New Delhi, Aug. 12 -- In January 2025, Mercedes-Benz launched its electrified G-wagon in India. Barring the green number plates that are mandated for electric cars, in appearance, the Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ Technology Edition One ( Rs.3.1 crore, ex-showroom) did very little to indicate that it is electrified. It retained most design elements from the standard G-wagon, which, interestingly, included the traditional slatted grille, and not the LED-specked glass front facade that Mercedes-Benz uses in all of its other electric cars.

As the electric G-wagon marked one year in India, Mint took the G580 Edition One electric SUV out for a drive to the arid, bumpy inroads of Khetri, Rajasthan-a route with sporadic charging spots, expanses of dust...