Introduction
India's automotive and computer industries have achieved a remarkable result, exporting electric cars.
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's first electric vehicle was launched by Shri Krishan Kant, former Vice-President of India on May 11, 2001. The Reva is sold in the UK as the "G-WIZ">. It is classed as a quadricycle under European vehicle rules and thus exempt from most car safety regulations, with concern being expressed over its safety.
In 2007 Reva released the updated REVAi. Unlike the 2005 Reva NXG show car, with Sodium nickel chloride batteries and onboard computer display, the Revai is intended for sale.
Bavina
Bavina Enterprises, of Chennai, India announced 17 December 2007, several models of battery operated cars to be made in India. There are two and four door models. The two door model is similar in appearance to the Mercedes Fortwo Smart Car. The two door models are similar in appearance to petrol powered city cars. These appear to have conventional steel bodies, unlike the plastic panels of the Reva.
Nano
Tata Nano
Tata Motors of India announced the Tata Nano on 10 January, 2008 and intended for volume production in 2008. The Nano has a 160kW 624 cc 2-cylinder rear mounted petrol engine. As a lightweight small car, the Nano has potential for conversion to pure electric battery operation like the Indian Reva Electric Car. Tata has not announced any plans to make one. However, third party after market conversion is possible, as has been done with the Toyota Yaris/Echo.