Waiting for the new Reva?

The advertisements of electric bikes and scooters were everywhere when petrol prices were up in the sky. I wonder how are the sales now. Reva too was running ads back then, but no big news about them recently either. Talking of Reva, after reading around a bit (because I was considering buying it), speaking to a few folks who have also been interested, and two owners, here is what I learned:

1. Range is too low. 80 Km claimed, a bit low in practical conditions is not enough. Cross town journey and back in Bangalore would be 30 x 2 = 60 Km. A bit too close for comfort, right? Not that you would go cross town everyday, but thats how you think when you want to buy a city vehicle.
2. Unsafe? Looks too small and shaky, arguable but worthy point. What re the safety ratings for Reva? How come Tata Nano has managed to carry similar amount of metal and a gasoline engine inside, has managed to get road worthy safety, and yet, they would sell it for a lot less than Reva. I know, you would say the "invisible subsidies", "economy of scale" etc. But can their be no such business model with an electric or hybrid vehicle?
3. Expensive. Why does that small thing cost so much? Same point I made above
4. Battery change perceptions. How much does the battery replacement cost? And how often do you have to replace it? Reva salespersons may have the answers, but not everyone has access to one. So misconceptions fly.
5. Battery charge time. How long does it take to charge it? Wouldn't it be great if I can get a quick charge at my friends place when I am over there for a visit?

Can't think of any other points that bother. Now, there was a press release over a month ago from them where they pre-announced a next generation Reva. What are the new features worthy of note against the 'complaints' I listed above?

• next generation Lithium Ion Batteries ... range of up to 200 kms per charge
• Fast charge Port (optional): Can achieve upto 90% charge in 1 hour
• Solar panels: Roof mounted solar panels augment drive power and achieve added range

The press release only covered point #1 (range upped from 80km to 200 km), it didn't talk anything that will help tide over points 2 to 5. They said the new Reva will be launched in mid-2009, so we are not that far away.

Apart from the points I listed above, another grouse I have is this. Why do they have to try and make it look like an EV? If they want to sell Revas on the "make yourself seen as green" appeal, in my book, they are unlikely to sell much. A regular looking car that costs 2 to three times less to run and maintain - that's how I would like to see it.

There have been questions about Electric Vehicles in general - are they really green, or do they just shift the emission points up the supply chain to power plants. How about the batteries - how anti-green is the process of making and disposing them? Coming back to the Electric Bikes and Scooters, where are they? Why don't we see them everywhere?

Where are the EVs headed then? Bleak future as mass produced transport vehicles? Or will someone take up steps to convince us about their green-ness and viability, and create the infrastructure to build and operate them? Things like:

• Battery refill points. Drop your discharged battery in, take a ready-to-go charged battery in. That is, till they figure how to charge them in 10 minutes flat.
• Incentives to make us buy them. This is assuming everyone is convinced the EVs are indeed green. To me, they do give you more options as you can always produce electricity from green sources tomorrow.
• Solar panel based charger for free along with the Electric Vehicle so that when at home, I can save on some electricity bill.
• Wings, so that these can fly over those traffic jams. Now I am kidding ;)

Let us wait for the next gen Revas then.

-SB aka Pranav

PS: Those not in the know should check out Tesla Motors. They are coming out with a $60000 Electric car with regular Sedan Looks in 2011. Range? 240 km.