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FAST TRACK has not only extensively covered the
history and exclusive product details of the REVA in a previous
issue but also compared it with European and American electric cars,
so we won't go into all the details again. (See July 2000 edition,
cover story) Suffice to say that for its size it is fairly safer
than other small cars, costs Rs.2,49,500/- on the road in Bangalore
- the only city it will be available initially and give an efficiency
of 40 paise per kilometre.
Also it can cover a distance of 80 kms on a single
charge. Recharging is possible from anywhere, anytime using a 220-Volt
and 15 Amp power source. Speaking at the launch of the vehicle in
Bangalore, at the Regency, Windsor Manor, Mr. Sudarshan Maini, Chairman,
Maini group said, "The REVA is a shining example of our resolve
to use the best technology available in the world and megrate it
with manufacturing praces in India, to present a world class product."
Adds Chetan Maini, Managing Director,"
Although the concept of electric vehicles in India's
new, I believe that it will find wide acceptance in India because
of the several unique advantages it offers." Other highlights of
the car are It has only 1000 components, and 95% of that is indigenously
manufactured. Of course it ensures zero emission, and the location
of the power pack under the seats gives it a very ideal centre of
gravity and hence better stability. It has passed mandatory safety
tests. The special steel frame and side impact beams cocoons the
passenger conpartment and shields users from impact. The tyres are
specially supplied for road grip and handling and the source - Michelin.
To recall some core facts, the power house consists of eight 6 volt
tubular lead acid batteries with a life cycle of 40,000 kms, which
can provide about 3-4 years of use depending on actual running conditions
and varying according to usage.
The company has already received enquiries from
several countries including the UK, Japan, Norway, Mauritius, Nepal,
Bahamas and Sri Lanka. The first electric car was made in 1834,
but it was only in the 1970's that it made a commercial debut. Today
all major car manufacturers like GM, Ford, Chrysler and Nissan have
electric vehicle programmes, while Toyota, Honda etc have a hybrid
version. Governments in several tax incentives and subsidies to
popularise this concept.
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As we file this report it is world environment
day and it we end on a very mind boggling thought for our readers.
After 5 years an estimated 40,000 REVA cars on the road will result
in a reduction of 27,000 metric tonnes of CO2 and 6000 tonnes in
Nox and HC for every 12,000 kms driven, besides being quieter @
10dBA - more than 50% less noise pollution.
REVA is also estimated to be more energy saving
than other vehicles; the figure is about 50%. Finally the foreign
exchange saving by reduced import of crude oil could net another
Rs.100 crore saving, calculated on a gasoline price of Rs.10/litre.
Chetan Maini, Managing Director - A profile..
Chetan is a Mechanical Engineer, graduated from
University of Michigan, where he focused on solar and electric vehicles,
2nd was a key team leader of the solar car team that won the GM
sun race and stood 3rd in the world Solar Challenges in Australia.
He completed his post graduation in the same discipline from the
University of Standford, where he specialised in hybrid vehicles.
He was the project leader for such a project. He
has over 10 years experience with electric vehicles and has developed
over 6 electric, solar and hybrid-electrical vehicles, during this
period. He holds a US patent on RF energy management system for
electric vehicles.
Before taking over as MD at REVA electric Car company,
he worked with GM and Amerigon for a total of 5 years. As programme
manager for the latter, he was charged with the responsibility for
all electric vehicle programmes and, it was here that he conceived
and initiated the REVA project.
A keen scuba diver, he also indulges in mountain
biking, aero-modelling, hiking and squash when time permits.
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