Continuing his two-month journey that began on July 27, Sushil Reddy’s latest stop brought him to Tamil Nadu. Driving his MG ZS EV electric car, Reddy explored the region’s sustainable practices, from solar energy plants to wind farms. Along the way, he discovered how villages like Dhanushkodi exemplify sustainable living through reliance on solar power, while cities like Bengaluru are witnessing a growing wave of electric vehicles, shaping the future of eco-friendly urban mobility. Through his journey, he continues to highlight the role of renewable energy in creating a more sustainable world.
Here's what he has to share about his latest experience:
Our journey through South India on the MG ZS EV electric car was a fascinating transition from Kerala's rainy landscapes to the wind-swept, drier terrain of Tamil Nadu. The changing scenery mirrored the shift in our travel experience—highlighting the naturalKerala'sand the sustainable energy initiatives that define this region. With every kilometre, we discovered how India's renewable energy resources, from solar to wind, are shaping the future of travel.
As we drove from Thiruvananthapuram to Kanniyakumari, the greenery gradually gave way to the arid yet captivating landscapes of Tamil Nadu. We couldn't help but be charmed by the local culture, particularly the filter coffee that quickly became a favourite. A pit stop at a solar power plant in Kamuthi highlighted that Tamil Nadu is rich in renewable energy sources, especially solar and wind power, which play a critical role in sustainable travel.
Reaching Kanniyakumari in an electric car was a significant milestone in our journey. Standing at the southernmost tip of India, we marvelled at the "Triveni Sangam," where the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea converge. The early morning clouds obscured the sunrise, but the view of the Swami Vivekan"nda Rock Memori"l was ethereal.
As we made our way toward Rameswaram, we encountered a stretch lined with wind energy power plants, a testament to Tamil Nadu's commitment to harnessing renewable resources. The massive wind turbines along the NH44 highway, their blades rotating majestically in the wind, were awe-insNadu's.
Harnessing wind energy is critical to decarbonising the electric mobility sector, reducing the overall carbon footprint of travel. Companies like Envision Energy are at the forefront of advancing sustainable energy production. During our visit to a wind blade manufacturing plant, we learned that each massive blade weighs an astonishing 16 tonnes.
While talking to the locals, we learned that this small village, dependent on tourism and fishing, has no access to a conventional electricity grid. Instead, solar power fulfils the basic energy needs of the residents, from lighting to charging mobile devices.
The self-sufficient, eco-conscious way of life here was a beautiful example of living sustainably using local, renewable resources. Electric buses will soon be the primary mode of transportation between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi to promote eco-tourism, further underscoring the region's commitment to sustainability.
Upon reaching Bengaluru, we noticed an emerging wave of electric vehicles in the city. The city is adopting electric buses as part of its public transportation systems, paving the way for a greener future. Ultimately, it’s all about making conscious, eco-friendly choices whenever you travel.
Opting for shared or rented cabs for your daily commute is one way to minimise your environmental impact. Public transportation is another excellent choice, especially if the buses or trains are electric. Shared electric mobility options, such as BluSmart electric cabs, are already available in many cities, offering an eco-friendly alternative for daily commuters.
Written by Sushil Reddy; follow him on Instagram @sushilr25.