Drivers.
If you believe the journey is as important as the destination, take this route. It cuts through the lush Western Ghats. While the charger network is thinner than the highway, it has improved significantly in 2026.
Charging Station Map (Bangalore -> Shimoga -> Honnavar -> Goa)
| Stop Name | Distance from BLR | Charger Type | Network | Amenities |
| Swathi Delicacy, Tumkur | ~70 km | 25kW DC | Tata Power | Famous breakfast stop (Tatte Idli). |
| Kimmane Golf Resort, Shimoga | ~280 km | 60kW DC Fast | Zeon / Statiq | Premium stop, good for a mid-day meal. |
| Harsha The Fern, Shimoga | ~285 km | 30kW DC | Tata Power | Reliable hotel stop in Shimoga city. |
| Relux Station, Sagara | ~360 km | 30kW DC | Relux Electric | Critical top-up before the Ghats. |
| Sagar Residency, Honnavar | ~440 km | 25kW DC | Jio-BP / Zeon | The first coastal stop after descending the ghats. |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Scenery: Breathtaking views of Jog Falls and Sharavathi Valley. | ❌ Charger Anxiety: Fewer chargers; a broken charger can delay you. |
| ✅ Traffic: Much less traffic than the main highway. | ❌ Speed: Single lane roads limit speed to 50-60 km/h. |
| ✅ Experience: Fun driving on winding ghat roads (great for handling). | ❌ Ghat Consumption: Uphill driving drains battery 1.5x faster. |
Expert Review: The “Ghat” Test
“Taking the Shimoga route is daring but rewarding. The key is Sagara. You MUST charge to 100% at Sagara or Shimoga because the climb up and down the ghats to Honnavar eats up battery. I reached Honnavar with 12% left, which was scary but thrilling. The descent gave me 5% back thanks to regen! Only attempt this if you have a range of 300km+.”
— Priya M., Travel Vlogger
Image Description for this section: An electric car driving on a winding green road in the Western Ghats with mist in the background.
Charging Costs & Economics (2026 Update)
One of the biggest reasons to switch to EV is the cost. Here is a breakdown of what a round trip to Goa looks like in 2026 compared to a petrol car.
Vehicle: Tata Nexon EV / MG ZS EV
Total Distance: ~1,300 km (Round Trip + Local Commute)
| Expense Category | EV Cost (Approx) | Petrol Car Cost (Approx) |
| Fuel / Energy | ₹2,500 – ₹3,000 | ₹10,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Maintenance | ₹0 (Check-up) | ₹0 – ₹500 (Oil/Fluids) |
| Tolls | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 |
| Total Cost | ₹3,500 | ₹11,000 – ₹13,000 |
Verdict: You save nearly ₹8,000 on a single Goa trip! That’s enough to cover your stay at a luxury resort.
Image Description for this section: A comparison infographic showing a pile of cash saved next to an EV versus a petrol pump nozzle.
5 Essential Tips for a Smooth 2026 EV Trip
- Download the Aggregator Apps: In 2026, you don’t need 10 different apps. Use Pulse Energy or PlugShare. These aggregators show you chargers from Tata Power, Zeon, Statiq, and Jio-BP all in one map.
- The “ABC” Rule: Always Be Charging. If you stop for a restroom break and there is a charger, plug in! Even 15 minutes gives you 50km, which can be a lifesaver.
- Carry an Extension Cord: Some hotels in Goa still don’t have dedicated EV points. A heavy-duty 15A extension cord allows you to slow-charge from your room or the kitchen window overnight.
- Check for “Iced” Chargers: Use the app to check if a charger is busy or “ICEd” (blocked by a petrol car). The 2026 apps now have live camera feeds for many premium stations.
- Tyre Pressure Matters: Maintain the recommended tyre pressure. On a 600km drive, under-inflated tyres can cost you 30-40km of range.
Also Read:- Places To Visit In Haridwar And Rishikesh The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026
Conclusion
Driving from Bangalore to Goa in an EV is no longer an experiment; it is a smart travel choice. With the 2026 charging infrastructure, you are never more than 45 minutes away from a plug.
If you want speed, take Route 1 via Hubli. If you want adventure, take Route 2 via Shimoga. Either way, you arrive in Goa with a full wallet and a clean conscience.
Happy Charging and Safe Driving!
Image Description for this section: A happy group of friends high-fiving next to their EV on a Goa beach during sunset.
Disclaimer: Charging station status and prices are subject to change. Always check the real-time status on the specific network app (Tata Power EZ Charge / Zeon Charging) before you start your trip.
