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Reva Announces Lithium-Ion Electric Car And Fast Charge Station

BANGALORE, India – January 6, 2009: Reva Electric Car Company (REVA), the market and technology-leader in the EV (electric vehicle) personal transport segment, announces the European launch of its lithium-ion (li-ion) battery powered EV the REVA L-ion. Based on the REVAi platform, the current 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 proven EV platform now offers an increased range, faster acceleration, shorter charging time, less energy consumption, improved cold weather performance, maintenance-free battery operation and a longer operating life. REVA has also developed 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.

Research conducted by Professor Julia King for 2008’s King Review of low carbon cars concludes that 93% of car journeys are less than 40 kms (25 miles) and 97% are less than 80 kms (50 miles). 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. REVA’s decision to offer this combination of increased range and speed extends the L-ion's usage to the suburbs and means that up to 95% of all car journeys can be completed without the requirement to recharge.

The new REVA off-board fast charge station, which gives a 90% charge in one hour, uses three-phase power. It is primarily aimed at organisations that require constant vehicle availability during the day and will be offered to purchase or lease. The REVA L-ion’s normal full charging time is six hours using ordinary mains electricity, with an 80% charge taking 3.5 hours.

‘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,’ said Chetan Maini, REVA’s deputy chairman and chief technology officer.

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 from February 2009, with the first test drive vehicles and customer deliveries commencing May 2009. Customers will have the option of outright purchase or battery leasing, with prices to be announced by the end of January. REVA’s European expansion, under the guidance of Keith Johnston, president of European operations, will continue throughout 2009, with new distributors being sought in all European countries.

REVA is also developing upgrade kits that will enable existing REVA(G-Wiz in the UK) owners with an ac motor and lead acid powertrain to upgrade to the lithium-ion powertrain later in 2009.