PLUG in, plug out and drive off! No this is not a dream sequence from a James Bond thriller, but stark reality on the pot-holed roads of Bangalore! " I have been waiting for this day for the past 23 years", said Sudarshan Maini, Chairman of the Maini Group of companies as he introduced 'REVA', the country's first 'electriCITY' Car to Bangalore recently.

After a five year incubation period and an investment of 80 crores "with a lot of sacrifices by a lot of people"; REVA - the first batch ready to roll end-June - has evolved into a miniscule, rugged, two-door hatchback with no engine, carburettor, gearbox, radiator or exhaust! In one fell swoop Maini eliminted the maintenance aspect. What is does feature is a computerised Energy Management Center and Motor Controller (developed in collaboration with the world renowned Curtis). Special components like the welded tubular stell space frame with high impact (read dent proof) ABS vacuum-formed panels and energy absorbing bumpers were added. "There is no compromise with respect to technology", says Paul Schweizer, Consultant and Head of REVA's Electronic Division.

What emerged is the car, with the smallest turning radius in its class, compact enough to manoeuvre and park on the city's congested roads. When you consider that vehicles along contribute to 70 percent of air pollution in cities, this " commuting without polluting" is indeed incredible! While REVA claims to have achieved 50 percent noise reduction, the test cars emitted a distracting level of sound - which we are assured will be inaudible in the final version. While REVA claims to have achieved 50 per cent noise reduction, the test cars emitted a distracting level of sound - which we are assured will be inaudible in the final version. With its dazzling hues, the REVA presents quite a curiosity on the road, as young Saru Maini found, when she was mobbed every time she ventured out!

Initially, its dinky size was mobbed every time she ventured out! Initially, its dinky size can be rather unnerving, but in reality it can seat two adults and two kids, with the back seat flapping down for storage space. But its true value lies in its potential for in-city use. This is a zippy little car with an amazing pick-up, that gives 80 km on a single charge and can be charged at work or home using a 220-volt, 15-amp power source (6 hours for 100 per cent charge). With no clutch or gears, it makes for easy driving. All it has is an accelerator and brake that you manipulate with your right foot, plus a floor hand brake. A flick of the dial on the right of the dashboard allows you to switch into reverse, forward, economic drive and neutral. Yet not all are enamoured of these features.

Says Joseph, a businessman; "Recharging so often can get tiresome, especially after the initial novelty has worn off!" Conversely, young Ali quips: "I'm glad I don't have to ask my dad for petrol money anymore!" Though he acknowledges he will have to pay his share of the electricity bill - at 40 paise per kilometer - it's no big deal to him.

A valid point of concern for the consumer is the event of a breakdown. Maini rebuts that with an offer of a 24-hour road service. However, in practice, on the off chance that you do run low, there is no convenient charge point you could rush to. Also it seems implausible that any employer would allow x number of employees to recharge their vehicles on a regular basis. Neither would other establishments - even a 5-star hotel, should the need arise say, on an evening out.

These are but some concerns to be considered. While the on road price of Rs.2, 49,500 may seem rather steep for the average consumer, Maini informs us we can look forward to a cut depending on the proposed downward revision in excise duty. He also confirms that this joint venture with AEVT, USA, will be continually upgraded. For example, climate controlled seats are on the drawing board as the current model cannot sustain an air conditioning unit.

REVA is named after the family's very youthful looking matriach, who has done wonders for the morale of Maini's employees, besides inviting horticultural accolades for the company's gardens which she supervises work, I will be there", she says simply.

Chetan Maini, Managing Director of REVA Electric Car Company and the brains behind the project assures us that the cars has undergone 10,00,000 km of extensive tests to ensure total safety and reliability. Its power pack has a life of 40,000 km, which should last 4 years with city driving. (A new power-pack would cost Rs.30, 000!) "I've driven about 70 per cent of electrical cars in the world and this has the best performance in its range", says K.D. Merca, Sales Director, CMP Batteries UK, who has developed a special battery for REVA.

What is outstanding is that this car is nearly 90 per cent indigenised. That spells quick and economic replacement of spares. Indeed Maini intends to market and service REVA themselves. Initially, the car will be available only in Bangalore, with a phased national launch planned over the next year. Will REVA become a people's car or remain a niche market? Perhaps the biggest challenge, as Chetan's wife Kimastutely pointed out, "is getting the people to change their mind-set and accept this new concept".

But Sudarshan Maini is convinced "people will eventually fall in love with REVA… they will slowly realize the accumulative advantages that make the electric car such a good thing!"

- Debbie Rodgers