Introduction
Advanced REVAi
India's Reva (RECC) electric car company, based in Bangalore, has announced a new model of their small battery powered city car. Reva decided to take a conservative path with the new model, the REVAi, which looks outwardly the same as the previous production model. They decided not to use the sports styling cues of the Reva NXG show car. REVA will be selling the car in Norway and Spain, as well as the previous markets of India, UK, Spain, Norway, Cyprus, Malta and Greece. Unfortunately, it looks unlikely Australian authorities will permit the Reva in Australia any time soon.
Reva claim the new model has 40% more mid-range torque and a "Boost" mode for short acceleration (but no word on the effect on battery life of this). A brushless motor is used with a "hill restraint" feature. Regenerative braking is now used to recover energy to the battery. An electronic speedometer provided and a computer derived indication for power consumption and power recovery through braking.
For more affluent customers the REVAi has options of a CD/ MP3 player, Climate Controlled and Leather Seats. However, the REVAi does not appear to use the innovative dashboard Linux computer of the Reva NXG.
For the Indian market, the Reva is described as seating two adults and two children. But in Europe, it is comparable in size to the two seat Smart car.
Details from Media Release
For Immediate Release
REVA Announces Global Launch of the Advanced REVAi
REVA also expands its operations in new European markets Norway and Spain
Bangalore, July 25, 2007: On a constant journey towards providing consumers with environment friendly and intelligent solutions for city mobility, REVA Electric Car Company (RECC), has launched the advanced REVA car, the REVAi. The REVAi comes with a host of technological advancements and features that will benefit both the consumer and the environment. Key to this technology is the AC drivetrain. This advancement in technology will give customers a greater driving experience, increased speed, range and acceleration. The REVAi also comes with improved aesthetics and interiors to further enhance the customer’s experience.
Chetan Maini, Deputy Chairman & CTO, RECC said “The REVAi has state of the art technology, making it the most advanced electric car in the global market today. The enhanced technology incorporated in the new REVAi and exciting new features will significantly benefit both the consumers and the environment. We have ensured that the REVAi delivers a greater driving experience as well as meets the needs of city driving for our consumers in India and internationally.”
RECC also announced the marketing and sales operations in key European markets- Norway and Spain after its presence at this year’s Barcelona Auto Show. REVA electric cars are now available in India, UK, Spain, Norway, Cyprus, Malta and Greece. Speaking on REVA’s growing popularity in Europe, Chetan Maini said “The REVA today is truly a global vehicle. It is building its presence across Europe and is gaining popularity among consumers. With the addition of two new markets Norway and Spain, we aim to further our reach in Europe and the rest of the world. We will continue to deliver intelligent solutions for city mobility to consumers around the globe.”
The improved motor in the REVAi comes with a 40% increase in mid-range torque, this results in better acceleration and climbing and also has a ”Boost” mode for short-term acceleration/power. The maintenance-free brushless motor provides a smoother, quieter operation and would deliver greater efficiency and thus benefit the environment significantly. In addition, the unique “hill restraint” feature allows enhanced negotiation on slopes.
Other features of the new REVAi include, improved braking by using advanced regenerative braking and disc brakes, an anti-roll bar for better handling and an advanced IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) with an electronic speedometer, a trip odometer and an automatic computer-controlled indicator for power consumption and regeneration.
The new REVAi’s technology is now compatible with battery technologies of the future, thereby making it upgradeable. The REVAi also comes with options such as a CD/ MP3 player, Climate Controlled Seats, Leather Seats, and environment friendly, colour impregnated panels that are scratch and dent proof. The REVAi starts at Rs. 3.49 lakhs.
Key Features of REVAi
- Speed: Up to 80 km / hr as compared to 65km/hr in earlier models.
- Power Mode: Improved torque up to 40 % more than earlier model for better hill climbing and negotiation of slopes.
- Hill Restraint: Automatic hill restraint feature.
- Acceleration: 0-40 Km in 7 Sec as compared to 10 seconds in earlier models.
- Braking: Disc brakes and increased regenerative braking up to the zero speed
- IP Cluster: Trip odometer. Automatic computer controlled indicator for power consumption and regeneration.
- EMS: Improved battery management and failure detection software.
- Anti Roll Bar: Reduced body roll and improved handling at higher speed.
- Climate Control Seats: Optional. Cools and heats the passengers directly.
- Colour Impregnated Panels: Optional. Environment friendly, colour impregnated panels that are scratch proof
- Upgradeable: Newer electronics make it upgradeable to future battery technologies.
The REVAi 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 the world and offers ease of driving (no clutch or gears), and ease of parking due to easy maneuverability leading to a high level of reliability and safety on city roads. It heralds a new era in the technology of electric city mobility –a cost effective, hassle free mode of city mobility with zero pollution.
About REVA Electric Car Company Pvt. Ltd.:
REVA Electric Car Company Pvt. Ltd. (RECC), based in Bangalore, India, was started in 1994 as a joint venture between the Maini Group, India, and AEV LLC, California, USA, to manufacture environment-friendly and cost-effective electric vehicles. Seven years of R&D earned RECC recognition in the form of 10 patents and a globally accepted product. REVA, India's first zero polluting Electric Vehicle for city mobility, was commercialized in June 2001.
The success of commercializing REVA at affordable prices stems from the support it has received from the Maini Group. The Group has been committed to producing zero-pollution transportation equipment since 1984 and automotive components since 1973. The Maini Group also produces battery operated materials handling equipment and off-road electric vehicles. The REVA Electric Car Company Pvt. Ltd. is located at the Bommasandra Industrial Area in Bangalore, India. The company has an installed capacity of 6000 units and over 275 employees.
The existing model of the EEC-certified REVA is currently available in India and marketed in U.K. Norway, Spain, Malta, Sri Lanka, Cyprus and Greece. With over 2000 vehicles on the road, REVA is also being test marketed in Japan other European countries. RECC’s vision is to establish a tradition of excellence and leadership in environment friendly urban transportation by offering the best value and highest quality electric vehicles for city mobility.
For further information, please visit – www.revaindia.com ...