GM India showcases Beat electric
by
23 Jun 2011
General Motors India has showcased the Chevrolet Beat Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) as part of the on-going celebrations of World Environment Day. The demonstration vehicle will be used to showcase the effectiveness of battery electric vehicle technology in India. GM India engineers will also use the vehicle to address potential cost savings to help make BEVs more affordable for global customers.
Karl Slym, president & MD, GMI said, “GM India will lead in this ‘tailored for India’ demo program for battery electric technology, with Chevrolet Beat chosen as the best way to evaluate the technology.”
Just over a year ago, the company had to end its EV technology journey with Reva as the latter was snapped up by Mahindra & Mahindra.
Powered by a 300 cell lithium-ion battery with a total energy capacity of approximately 20 kWh, the 270 kg battery can power the Beat for at least 130 km under normal driving conditions. The liquid cooled battery can operate in temperatures ranging from approximately -20 degrees centigrade to 45 degrees centigrade with charge times of less than 8 hours using a 240V outlet. Power from the battery is transferred to the drive wheels through a single speed drive unit and an electric motor producing approximately 45kW of power.
GM India is also bringing a diesel Beat with a one litre engine to take a shot at the A segment in India.