The REVA Electric Car Company is working on an advanced battery technology that would give its products enhanced power to operate over 300 km in single charge as against the present level of 80 km. Managing Director, Chetan Maini made this announcement at the launch of the REVA electric car in Chennai.

He said the company is working on lithium ion and nickel metal hydrate battery technology and once developed, the batteries will offer not only longer usage but also lower the weight of the cars in which they will be fitted. A company in north India, 21st Century Battery Company is currently working on a lithium ion battery. The use of these batteries is also expected to enhance tyre life as well as that the working of the rotating parts of vehicle.

Maini also said the company may begin research into 'zincair electron' technology in which battery plates can be replaced with new ones immediately. This new technology will give motorists more flexibility in terms of battery charging as well as increase the distance that can be travelled in a single charge.

The 'Classe' model of the REVA that comes with air cooler and music system costs Rs 3.1 lakh, on-road. Karnataka, Rajasthan, Goa and Pondicherry have exempted the REVA from sales tax, Maini said.

Government sops

In addition, REVA owners get a road tax waiver in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan. Now the company hopes to get similar sops in Tamil Nadu for which it is in talks with the state government.

The sales tax component of the REVA works out to about Rs 30,000. Coupled with road tax of about Rs 14,000, a waiver of these two items will make the car's operating costs more affordable, Maini said. The REVA has an operating cost or 40 paise per km as against Rs 2.50 in petrol driven cars.

Launched a year ago, localisation levels in the REVA have reached 92 percent from 85 percent. The company has sold 272 cars so far. It plans to open about 20 dealerships by the end of calendar 2002. On the exports front, the company has sent its cars to the UK, Switzerland and Malta.

Exports are expected to start next January.

- T. Murrali