REVA

REVA
Manufacturer:	Reva Electric Car Company based at Bangalore, India
Also known as:	G-Wiz
Production Years:	2001–
Class:	Battery Electric microcar
Length:	2.6 m
Width:	1.3 m
Height:	1.5 m
Drive wheels	Rear
Motor location:	Rear
Traction Motor:	13 kW DC
Charger:	Onboard
Charging connector:	Cable to standard domestic 230V 13 amp outlet
Charge time	6 hours
Pack voltage:	48 V
Battery type:	8 lead-acid batteries
Battery capacity:	200 Ah (9.6 kWh)
Battery location:	Under front seats
Range:	80 km (50 miles)
Maximum speed:	70 km/h (45 mph)
Seating:	Two adults and two children
MSRP:	£7,699–£7,999
Similar:	Kewet Buddy
''This article is part of the automobile series.''

'REVA' is an Indian battery electric vehicle intended for use as a City car. More REVAs have been produced than any other currently selling electric car^[1][2] and sales are increasing^[3].
The Reva is a small 3-door hatchback measuring 2.6 m long (8 ft 6 in), 1.3 m wide (4 ft 3 in) and 1.5 m high (5 ft 11 in). It weighs 745 kg (1,640 lb). The car can accommodate two adults in the front and two children in the rear. The back seats can also fold down to increase cargo space. Maximum passenger and cargo weight is 270 kg (600 lb).
Power comes from eight 6-volt lead acid batteries wired in series to create 48 volts. The batteries are located under the front seats. Power flows through a 400 ampere motor controller to a DC motor rated at 4.8 kW (6.5 hp). The motor can handle up to 13.1 kW (17.5 hp) max.
The latest model now uses AC rather than DC motors which increases the top speed by 5 mph to 45 mph (70 km/h) gives 40% extra torque for improved acceleration and hill-climbing. The maximum range of approximately 80 km (50 miles) ^[4], but using the heater reduces the range by about a quarter^[5]. The Reva is intended for short city trips, particularly in areas of high congestion.
The car may be exported to the USA with a speed limiter for use as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV).
The current price in the UK (where it is marketed as the 'G-Wiz') is approximately £7,700 ($13,600) for the standard model ^[6]. Because of its power source, it qualifies for exemption from the London congestion charge.

Contents

Safety concerns

Future

See also

Notes

External links

News

Safety concerns

The UK Department for Transport found “serious safety concerns” after crashing a G-Wiz at 35mph into a deformable barrier on 24 April 2007^[7], which is the normal test for cars.
Likewise, a test commissioned by Top Gear Magazine that followed the Euro NCAP crash test specifications found that the occupants would suffer "serious or life-threatening" injuries in a 64km/h crash.^[8].
The G-wiz is presently exempt from most crash test rules, because its size allows it to be classed as a quadricycle instead of a car.

Future

Later in 2007 high performance lithium-ion batteries will be available for the latest model. These can be charged much more quickly than lead acid batteries, offer greater speed, range and acceleration and are less affected by variations in temperature.^[9]

See also

Battery electric vehicle

Notes

1. http://www.revaindia.com/aboutus.htm
2. Battery_electric_vehicle#Selected_production_vehicles
3. http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Business_News&subsection=market+news&month=August2007&file=Business_News2007081735819.xml
4. http://www.revaindia.com/design/evworking.htm
5. http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=645212006
6. http://www.goingreen.co.uk/?PageID=NewGWiz
7. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article1764088.ece
8. http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/1832/
9. http://www.goingreen.co.uk/store/content/gwiz_faq/

External links

★ www.revaindia.com (Manufacturer)

★ GoinGreen, distributor in UK News

★ You tube video comparing Mega City and Reva in London

News

★ Safety concerns as G-Wiz fails crash test 9 May 2007

★ Reva gets US $20 million investment to help expand 2 December 2006

★ Reva Barbie Car 28 August 2006

★ Bangalore turning into a power in electric cars 14 August 2006

★ Overview of the G-Wiz 2007