G-Wiz AC - electric cars
August 4, 2008 Posted by: Lee Sibbald
A small car with a big reputation, the G-Wiz from Indian manufacturer REVA is one of the most notorious electric cars in the world. Infamously slammed on BBC2’s Top Gear programme, the car has nevertheless gone on to establish itself as the number-one selling electric vehicle in the UK. So what is all the fuss about? This guide to the G-Wiz AC will explain.
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History of the G-Wiz
The G-Wiz, manufactured by the REVA Electric Car Company, first burst on to the scene in 2001 with the intention of being a city car providing a solution for drivers who wanted to get around at low high-traffic speeds without having to pay out for fuel or affect the environment with the emissions regular cars cause.
Known in some markets simply as the REVA, the vehicle is a three-door hatchback with the ability to accommodate two adults in the front and two children in the rear – it also includes back seats that can fold down, which are meant to increase cargo space.
The concept behind the G-Wiz was to create a vehicle that would be environmentally friendly and also provide a solid city car driving solution. The car is exempt from UK crash test rules because it is officially classed as a quadricycle rather than a car and was criticised in 2007 by the UK Department of Transport, which found “serious safety concerns” after crashing the vehicle into a deformable barrier. However, the latest model helps to deal with some of those issues thanks to a new crash tested safety package along with new front disc brakes which improved braking performance by 30 per cent.
In addition, the latest model includes improved vision and driving position, along with a top speed of 50mph.
Environmental credentials of the G-Wiz
As with any electric vehicle, the number one selling point of the G-Wiz is that there are no emissions at all. It also happens to be exempt from both vehicle excise duty and from the London Congestion Charge, which means that are massive financial benefits for its drivers.
It is estimated that supplying a year’s worth of fuel for the G-Wiz costs around £50 – which works out at 1.3p/mile. There are also many parking incentives, particularly around the London area, and the car is appealing to business owners as it can benefit from a 100% year one tax write-down and a company car tax rate of just nine per cent.
The key to the G-Wiz is that while it may not be suited to fast roads with its limited top speeds, it is excellent for the low speeds of inner-city traffic where its emission levels are not affected by constant braking and acceleration.
G-Wiz statistics
Here are some crucial statistics about the G-Wiz AC:
- Charge time: 2.5-8hrs.
- CO2 emissions: None.
- Engine: Maintenance-free AC motor.
- Insurance Group: One.
- Kerb weight: 665kg.
- MPG Combined: 600mpg equivalent.
- Range: 40-48 miles.
- Top speed: 50mph.
- Torque: 52Nm.
- Transmission: Automatic.
Future of the G-Wiz AC
Lithium-ion batteries are seen as the future of electric cars as they can be charged much more quickly than lead acid batteries, and offer greater speed and acceleration. The range for the G-Wiz with lithium-ion batteries is expected to extend to around 70 miles. Stay tuned to TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk for the latest information.
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