The Hindu : Reva the electric car

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 27, 2002

Business

Business

Reva the electric car

SURPRISING BUT true in the first 25 to 30 years of the invention of the automobile so much was done that the basic future of the automobile had already been decided. Although work on development for the automobile started in the first half of the eighteenth century but it actually started bearing fruits only at the end of the eighteenth century. Till date the basics of the automobile engineering are the same but a lot of refinement has been done to the machines and of course the refinements are now being further fine-tuned. For instance, Citroen and Audi in the early 1930s had successfully made their "supposedly'' fuel-efficient front wheel drive vehicle that actually became every car manufacturers claim to fame after the world was hit with the `oil crisis' in the mid-1970s.

While the world watches in amazement at the speed with which technologies become obsolete almost overnight, there are some technologies developed in the early 1900s that are being refined and offered to the consumers even today.

Though the first electric vehicle was built in 1834, manufacture was stymied with the arrival of the internal combustion engine. Gasoline driven vehicles were faster and cheaper with a greater range. Ready availability of petroleum products resulted in a further drawback to the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) Though interest was rekindled in EVs in the mid-1970s with petroleum products becoming scarce, the EV industry did not grow as research revealed that reliable EV technology for long range driving would be prohibitively expensive.

It was only a decade later that the world started taking EVs seriously. This was because of the growing concerns of fast depleting natural oil resources, environmental concerns and the need to satisfy demand for means of transport albeit without aggravating pollution problems.

Today, it is a concept whose time has come! EV technology is gaining ground and popularity rapidly, all major automakers around the world have an EV or alternative fuel program in place for which mega bucks are being allocated. Electric vehicles are bound to be the order of the day. With depletion of oil reserves and a world characterised by smog, noise and all kinds of pollutants, governments and communities are awakening to the several benefits of EV technology. Primarily they are zero emission vehicles that are noiseless, that can be charged at home or at work, saving drivers the need to queue at gasoline stations and burn holes in their pockets while budgeting for ever increasing fuel prices.

EVs are easier to service and maintain, and are ideal for "start-stop'' conditions. The absence of gears and clutch make them extremely reliable and safe and easy to drive and manoeuvre in our congested cities. With the innumerable advantages of EVs companies in the developed countries have spent huge amounts to develop electric cars that can travel longer distances, providing a high level of comfort.

On the other hand, India is ready and well suited for the introduction of EVs today with the existing low cost technologies available. In view of the vast distances separating our cities, there are few who undertake inter city travel in their own vehicles. Besides, within city distances are small, as a result, the range of EVs is not a limiting factor for its use.

Studies show that the potential for EVs is most attractive in India, Brazil and China, in that order. Their advantages arise from the combination of urban congestion, high pollution levels and large city car markets. India stands out for its mechanical hardware availability and low manufacturing cost. Other advantages for India are its low labour cost, low production start up cost, low present investment in Internal Combustion (IC) engine capacity and the potential of large domestic markets.

Reva Electric Car Company, earlier known as Maini Amerigon, was incorporated in 1995 as a joint venture between the Maini Group and AEVT Inc. of Irvindale, California, to manufacture environment friendly, cost-effective electric vehicles for in-city mobility solutions. They have designed an electric car specially to suit road conditions and user requirements in cities in India and developing nations.

Since 1996, when the first prototype was show cased to the public, considerable R&D work has taken place at the company to incorporate feedback received from numerous market surveys so that it meets the highest international standards of quality and reliability.

Reva Electric Car Company has a DSRI recognised R&D unit at its facility at Bangalore, that is actively involved in further indigenising the Reva and in developing new models of electric vehicles. The company also has a unique testing centre near its facility where the Reva is extensively tested to ensure that each car rolling out is safe and reliable.

The company launched India's first zero polluting city car, Reva, in Delhi recently. This marks the opening of the company's first dealership in North India. Launched 11 months ago by Krishna Kanth, Vice President of India, to mark the National Technology Day, Reva today has sold over 150 cars in Bangalore and Goa.

With the running cost of just 40 paise per kilometre, the Reva is priced at Rs. 2.54 lakhs (ex-showroom) in Delhi. Its power pack has a life of 40,000 km, which should last three to four years in city driving. giving 80 km on a single charge and can be charged anywhere, anytime, at home or at work, using only a 220-volt, 15-amp power source.

Reva will be launched in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharasthra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. RECC plans to open more than 20 dealerships by the end of 2002. The potential for export of the vehicle has already shown encouraging signs with several queries from buyers across the world.

It is a rugged two-door hatch back that can seat two adults and two children comfortably. It is the most eco-friendly and economical car in India and offers ease of driving (no clutch or gears), ease of parking due to easy maneuverability and safety and reliability on city roads. It has been tested for safety and reliability to withstand the most trying conditions. These include homologation and roadworthiness tests at ARAI Pune, that also cover all mandatory parameters. The car has been tested for over a million kilometers and comes with a three year warranty.

With the current pollution levels in major cities in India it would not really be surprising to see environment conscious entry-level vehicle users shifting preferences to this cute little "Electric car.''

Tutu Dhawan

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