FIRE & ICE

Two BMWs - one on a full tank of petrol, the other on a full charge. Which one runs dry first?

- AAKASH S PAUL & SHIVANK BHATT

The battle between internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and electric vehicles (EVS) has been going on forever...okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the gist. Sure, it's not that old, but the sheer number of discussions around this topic makes it seem like it is. So, here we are again, kicking off the new year with another EV vs ICE showdown.

EVs have truly come of age now. They offer exceptional range, and with an ever-expanding charging network, they have become more popular and practical than ever. So, when the opportunity for a trip knocked on my door, I decided to take the BMW iX. It's an EV that I really like, and I am convinced that it can handle just about anything - including a 1,000km road trip! Shivank, however, wasn't so sure. Upon hearing about my trip - and, more importantly, about my choice of vehicle - he was quick to express his doubts. He claimed that the X7 - a 'proper' BMW SUV - would be a better choice for the trip. So, he decided to shadow me for the entire trip - just to prove his point.

My destination was Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand - a drive of a little more than 400km one way. The journey would include a short crawl through Delhi's traffic, followed by a leisurely highway cruise, and finally, a breathtaking ascent through winding roads.