REVAi

The REVAi, known as G-Wiz in the United Kingdom,[1] is a small micro electric car, made by the Indian manufacturer Reva Electric Car Company between 2001 and 2012. By late 2013, Reva had sold about 4,600 vehicles worldwide, in 26 countries. Sales in the United Kingdom, its main market, ended by the end of 2011.[2] Production ended in 2012 and the REVAi was replaced by the Mahindra e2o.[3]

In many countries, the REVAi does not meet the criteria to qualify as a highway-capable motor vehicle, and fits into other classes, such as neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) in the United States and heavy quadricycle in Europe.[4]

The vehicle was originally known as simply the REVA, but was then improved and renamed the REVAi.[5]

Models

First model

The first model, produced from 2001 to 2007, was simply called REVA (G-Wiz in the United Kingdom). Its power flowed through a 400 amp motor controller to a DC motor rated at 4.8 kW, with a maximum of 13.1 kW. Power came from eight 6 V, 200 Ah, lead-acid batteries located under the front seats and wired in series to create 48 V. This model did not have the strengthened chassis that allows subsequent models to pass a crash test at 40 km/h.

In January 2008, a new model was introduced, the REVAi (G-Wiz i in the United Kingdom). It has an AC drive system, which raises the maximum speed to 80 km/h. The power flows through a 350 Amp motor controller to a 3-phase AC motor rated at 13 kW peak. Like the REVA, power comes from eight 6 V, 200 A h lead–acid batteries located under the front seats.

It has a "boost" switch that gives 40% extra torque for improved acceleration and hill climbing and increases the top speed to 80 km/h. It weighs 665 kg, including 270 kg batteries. The nominal range is 80 km,[7] but driving fast or using the heater or air conditioner reduces the range.[8] To address the previous safety concerns, and in conjunction with Lotus Engineering, several new safety features have been added, such as front disc brakes, a collapsible steering column, and a much revised and reinforced chassis that has been successfully crash tested at 40 km/h by ARAI in India.[9]

REVA L-ion

In January 2009, a new model was launched, the REVA L-ion. It is similar to the REVAi, but powered by high performance lithium-ion batteries, which reduce the car's curb weight to 565 kg, offer greater acceleration, reduce charging time to six hours, and extend the nominal range to 120 km.[10] The performance of these batteries is also less affected by variations in temperature.[11]

An off-board charging station is available, which requires three phase power and gives a 90% charge in one hour.[10] The REVA L-ion will also have a solar panel on the roof for harnessing solar energy.[12]

manufacturer	Reva Electric Car Company
aka	G-Wiz i
production	2001–2019
assembly	Bangalore, India
layout	Rear motor, Rear wheel drive
wheelbase	1700 mm
length	2600 mm
width	1300 mm
height	1500 mm
weight	400 kg (excluding battery)
sp	uk
successor	Reva e2o

REVAi

Design

Models

First model

REVAi

REVA L-ion

Comparison of models

Sales and price

Safety concerns

Reception and criticism

See also

External links

References