Introduction

Cost-effective, environment-friendly, fun to drive and stylish electric cars are just a distant dream. For now Reva is making it a reality by their new electric vehicles. Born and raised in Bangalore, India, the company is known for its best selling electric car, the awesome REVAi. The REVA Electric Car Company (RECC) is one of the worlds most experienced EV developed and manufacturer. In fact, the company has managed to have a fleet of electric cars and supplying to over 24 countries worldwide. Ideal for pollution free city commuting, the Reva Electric cars were conceptualized by a group of friends.

It was Chetan Maini and some friends from the University of Michigan started envisioning the future when they built their first car, the Sunrunner. Powered by solar energy, the car was made for the “World Solar Challenge” – a 3000 km long race across the Australian continent for the span of seven days. At the end of the race, the Sunrunner finished third among mainstream automobile manufacturers. With just a limited budget of $1 million they accomplished something that marks the beginning of an idea for the future of electric cars. It was in 1994 that the US ambassador to India, Frank Wisner, suggested naming the company after Chetan’s mother Reva. Reva means “new beginning” in Sanskrit, a name so appropriate for the company.

Now the company is under the Maini Group of India and its US partner, AEV LLC of California and backed up by investors Draper Fischer Jurvetson and Global Environment Fund. The company was even awarded as one of India’s Coolest Company by Business Today and received the Front and Sullivan Powertrain Company of the Year. And just recently, Chetan Maini Reva’s founder and Chief Technology Officer were voted as of one of India’s Top 50 Most Influential People by 2009 Business Week.

Now with more than 3000 REVA owners worldwide and still counting are enjoying the electric car to its fullest. In fact they are so happy that they even formed a REVA car club. This group is made up of the first generation of eco-friendly individuals who made the switch and still inviting people to experience it themselves. More than a car maker, the REVA is a total solution provider of nothing but EV system - from manufacturing energy management to fast charge and telematics in-house.  With just 270 employees, the company was able operate with 3 core areas of business based on their website – Electric Vehicles and Mobility, Technology Licensing, and Licensed Manufacturing and Distribution.

REVAi and REVA L-ion

This wonderful piece of automobile is currently having two versions, the REVAi and REVA L-ion. Both are built as urban micro-car that has enough space for two adults and two kids. These two models of electric vehicles was first sold in 2001 and later on expanded in the United Kingdom by 2003. Also known as the REVA G-Wiz, the first EV model from REVA Electric Car Company. This futuristic approach for electric vehicle was designed for urban mobility particularly in congested traffic and cost effectiveness. In some countries the REVAi can be categorized as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) in the US or considered as a heavy quadricycle in Europe.

This small 3-door hatchback comes with foldable back seats to provide ample space for luggage. It measures 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) long, 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in) wide and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) high, with a maximum cargo and passenger weight of 270 kg (600 lb). Its first model was introduced in 2001powered by a 400 amp motor controller to a DC motor rated at 4.8 kW (6.4 hp), with a maximum motor power of 13.1 kW (17.6 hp) thanks to its eight 6 V, 200 A h, lead-acid batteries. All batteries are strategically located under the front seats and wired in series to create 48V.

The latest REVAi was introduced in January 2008. It features a state of the art AC drive system which raises the maximum speed to 80 km/h (50 mph). Like the old REVA, the REVAi’s power comes from its eight 6 V and 200 A h lead-acid batteries. The REVA L-ion was introduced right after the new REVA. Launched as an EV with a high-end lithium-ion batteries, the REVA L-ion offers greater acceleration with a reduced charging time to six hours. The car’s curb weight was also reduced to 565 kg (1,250 lb) and its batteries are even better, temperature variations are no longer a problem. It also comes with onboard charger and a solar panel in the roof to utilize solar energy.

REVA NXR

Known as the next generation G-Wiz electric car, the all-new REVA NXR will be available in lithium-ion or lead-acid battery. Unveiled in the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, This EV is definitely making waves in the automobile industry. This three door four-seat hatchback is designed for urban driving and production is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2010 as it features the new REVA M1 class vehicle. Making the customer’s feedback a priority, this EV was made as a result of Frankfurt Motor Show feedbacks. The car’s styling was actually designed by a famous Indian car designer, Dilip Chhabria and soon to be launched in 25 countries. The REVA NXR is indeed a step up from its previous model.

Is it called NXR for it stands for NeXt Reva. This car’s standard charging will take around eight hours with a quick charge of 90 minutes. Coming from REVive remote emergency charge, the NXR can speed up to 65 mph with a 100-mile range. With keyless entry, dual charge ports, a range of telematics and intelligent digital display, this car is full of high-performance technology that will surely make you a happy driver.

REVA NXG

The REVA NXG (NeXt Generation) is a better version of REVA NXR and another M1 category. The NXG is also a two door, two-seater with a targa top electric vehicle that will soon be in production by 2012. Featuring REVA’s patented drive-train technology and REVive system, the NXG is the result of REVA’s remarkable electric car technology. Fitted with a “wireless tablet”, the NXG is rocking its new electronic display which can only be found in REVA. This Linux touch screen computer marks REVA’s ingenuity and a major engineering breakthrough. Programmed to play multiple task, the “wireless tablet” can be used as a speedometer, MP3 player and a GPS navigation system. Tagged as REVA’s family car, the NXR is a compact family car that offers comfort and durability as the same time. The good thing is, drivers can now or call during emergency “recharge” which is amazing because running out of battery in the middle of nowhere is the worst nightmare of any driver. So to answer this concern, REVA revolutionized a control center that can remotely enable vehicles to access a reserve charge level. But this should not be used very often for it shortens the battery’s life.

The awesome NXG is definitely making waves even though it’s not out in the market yet. This EV has an extended range of 200 KM per charge and can speed up to 120 Km per hour. Powered by a high performance 37 kW AC induction motor, the NXG uses a Sodium Nickel Chloride batteries instead of using the conventional lead acid batteries. It also features 4-wheel independent suspension with integrated regenerative and hydraulic braking system. The NXG also sports REVive, an exclusive REVA technology that addresses range problems and act as an invisible reserve fuel tank. Its sporty look is undeniably breathtaking and every details of this mark mark the creativity of REVA’s team of genius engineers. Also designed by Dilip Chhabria, the NXG is a pure manifestation of REVA’s evolving electric car technology.

Thanks to its upgraded features this electric vehicle is definitely a sure winner.