Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Science & Technology, launched ‘REVA-NXG,’ the next generation Electric Vehicle created by REVA Electric Car Company Pvt. Ltd. (RECC) in Monaco last week.

The new concept car is the result of a collaborative effort between RECC, automobile designer Dilip Chhabria and Simputer developer Encore Software. ‘REVA-NXG’ demonstrates India’s effectiveness in integrating EV technology, design, telematics, and manufacturing expertise in the most cost effective manner globally.

‘REVA-NXG’ is a two-seater roadster with an extended range of 200 Kilometers per charge and a speed of 120 Kilometers per hour. The car is powered by a high performance 37 kW AC induction motor that drives the front wheels, and uses Sodium Nickel Chloride batteries in lieu of conventional lead acid batteries for extended life. ‘REVA-NXG’s’ 4-wheel independent suspension with integrated regenerative and hydraulic braking system provides excellent handling and braking.

The car is fitted with a “wireless tablet”, an embedded appliance that integrates into a high-resolution single touch-screen display system all vehicle dashboard functions such as Speed, State-of-Charge, Range and critical sensor inputs as well as personal communication tools such as GPS-based in-vehicle navigation, a GPRS Modem for internet and e-mail, and MP3 music.

Mr. Chetan Maini, Deputy Chairman of REVA Electric Car Company Private Ltd. (RECC), said the new concept car was developed to showcase REVA and India’s expertise in developing future EV technologies.

“We have three of the best in business coming together to showcase India’s capabilities,” said Mr. Maini. “This concept car takes us one step forward in developing newer EV technologies and serves as a long-term solution to the world’s pollution and transportation problems.”

Mr. Maini said Bangalore has unique technical infrastructure for the development of EV technology such as expertise in IT, electronics, automotive components and plastics.

“This advantage combined with the unique advantages of Indian industry has helped us in succeeding to manufacture REVA electric cars commercially with low volumes and still affordable prices,” said Mr. Maini.

Mr. Kapil Sibal, India’s Union Minister for Science & Technology and Ocean Development, attended the Electric Vehicle Symposium in Monaco and stressed on ” the need for global collaboration to make EV technology viable around the world.”

“REVA’s new concept car is truly a technical marvel which promotes alternate fuel technology in India and abroad,” said Mr. Sibal. “With global warming and congestion and pollution continuously rising in the cities around the world, it becomes incumbent upon us to support and embrace such technologies.”

“The world today is aware of the need to preserve the environment and that will be one of the main challenges of this century,” continued Mr. Sibal. “EVs can fulfill an important role once they gain wider acceptance for on-road transportation. R&D initiatives by companies such as REVA are making headway in achieving this goal by revolutionizing transportation in India and putting it on the world map.”

The body of the concept car is designed by Dilip Chhabria Design Pvt. Ltd to appeal to younger audiences with its aggressive, bold, sharp and chiseled features. ‘REVA-NXG’s’ design is a contemporary one that complements its state-of-the-art technology. Dilip Chhabria, managing director of Dilip Chhabria Design Pvt. Ltd said he wanted to work with REVA because he felt the company was the only credible EV manufacturer in India. We needed to design a car that met global standards in terms of design and dimension. We spent between 25,000 to 30,000 man-hours on designing the car. It is a labor of love, “Mr. Chhabria added.

According to Vinay L Deshpande, Chairman & CEO, Encore Software, "We are privileged to be associated with REVA, the pioneers of electric vehicles, in integrating Encore's state-of-the-art mobile, embedded systems technology into the new electric car's dashboard which is perhaps the first example of a fully graphic, in-vehicle information display system. This association brings together three pioneering product-oriented companies and enables Encore to strengthen its position as one of the leaders in the area of mobile, embedded systems technology.”