New Revas to debut at IAA

Reva Electric Car Company (RECC) is to showcase two new electric cars – the NXG and NXR – at this month's Frankfurt Motor Show/Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA), almost 10 years after the first Reva rolled out.

The cars will meet all crash tests and will come with safety features like airbags. The power management will be optimised for different markets and driving conditions with patent software. They retain a similar layout – a rear drive with the motor placed between the rear wheels. Other features and price tag will be revealed at the IAA.

The sporty two-seater NXG or next generation will have a top speed of 130kph with a range of 200km per charge. The EV will have a power output of close to 50KW, equivalent to 70bhp which is 300 percent more power than the current Reva. This 3.5-metre-long car gets its styling cues from designer Dilip Chhabria and will go into production in 2011.

The Reva NXR is a four-seat, two-door family hatchback suitable for urban driving; production is scheduled to begin in early 2010. The car will run on a lithium ion battery and will have a top speed of 104kph and a range of 160km on a full charge. The NXR plugs into a home outlet and also features optional solar panels on the roof. NXR will go into production in the first quarter of 2010. In India the NXR will be available as a lead acid battery variant with a range of 80km per charge and a 80kph top speed. The Revas would have both hydraulic and regenerative braking systems. This system works by reversing the direction of power flow from the electric motor and uses the surplus energy in the car’s movement to charge the batteries. It also works from zero level, hence produces greater power, faster. The regenerative braking system operates in tandem with the conventional mechanical braking system to enhance safety of the vehicle.

A unique module has also been developed to charge the batteries faster. It can deliver a 90 percent charge in 60 minutes. This module will cost around Rs 2 to 3 lakh and it could be fitted at fuel stations and malls.

The new cars will come with ion-phosphate batteries, which makes them much safer. While Exide Industries will make the low-cost lead acid type batteries for the Indian Reva, the lithium-ion batteries will be produced by a Japanese company based in China.

“The Reva NXR and NXG will redefine the Indian consumer car market,” said Chetan Maini, deputy chairman and chief technology officer, RECC. The two new models will be produced at the company’s new green manufacturing plant in Bangalore with annual capacity of 30,000 units.

RECC is also eyeing a US launch since president Barack Obama has announced subsidies for electric car manufacturers. However, the Reva will need US certification for the same and the company is working in that direction.