The REVAi

The REVAi is a micro electric car manufactured by REVA Electric Car Company, an Indian company. Since it was first manufactured in 2001, the REVAi has sold as many as 3,500 units worldwide and it may be considered the best selling electric car in the world – though it does not meet criteria to qualify as a car in some countries.

Intended for city driving and commuting, the REVAi is a 3 door hatchback measuring only 2.6 meters (8 ft 6″) long, 1.3 meters (4 ft 3 “) wide and 1.5 meters (4 ft 11”) high. Its maximum cargo weight is 600 lb (270 kg).

REVAi Electric power specifications
Traction motor AC, 13 kW peak power
Charger Onboard
Charging connector Cable to standard domestic 230 V 13 A outlet
Charge time 8 hours to full power
Pack voltage 48 V
Battery type 8 lead-acid batteries
Battery rating 6 V, 200 A h each
Maximum speed 80 km/h (50 mph)

It has an AC drive system, power flows through a 350 Amp motor controller to a 3-phase AC motor rated at 13 kW (17 hp) peak, a ‘boost’ switch that applies 40% of extra torque to achieve better acceleration and hill climbing.

Its weight, including 600 lbs (270 kg) of batteries, is 1,470 lbs (665 kg) and has a norminal range of 50 miles (80 km).

New safety features which include front disc brakes, a collapsible steering column and a revised and reinforced chasis have been included and crash tested.