GM, Reva tie up to tap the EV market

General Motors India and the Reva Electric Car Company (RECC) have formed a joint venture to tap the nascent Electric Vehicle (EV) market in India and abroad. The joint venture will look at a wide range of activities which include manufacturing and distribution of EVs. GM India has been exploring alternative fuels like LPG, CNG, bio-diesel, hydrogen and even electric power and has hence jumped at the opportunity to partner with RECC, a home-grown company which has a unique expertise in EV technology.

According to Karl Slym, president and MD, GM India, “We are pleased to join hands with RECC to bring affordable small car platform-based electric vehicles to the market in line with government objectives to reduce fossil fuel dependence. GM’s ability to develop platforms and RECC's capability in developing electric drivetrains and control systems will result in the consumer having a wider choice of EVs. We are going to be working closely with the Central and State Governments in India to develop infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and providing specific financial benefits to consumers, who make the choice to adopt an environment-friendly mode of personal transport.”

From RECC’s point of view, collaborating with GM India makes huge sense for several reasons. RECC’s core skills lie in developing EV powertrains but it has struggled with the development of the rest of the car. This arrangement allows the Bangalore-based company to concentrate on powertrains since the donor cars will be provided by GM India.

“Development of small electric vehicles is a growth area around the global automotive industry and we are excited that this cooperation with RECC in India will accelerate GM’s progress to meet the emerging needs in many parts of the world,” said Nick Reilly, president of GM’s International Operations. He added, “GM believes that electrically driven vehicles, based on battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology, offer the best long-term solution for providing sustainable personal transportation.”

According to Chetan Maini, deputy chairman and CTO, Reva Electric Car Company, “This unique collaboration symbolises a global trendsetter for partnerships that will result in far-reaching changes in the industry. Each of the partners will use its strengths, with the aim of making India a global hub for the development and manufacture of electric vehicles and related technologies. I am extremely happy that we have found a partner in GM India that shares our passion for reducing carbon emissions.” The other advantage RECC gains from this partnership is access to GM India’s national distribution network. RECC plans to sell its own range of products, the next-generation NXG and NXR models through Chevrolet dealerships.

The first project of this new joint venture company is to electrify the Spark. Prototypes are currently being tested in Bangalore and a launch at the Auto Expo in January 2010 is planned. The electric Spark uses a similar powertrain as the existing Reva but the motor has been uprated to develop around 35kw. This gives the Spark an estimated top speed of 110kph and a range of 80km on standard lead acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, which would significantly boost range, are also being considered. However, this would send costs spiraling out of control. GM India is targeting a price of Rs 4 lakh for the electric Spark which includes a lead-acid battery pack.

The electrification of the Spark has been done by RECC with GM’s engineers from the US giving their inputs. The fuel tank area has been modified and enlarged to accommodate the battery pack while the engine bay houses all the electronics and the electric motor. Weight has increased significantly but according to company sources, acceleration is still brisk thanks to the high-torque characteristics of an electric motor. With worldwide interest in electric vehicles at an all-time high, GM India and Reva are hopeful that the electric Spark will find takers not just in India but abroad as well.