An interview with REVA

REVA Electric Car Company Private Ltd. (RECC), based in Bangalore, India, was established in 1994 as a joint venture between the Maini Group India and AEV LLC, California USA, to manufacture environment-friendly and cost-effective electric vehicles. REVA is best known in the UK as the manufacturers of the G-Wiz model electric vehicle. Shot to fame through the sales to celebrities such as Jonathan Ross, Jerry Hall and Kristin Scott Thomas and due to the cost-effectiveness of their vehicles; REVA’s G-Wiz quickly became inner-city icon.

TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk interviewed Keith Johnston (pictured) in January 2009.

REVA is launching its new L-ion model. What improvements can we expect to see for those who choose to upgrade?

The main difference is the REVA L-ion’s range; up to 120 kms / 75 miles per charge, sufficient for 95% of all car journeys. The L-ion also has improved acceleration to 80 kph / 50 mph, a one hour fast charge capability and reduced energy consumption.

The recent drop in fuel prices has had a negative impact in the sales of alternative fuelled vehicles. As the whole of the automotive industry struggles with the economic downturn, what are your expectations for sales through 2009?

The REVA has always offered the lowest cost commuting, so as motorists seek value, its appeal increases. It is also the world’s best selling EV, proven in many different markets and driving conditions. We expect sales in 2009 to be up worldwide, versus 2008, driven by a growth in distribution. It is difficult to predict what will happen in individual countries as so much is dependent upon macro-economic policies and consumer confidence and, of course, individual government initiatives to support the EV market, whether via subsidies, tax or charging infrastructure projects.

There has been criticism of the safety of the G-Wiz, are REVA looking to enhance their safety record?

I would like to make it clear that the safety record of the G-Wiz as a city commuter vehicle is excellent. Worldwide, REVA EVs have completed 55 million kms on-road without any reports of serious injury; an exemplary record. Regulating the REVA as a quadricycle and then testing it as a car was unhelpful but having said that, as a result of the UK government’s tests the REVA G-Wiz has undergone significant safety improvements and has been independently successfully crash tested by ARAI in India at city speeds.

What exactly is the difference between a quadricycle and a car?

A quadricycle is limited by weight (to 400 kgs without batteries) and power (to 15 Kw). A car is a heavier and more powerful vehicle and is subject to additional regulations such as crash tests.

Can electric vehicles ever fulfil the needs of extended range drivers or will remain only suitable for inner city driving only?

The technology already exists for extended range; it is simply a function of price. This is the wrong way to approach this however. We should start with consumer requirements – 95% of all car journeys are 50 miles or less, so there is a real need for a lower range, lower speed, lower cost and lower emissions vehicle. This is the REVA philosophy. The future will comprise EVs for everyday use with higher powered / larger cars being suitable for occasional use and these can be provided by car clubs to reduce costs and increase choice.

Lithium batteries promise longer driving ranges and shorter driving times, but come with concerns over battery reliability and safety; does REVA believe that Lithium-ion is the ultimate battery technology for electric cars?

REVA EVs are chemistry independent and designed to be upgradeable to future technologies. The best performance solution today is lithium-ion but the lowest cost solution is lead acid. It is needs dependent, whilst the technology is constantly evolving. The great thing about a REVA is that you can upgrade to the latest technology so you don’t have to worry about having an obsolete vehicle, which is also great for resale prices.

Will REVA look to develop a four-seater vehicle in the future?

The REVA G-Wiz is actually a 2 + 2 seater, ideal for two children in the back and many owners use it for the school run. We are working on a product pipeline for 2009 and 2010 developments and are building a new state-of-the-environment assembly plant in keeping with our authentically green values. I don’t want to comment more specifically than this until we are ready to announce our plans.

Where do you see the electric car, in regards to the UK motor industry, in 10, 20 and 50 years’ time?

The industry consensus is that 20% to 25% of new car purchases will be for EVs by 2020, although this may differ significantly from country to country. The UK was a world leader in supporting EVs but is falling behind other countries due to inconsistent signals and policies by both central and city authorities, where it is individuals who are now driving the market, together with a few visionary authorities such as Westminster City Council.

Would REVA ever consider developing hybrid vehicles in order to achieve an improved driving range?

We do not view hybrids as a green solution but something that perpetuates the problem of the internal combustion engine and oil.

Do you think the UK government is doing enough to support the use of electric vehicles? If not, what do would you like to see?

The UK government is using taxation to nudge behaviour and this is working in the bluntest of terms. What is needed are clear and consistent signals and longer-term policy to make it clear that we need to move rapidly to a low carbon economy and that the only solution that is available, affordable and which achieves the emissions reductions is electric. Once we have that clear focus, we can begin to make the smart grid work and develop sustainable electricity sources, whilst creating jobs and refloating the economy.