A quick look at the world of electric cars
The concept of electricity as a fuel for vehicles has been one of the most interesting ideas since a long time. It gained high significance following the fluctuating petrol and diesel prices and increasing awareness about environment among the people. The environmentalists have been vehemently supporting electricity as an alternative fuel. Thus, electric vehicles in general and electric cars in particular are popular throughout the world. Consequently, many electric vehicles have been manufactured and are being widely used across the world.
The demand for personal automobile, especially cars is increasing day by day following the availability of car finance and rising income of the people in India. In this situation, the most innovative idea of a car that runs, not on the conventional fuel like petrol and diesel, but on electricity is more than welcomed.
An ideal electric car for India is a basic, simple and reliable vehicle designed specially for local conditions using cutting edge technology and which is modular to incorporate and absorb newer technologies. The electric cars with a top speed of 40-60 kmph and a range of 50-80 km generally cover the city mobility requirements in India.
Here’s a quick look into the world of electric cars in India.
Reva
Maini Reva is India's first electric car launched in 2001. A highly economical and environment friendly vehicle, Reva is an affordable car with the lowest running and maintenance cost. The hassles of servicing, getting the components checked and repairs will be things of the past with the Reva. There is no engine, clutch, radiator, exhaust system or carburetor. Thus the maintenance is easy and inexpensive. Reva’s Energy Management system (EMS) diagnoses and rectifies the problem of over discharging and helps in better maintenance. Further, Reva has safety features like steel space frame, side impact beams, dent-proof ABS body panels, a low voltage system, and a dual-braking system. Reva is available in REVAi Standard, REVAi AC and REVAi Classe models. The non air-conditioned base variant delivers 80 km on a full charge, while the other two air-conditioned variants will give about 60 km. Cute and super compact Reva which comfortably seat two adults and two kids offered in six colours.
Tesla Roadster
The Tesla Roadster is a high performance all-electric sports car manufactured by the electric car firm Tesla Motors and is the first car produced by the company. Tesla is the only production automaker already selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class yet is six times as energy efficient as gas guzzlers and delivers 244 miles per charge. It has 92% average efficiency and 85% at peak power.
The Tesla Roadster was developed with design assistance from Lotus Cars, who supplied the basic chassis development technology from the Lotus Elise. Launched on 19 July 2006, series production of the Tesla Roadster began on 17 March 2008. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadsters, and nearly 1,000 more customers are on the wait list. Tesla Motors is now taking orders for the Model S, an all electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels 300 miles per charge. The Model S, which carries its charger onboard, can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes.
ZENN
ZENN (Zero Emission, No Noise) is a two-seat battery electric vehicle manufactured by ZENN Motor Company designed to qualify as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle. It has a range of up to 40 miles (64 km) and does not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). The ZENN is a three-door hatchback with a standard 110-Volt outlet plug-in, completely rechargeable in approximately 8 hours from empty. A storage space of 30 cubic feet is available.
ZAP electric cars
The California-based ZAP (Zero Air Pollution) manufactures and sells Alias, Xebra Sedan, Xebra Solar Panel, Xebra Truck, ZAPTRUCK XL and ZAPVAN SHUTTLE electric cars. ZAPVAN Shuttle is the first 100% electric passenger van, exclusively from ZAP. Designed for utility and large capacity, this 5-passenger vehicle quickly converts to an all-cargo configuration as well and features larger slider doors on both sides.
Chevrolet Volt
GM's Chevrolet is planning to bring out Volt, which will use a lithium-ion battery with a gasoline-powered, range-extending engine that drives a genrator to provide electric power. The Volt, expected to be launched in 2010, promises to go deliver beyond 40 miles and will be one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in GM history.
Fisker’s Karma
The California-based Fisker Automotive's Karma uses Q-DRIVE plug-in hybrid technology, developed exclusively for Fisker Automotive by Quantum Technologies. A fully-charged Karma burns no fuel for the first 50 miles. After venture further, the gasoline engine turns a generator to charge the lithium ion battery. Once the 50-mile electric range has been exceeded, the car operates as a normal hybrid vehicle. This balance of electric and gas range makes it entirely possible that Karma drivers who charge their car overnight and commute less than 50 miles a day will achieve an average fuel economy of 100 mpg (2.4L/100km) per year.
TH!NK City
TH!NK City is a modern urban car with zero local emissions and an energy efficiency three times that of a traditional combustion engine car. A Norwegian model, TH!NK City is an innovative, sophisticated, high-tech compact electric vehicle that can travel up to 112 miles on a single charge. The car is designed, engineered and produced to have the lowest possible carbon footprint with recyclable plastic body panels and a fully recyclable interior. U.S. production is expected to start in 2010, with the first-year volume of 2,500 units being available to pilot and demonstration fleet projects.
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