From correspondents in Karnataka, India, 09:30 PM IST

Reva Electric Car Company (RECC) of the Bangalore-based Maini Group Wednesday launched the advanced version of its electric car - REVAi - for domestic and export markets.

The company's deputy chairman and chief technology officer Chetan Maini told reporters here that the new version came with a host of technological advancements and features to benefit the customer and the environment.

'The new model can drive at 80 km per hour as compared to 65 km per hour by its earlier models, with acceleration from 0-40 km in seven seconds as against 10 seconds earlier. The capacity of its torque has been increased by 40 percent for quicker acceleration, climbing and negotiating slopes,' Maini said at a preview of the vehicle.

Priced at Rs.349,000 (ex-showroom) in the Bangalore market, REVAi is a rugged two-door hatchback, which can seat two adults in front and two children in the rear. As an eco-friendly and economical car, it offers ease of driving without clutch and gears. Its small size makes parking hassle-free and manoeuvrable for safe driving on city roads.

'The unique feature of this electric vehicle is the AC drive train for higher speed, range and acceleration. With trip odometre and automatic computer controlled indicator for power consumption and regeneration and electronic control panels, the car will have more battery life to cover about 85-110km without recharging as against 75-80km km by its earlier models,' Maini said.

Positioning the electric car as a second option or an alternative mode of transport for customers, the company was able to sell about 600 units in the domestic market as against 1,000 units overseas, including Britain in the last fiscal (2006-07).

'Reva has become more visible in the overseas market in its segment, with its exports accounting for about 70 percent of our total sales. With REVAi, we are foraying into Norway and Spain to spread our footprints in the European markets,' Maini pointed out.

The company has exported about 2,000 units to Britain, Cyprus, Greece and Malta over the last two-three years.

Set up as a joint venture with the US-based AEV LLC in 1994, the company has 10 patents to its credit in the manufacture of eco-friendly and cost-effective electric cars. Its plant on the city's outskirts has an installed capacity of 6,000 units per annum.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)