imported>Tegrenath at 17:38, 24 August 2021

2021-08-24T17:38:52Z

New page

{{Redirect|G-Wiz|the basketball mascot|Washington Wizards|other uses|Gee Whiz (disambiguation){{!}}Gee Whiz}}
{{Other uses|Reva (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox automobile
| name = REVAi / G-Wiz
| image = Reva i silver.jpg
| manufacturer = [[Reva Electric Car Company]]
| aka = G-Wiz i
| production = 2001 to 2019 <ref name=E2O/>
| assembly = [[Bangalore]], India
| layout = Rear motor, Rear wheel drive
| platform =
| engine =
| transmission =
| wheelbase = {{convert|1700|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|2600|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1300|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1500|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|400|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} (excluding battery)
| sp = uk
| successor = [[Mahindra e2o|Reva e2o]]
}}

The '''REVA''i''''', known as '''G-Wiz''' in the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goingreen.co.uk/store |title=Driving Down Pollution |publisher=GoinGreen |access-date=2009-05-04 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709234740/http://www.goingreen.co.uk/store |archivedate=2007-07-09}}</ref> is a [[Microcar|small micro]] [[electric car]], made by the Indian manufacturer [[Reva Electric Car Company]] between 2001 and 2012. By late 2013 Reva had sold about 4,600 vehicles worldwide, in 26 countries.<ref name=REVAsales/><ref name=REVAcountries/> Sales in the United Kingdom, its main market, and was replaced by the [[Mahindra e2o]].<ref name=E2O>{{cite news |last=Ferris |first=David |url=http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/04/indias-only-electric-car-revamped-to-woo-drivers/ |title=India’s Only Electric Car Revamped to Woo Drivers |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2013-03-04 |access-date=2013-05-11}}</ref>

In many countries the REVA''i'' does not meet the criteria to qualify as a highway-capable motor vehicle, and fits into other classes, such as [[neighborhood electric vehicle]] (NEV) in the United States and [[Motorised quadricycle|heavy quadricycle]] in Europe.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Eco20/20 |title=Company Profile: Reva Electric Car Company |url=http://www.eco20-20.com/Company-Profile-Reva-Electric-Car-Company-RECC.html}}</ref>

The vehicle was originally known as simply the REVA, but was then improved and renamed the REVA''i'.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Green Car Guide |date=2008-05-14 |title=G-Wiz |url=http://www.green-car-guide.com/articles/302/1/G-Wiz/Page1.html |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926005716/http://www.green-car-guide.com/articles/302/1/G-Wiz/Page1.html |archivedate=2009-09-26 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newsweek.com/slow-lane-94103 |date=2008-02-16 |title=In The Slow Lane |access-date=2008-02-28 |publisher=Newsweek:para 3}}</ref>

== Design ==
The REVA''i'' is a small three-door hatchback measuring {{convert|2.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|1.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}} wide and {{convert|1.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} high. The car can accommodate two adults in the front and two children in the rear. The back seats can be folded down to provide cargo space. The maximum passenger and cargo weight is {{convert|270|kg|abbr=on}}.

The REVA''i'' is intended for city trips and commuting, particularly in congested traffic. It is registered in Europe as a [[Motorised quadricycle|heavy quadricycle]] (category L7). It may be exported to the United States, with a speed limiter that limits the speed to twenty five miles per hour, for use as a [[neighborhood electric vehicle]] (NEV).

== Models ==
=== First model ===
[[File:Reva-10208.jpg|thumb|right|On display at the 2009 [[Hampton Court Palace]] Flower Show]]
The first model, produced from 2001 to 2007, was simply called REVA (G-Wiz in the United Kingdom). Its power flowed through a 400 [[ampere|amp]] motor controller to a [[electric motor|DC motor]] rated at {{convert|4.8|kW|abbr=on|lk=on}}, with a maximum of {{convert|13.1|kW|abbr=on}}. Power came from eight 6 [[volt|V]], 200 [[ampere hour|A h]], [[lead–acid batteries|lead-acid batteries]] located under the front seats and wired in series to create 48 V. This model did not have the strengthened chassis that allows subsequent models to pass a crash test at {{convert|40|km/h|abbr=on}}.

