REVA Electric Car Sold in 24 Countries, Led by All-New NXR

India’s REVA Electric Car Company is arguably the world’s most successful battery electric vehicle manufacturer. Among current electric car companies, it has built the largest number of roadworthy electrics and these have been sold in 24 countries including India and others in Europe, Asia, and Central America. Over 3,000 REVA cars have racked up over 40 million miles on the road, with many more coming. The company has just built a new ultra-low carbon vehicle assembly plant, the world’s largest dedicated to building EVs, in Bangalore, with a capacity of 30,000 cars annually.

General Motors India and REVA recently entered into a collaboration agreement to develop electric vehicles for the Indian market and share technology. REVA’s technology could be used in the upcoming all-electric Chevy Spark model. REVAs could even be assembled in the U.S.

REVA has come a long way from its first car in 2001. Sold until 2007, the tiny 3-door, 2+2 hatchback was designed as city car. Powered by a 6.4-horsepower DC motor supplied by eight 6 volt lead-acid batteries located beneath the front seats, it was marketed in Britain as the G-Wiz and in Europe where it was registered as a heavy quadricycle. A few were imported into the U.S. as neighborhood electric vehicles, where they were equipped with a speed limiter for a top speed of 25 mph.

The REVAi, aka G-Wiz i in the UK, appeared in early 2008. The biggest change in this model was an AC drive system that increased top speed to 50 mph. Its nominal range is 50 miles but this decreases with higher speeds or when air conditioning is used. Yes, REVAs have A/C. To address previous safety concerns, the REVAi got front disc brakes, a collapsible steering column, and a much revised and reinforced chassis that successfully passed 25 mph crash testing performed by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Early this year, a REVA L-ion with lithium-ion batteries was first offered that provided lower weight, better acceleration, reduced charging time, and a 75 mile nominal range.

REVA’s latest model is the all-new 2010 REVA NXR that offers much more pleasing styling. The three-door hatchback can now seat four adults. The NXR City uses a 7.5 kWh lead-acid battery pack with a 13 kW AC induction motor that gives a range of 50 miles and a top speed of 50 mph. The NXR Intercity uses a 14 kWh Li-ion battery pack and a 25 kW AC induction motor, offering a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 65 mph.

For 2011, REVA will start marketing an NXG that it calls a ‘two-seat sports car’ that features a removable targa top. The NXG will use a Li-ion phosphate battery pack for a 124 mile range with a top speed of 80 mph. Dual charging ports offer the capability for both regular and fast charging. When there is access to a fast charge, a 90 percent charge is possible in one hour versus the normal six-hour charge time. The NXG will offer such upscale options as full leather upholstery, GPS navigation, and a rear view camera.

The joint venture between REVA and General Motors will give GM access to advanced technologies found in the NXR and NXG that could be used in the Chevy Spark battery electric vehicle. This includes REVA's patented drivetrain technology and its REVive telematics. REVive addresses ‘range anxiety’ by letting drivers remotely access the on-board Energy Management System. Via cell phone, a REVA support center can individually determine the battery condition within seconds and allow access to the remaining charge. This serves as a virtual back-up battery while minimizing the risk of damage to the powerpack due to complete depletion. REVA has even built a prototype model powered by a fuel cell.

REVA is partnering with Bannon Automotive to set up a manufacturing facility in upstate New York to produce the NXR model here in the States. A plant in Clay, New York is under consideration as a site where NXRs could be assembled from parts shipped from India.