Reva Electric Car Company, the market master and technology-leader in the EV (electric vehicle) personal transport segment, has announced the European launch of its lithium-ion (li-ion) battery powered EV the REVA L-ion. Based on the REVAi platform, the latest version of the world’s best selling city electric car, the REVA L-ion is the result of more than two years of testing with a range of 120 km (75 miles) per charge and a maximum speed of 80 km (50 miles) per hour.
REVA is also introducing a fast charge station capable of charging the REVA L-ion to 90% in one hour. REVA’s EV platform offers an increased range, faster acceleration, shorter charging time, less energy consumption, improved cold weather performance, maintenance-free battery operation and longer operating life. A new proprietary intelligent battery management system for the L-ion that tracks the performance of each cell for uninterrupted performance, which allows a three-year battery warranty to be provided to customers.
REVA’s own data, based on 55 million kms of driving habits by customers in 20 cities worldwide also reflects the nature of every day city driving and the number of short trips, hence REVA’s decision to offer this combination of increased range and speed, which extends the REVA’s usage to the suburbs and means that up to 95% of all car journeys can be completed without the requirement to recharge. Its off-board fast charge station uses three-phase power. Chetan Maini REVA’s Deputy Chairman stated “With the REVAi and REVA L-ion, we are now able to offer a choice of performance options to suit commuter needs and preferences. The introduction of fast charge stations really opens up the market to reach new customers and increase the availability of EVs. Local authorities and businesses can now create the charging and parking infrastructure necessary to make zero-emission personal transport an everyday reality,” From February 2009, the REVA L-ion EV and fast charge stations will be available to pre-order from REVA distributors in Norway, UK, France, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Belgium and Ireland, REVA’s European expansion, under the guidance of Keith Johnston, President of European operations, will continue throughout 2009. It will enable existing REVAi owners with a lead acid power train to upgrade to the lithium-ion power train later in 2009.