WHAT's electric about the future? It's more than just your iron, your television, your computer. It could be your car. Driving into the future, REVA is India's first mass-produced electric car.

The Electric Vehicle will be launched in Bangalore, by the middle of next year. It is manufactured and marketed by the Bangalore based Maini Group in collaboration with Amerigon Inc, USA. This two-door hatch can comfortably seat two adults and two children.

With a range of 80 km on full charge and top speed of 65 km/hr, REVA can be charged at home or at work. It uses 220 volt power from a 15 Amp socket and has an on - board charger. The absence of gears and clutch provide hassle free driving.

Two computers on board enable efficient energy management by optimising the function of the motor, charger, and controller.

Service engineers can carry out on - screen diagnostics of the electrical circuits in the car. Side impact beams and regenerative braking.

( charges the car every time it's used) offer total safety. REVA costs less than 40 paise per km. T

his makes it the most cost-effective car on the roads. It is non-polluting and ideal for city driving. With its compact size and small turning radius, REVA can be manoeuvred and parked easily.

This marque, priced below rupees two lakh, is all set to make an impact on the Bangalore roads. REVA promises the city commuter 'mobility and the convenience of a four wheeler at the operating cost of the two wheeler'.

REVA will be a boon to several people such as professionals, youth, homemakers, and retired folk.

As the promoters say, get set to plug into the electric car revolution.

- Shiny Philip