With nothing but open highways and the Raptee HV T30, an electric motorcycle, Baala Manikandan, an electric vehicle enthusiast and an assistant professor at Madras Christian College embarked on a special journey.
Driving through the country, he completed a 7,530 km journey, visiting 16 states in just 19 days, making this the longest ride and the highest average distance achieved on a production electric motorcycle. This has now been recognised by the Asia Book Of Records and the India Book Of Records.
After a prototype testing in 2024, Baala was so impressed with the tenacity of the Raptee HV T30 that he decided to go on an all-India tour with the vehicle. This became possible in 2025, and he embarked on this cross-country trip from December 23, 2025 to January 16, 2026 with breaks in between.
Starting his journey from Chennai, Baala had to face varying weather conditions, terrains and changing atmospheric conditions.
“Riding uphill was definitely more challenging compared to the rest of the journey. But on the downhill stretches, the motorcycle regenerated energy, which helped stabilise the ride and restore balance,” says Baala.
When asked how this journey came into being, Baala says, “This long ride wasn’t planned at all. I simply asked for the bike, and even until I reached Kolkata, I wasn’t certain I would continue further. But once I got there, the journey suddenly felt possible, and that’s when I decided to go ahead with it.”
He drove through the winter in the North, adhering to speed and visibility related safety precautions. At 400 kms per day, he broke his own record from 2023, of travelling covering 6,727km across 14 states in 22 days and seven hours.
“For me, it was simple, I just wanted to get back on the motorcycle as soon as possible. When I went to Leh in 2023, I knew this was only the beginning. I wanted to keep pushing boundaries and embark on many more journeys like that” says Baala.
“The entire expedition was made more seamless with the T30’s latest features. As India’s first electric motorcycle compatible with a CCS2 (combined charging system type 2) charger, it enabled quicker charging and connector convenience. The features like the inbuilt navigation system, Wi-Fi, and cruise control made the journey smoother than expected,” he adds.
We asked him what can make a drive like this safer for others embarking on similar journeys. “The first priority is always personal safety. Keep your speed in check and thoroughly research every place you plan to visit. An electric vehicle journey is absolutely possible, but while you’re chasing the thrill, never forget to stay cautious and ride responsibly,” says Baala.
Published - March 09, 2026 03:54 pm IST
