Bangalore based REVA Electric Car Company launched REVA Classé. India's first electric car with remote controlled air-conditioning, in New Delhi on Wednesday. RECC managing director Chetan Maini said the product is in keeping with its commitment to give a trendy and environment friendly solution to the city's mobility.

"RECC has always striven to promote technology which is in harmony with the environment and to introduce innovative products that interest the customer," he said. REVA was initially introduced in Bangalore in July, 2001 and in Delhi in May, 2002. A high demand for an A/C model has given birth to REVA Classe' which has a host of added features. The car is automatic without a clutch or gears and gives 80 km on a single charge.

A satisfied Rimple Dipak, the first buyer of REVA in Faridabad, said "I have been using it for the past eight months. It's easy to drive and the best part about it is zero maintenance cost. In case there is a problem, I call the company and they come and fix it."

"I don't have to spend anything on fuel. I charge my car battery every night at home and my dad pays the electricity bill," she said. The Union ministry of non-conventional energy sources has given a subsidy of Rs. 75,000 on the purchase of REVA Classé to public institutions.

The car has forayed into the international market as well with the RECC entering into an agreement with London-based Going Green Ltd., which will market the car in different parts of Europe.

REVA Classé has already entered Nepal and the Malta market and is currently being tested in China, Hong Kong, USA and Switzerland.

REVA is priced at Rs. 2,63,473, REVA A/C at Rs. 2,88,038 and REVA Classé at Rs. 3,18,032.

It offers an option of as many as 2000 colour shades.

- Tsering Kyinzom