=== REVAi ===
{| class="infobox" style="width: 22em; font-size: 88%; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5em"
|-
! colspan="2" style="font-size:125%; text-align:center; color:white; background:darkred;"| REVA i Electric power
|-
! Traction motor
| AC, 13 kW peak power
|-
! Charger
| Onboard
|-
! Charging connector
| Cable to standard domestic 230 V 13 A outlet
|-
! Charge time
| 8 hours to full power
|-
! Pack voltage
| 48 V
|-
! Battery type
| 8 [[lead–acid batteries]]
|-
! Battery rating
| 6 [[volt|V]], 200 [[ampere hour|Ah]] each
|-
! Maximum speed
| {{convert|80|km/h|abbr=on}}
|}

In January 2008, a new model was introduced, the REVA''i'' (G-Wiz'' i'' in the United Kingdom). It has an AC drive system, which raises the maximum speed to {{convert|80|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}. The power flows through a 350 [[ampere|Amp]] motor controller to a 3-phase [[electric motor|AC motor]] rated at {{convert|13|kW|abbr=on}} peak. Like the REVA, power comes from eight 6 V, 200 A h lead–acid batteries located under the front seats.

It has a "boost" switch that gives 40% extra torque for improved acceleration and hill climbing and increases the top speed to {{convert|80|km/h|abbr=on}}{{Citation needed|reason=Sentence is contradictory; original speed and "boost" speed are the same. The appropriate figures should be found.|date=April 2016}}. It weighs {{convert|665|kg|abbr=on}}, including {{convert|270|kg|abbr=on}} batteries. The nominal range is {{convert|80|km|abbr=on}},<ref>{{cite web |url =http://www.revaindia.com/aboutevs.htm | title = The REVA | accessdate = 2008-02-28 | publisher = Reva India |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080211122456/http://www.revaindia.com/aboutevs.htm  |archivedate = 2008-02-11}}</ref> but driving fast or using the heater or [[air conditioner]] reduces the range.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/uk/GWiz--our-urban-friends.2771500.jp | title = G-Wiz — our urban friend's electric | date = 2006-04-30 | accessdate = 2008-02-28 | newspaper = Scotland on Sunday }}</ref> To address the previous safety concerns, and in conjunction with [[Lotus Cars#Lotus Engineering|Lotus Engineering]], several new safety features have been added, such as front disc brakes, a collapsible steering column, and a much revised and reinforced chassis that has been successfully crash tested at {{convert|40|km/h|abbr=on}} by ARAI in India.<ref name="safety">{{cite web|url=http://www.revacar.be/safety.asp |title=REVA i safety |publisher=Revacar.be |accessdate=2011-11-05 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825222722/http://www.revacar.be/safety.asp |archivedate=2009-08-25}}</ref>

=== REVA L-ion ===
In January 2009, a new model was launched, the REVA L-ion. It is similar to the REVA''i'', but powered by high performance [[lithium-ion batteries]], which reduce the car's curb weight to {{convert|565|kg|abbr=on}}, offer greater acceleration, reduce charging time to six hours, and extend the nominal range to {{convert|120|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name="l-ion">{{cite web|last=Yoney |first=Domenick |url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/04/reva-electric-car-company-offering-lithium-ion-option/ |title=Reva Electric Car Company offering lithium ion option |publisher=Autobloggreen.com |date=2009-01-04 |accessdate=2010-12-12}}</ref> The performance of these batteries is also less affected by variations in temperature.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goingreen.co.uk/store/content/gwiz_faq/ |title=G-Wiz Faq |publisher=GoinGreen |accessdate=2010-12-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724142004/http://www.goingreen.co.uk/store/content/gwiz_faq/ |archivedate=2011-07-24 }}</ref>

An off-board [[charging station]] is available, which requires three phase power and gives a 90% charge in one hour.<ref name="l-ion" /> The REVA L-ion will also have a [[solar panel]] on the roof for harnessing [[solar energy]].<ref name=nwwk>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/192145?from=rss |title=Delhi vs. Detroit: India's Cheaper, Greener Cars | Newsweek Business |publisher=Newsweek.com |date= |accessdate=2009-05-04}}</ref>

=== Comparison of models ===
{| class="wikitable"
! || REVA L-ion || REVAi || G-Wiz || Rezvani Rakot
|-
| Top speed || {{convert|50|mph|0|abbr=on}} || {{convert|50|mph|0|abbr=on}} || {{convert|50|mph|0|abbr=on}} || {{convert|50|mph|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| Range || {{convert|75|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} || {{convert|50|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} || {{convert|50|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} || {{convert|50|mi|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Lotus Cars|Lotus]] assisted safety pack || Yes || No || No || Yes
|-
| Upgradeable to [[lithium-ion batteries]] || Yes || Yes || No || Yes
|-
| Hill rolling-restraint feature || Yes || Yes || Yes || Yes
|-
| Regenerative brakes || First 30% || First 30% || First 30% || First 30%
|-
| Front brakes || [[Disc brakes]] || Disc brakes || Drum brakes || Drum brakes
|-
| Rear brakes || [[Drum brakes]] || Drum brakes || Drum brakes || Drum brakes
|-
| Anti-roll bar || Yes || Yes || Yes || Yes
|-
| [[NEVS]] Electric || Yes || No || Yes || Yes
|-
| [[TOGG]] C-city || No || Yes || Yes || Yes
|-

