Joseph 
A recent video has gone viral after capturing an abandoned Mahindra XEV.9e electric SUV stranded in the freezing heights of Taglang La, Ladakh. This unusual incident is not just about a breakdown, but a critical lesson for EV owners planning road trips to high-altitude regions like the Himalayas. Here’s what happened, why the XEV.9e broke down, what you should never do in such situations, and the right way to handle an EV emergency in remote areas.
XEV.9e Found Abandoned at High Altitude
During his road trip to Leh in a Mahindra Scorpio-N, the man spotted a Mahindra XEV.9e parked oddly by the snow-covered stretch near Taglang La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes. The SUV was left on a narrow road, allowing just enough clearance for other vehicles to pass.
Curious, Pawar and his friends checked the EV. The doors were locked, and towing ropes were found inside – suggesting it had been recently pulled. With no one around, they assumed the EV had either suffered a battery drain or mechanical failure. Given the harsh terrain and freezing cold, towing the car back home wouldn’t be easy.
Later in Leh, Pawar coincidentally met the SUV’s owner, Rakesh, and his friends. They explained the entire story.
What Caused the Breakdown?
Rakesh revealed that they were on their way to Umling La, accompanied by a convoy including a Tata Harrier, Toyota Fortuner Legender, and Jaguar F-Pace.
They left early morning and reached Taglang La around 10 PM, where the Mahindra XEV.9e suddenly displayed an error on the dashboard:
“Gear Shifter Failure: Drive vehicle without shifting gear to Mahindra dealer.”
Adding to the trouble, the vehicle went into Park mode, automatically engaging its brakes. To move it aside, they had to tow it using the Jaguar F-Pace and managed to park it on the edge of the road.
Now here’s the critical part—how they got there might have caused the failure.
Why Towing an EV in ‘Drive’ is a Big Mistake
Rakesh admits they couldn’t find a charger at Jispa, and the hotel they stayed in lacked a proper power outlet. The SUV’s charge was down to 30% by then.
In a desperate attempt to regain some range, they decided to tow the XEV.9e for 10–15 km to recharge it using regenerative braking. According to them, this gave the battery about 10% extra charge. They also gained minor regen during descents on the mountain pass.
While this might seem clever, towing an EV with the ‘D’ (Drive) mode engaged is highly risky.
Electric vehicles like the Mahindra XEV.9e are not meant to be towed this way. Mahindra clearly advises against flat towing, front-wheel/rear-wheel lifts, or any form of towing other than a flatbed. Engaging ‘Drive’ during towing can put severe stress on the EV’s motor, transmission, and internal systems—likely causing the gear shifter failure seen here.
What Should You Do If Your EV Breaks Down in a Remote Area?
- Avoid Towing with ‘D’ Mode
Always ensure the EV is in Neutral (N) before any form of manual movement. Never tow in ‘D’ mode, especially for long distances. - Use Only Flatbed Trucks
If a breakdown occurs, contact Roadside Assistance and specifically ask for a flatbed tow truck. This is the safest method to move an EV without damaging critical parts. - If No Flatbed is Available
Ensure the drive wheels are lifted off the ground. For rear-wheel-drive EVs like the XEV.9e, the rear wheels must be off the road surface. Free-wheeling wheels can stay on the ground. - Don’t Attempt Workarounds
Do not try to “hack” regenerative charging by towing the vehicle. It can void the warranty and cause serious damage. - Plan Better for Charging Stops
Always check for charging infrastructure availability, especially in remote areas. Carry a portable EV charger if possible and ensure your hotel has the necessary plug points.
Final Thoughts
The Mahindra XEV.9e incident at Taglang La highlights an important reality—EVs, while modern and efficient, require a different set of precautions compared to ICE vehicles, especially in high-altitude and off-grid locations. Towing an electric car is not the same as towing a petrol or diesel SUV. Always stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs. And if you’re planning a Himalayan road trip in an EV—charge smart, plan better, and never improvise towing techniques.
Source: Arun Pawar