|-
|}

== Sales and price ==
The car was available in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jamaica, Malta, Monaco, Nigeria, Nepal, The Netherlands, Norfolk Islands, Norway, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Sweden, Ukraine, The United Arab Emirates, The United States, and the United Kingdom.<ref name=REVAcountries>{{cite web|url=http://www.petrolfreeworld.com/ |title=Mahindra REVA: Petrol-free REVA |publisher=[[REVA Electric Car Company]] |accessdate=2012-02-25 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215120617/http://www.petrolfreeworld.com/ |archivedate=2012-02-15}}</ref>

The different versions of the REVA sold about 4,600 vehicles worldwide by late 2013, and India was its main market, accounting for 55% of global sales, of which, 40% were in the [[Bangalore]] city, where [[Mahindra Reva]] is based.<ref name=REVAsales>{{cite web|url=http://www.plugincars.com/indian-evs-await-government-support-some-owners-are-very-happy-their-cars-129145.html|title=Indian EVs Await Government Support, But Some Owners Are Already Happy With Their Cars |author=Alysha Webb|publisher=PluginCars.com|date=2013-12-23|accessdate=2013-12-24}}</ref> The UK was one of the leading markets, and the REVA G-Wiz (as it was marketed in the country) was the top selling electric car in Britain for several years, particularly in London.<ref name=G-Wiz>{{cite web|url=http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/2013/08/30/tlc-needed-can-cars-like-the-g-wiz-still-have-a-purpose-in-life/|title=TLC needed: Can cars like the G-Wiz still have a purpose in life?|author=Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield|publisher=The Green Car Website|date=2013-08-30|accessdate=2013-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029212326/http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/2013/08/30/tlc-needed-can-cars-like-the-g-wiz-still-have-a-purpose-in-life/|archive-date=2013-10-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>

;Pricing
Pricing in the United Kingdom started at approximately {{GBP|9,995}} for the standard model<ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.goingreen.co.uk/store|title =The new G-Whiz|accessdate =2008-02-28|publisher =GoinGreen|url-status =dead|archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20070709234740/http://www.goingreen.co.uk/store|archivedate =2007-07-09}}</ref> The G-Wiz qualifies for exemption from the [[London congestion charge]] due to being an electrically propelled vehicle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cclondon.com/exemptions.shtml |title=Discounts and exemptions | Transport for London |publisher=Cclondon.com |date=2007-07-16 |accessdate=2010-12-12}}</ref> The REVA was also sold in other European countries, including Spain and Norway. In [[Costa Rica]], the REVAi was launched in March 2009 and is sold for {{USD|13,000}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nacion.com/ln_ee/2009/marzo/14/aldea1904753.html|title=Automóvil eléctrico ya recorre calles del país|author=Alejandro Vargas|newspaper=[[La Nación (San José)|La Nación]]|date=2009-03-13|accessdate=2009-04-20|language=Spanish|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317172052/http://www.nacion.com/ln_ee/2009/marzo/14/aldea1904753.html|archivedate=2009-03-17}}</ref> In the [[Chile]]an market was sold for {{USD|12,000}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noticias.cl.msn.com/articulo.aspx?cp-documentid=8993757|title=El Reva, auto de la India 100% eléctrico, es presentado en Chile|author=|publisher=Agence France-Presse|date=2008-07-31|accessdate=2009-04-20|language=Spanish|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090528132947/http://noticias.cl.msn.com/articulo.aspx?cp-documentid=8993757|archive-date=2009-05-28|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The REVAi was available in the Republic of Ireland at a retail price of {{euro|11,500}} for the REVA Standard and {{euro|17,500}} for the better specified REVA Li-Ion.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.greenaer.ie/REVA%20EBrouchure.pdf | title = Greenaer Brochure for REVA | accessdate = 2010-09-16 }}{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

REVA was sold for {{INR}} 350,000 ({{USD|7,130}}) in India and has a "running cost of just 40 [[paise]]/km" (40 paise [0.08 US cent]/km), considering the Indian petrol price of {{USD|1}}/liter.<ref>{{ cite news | url = https://www.thestar.com/Business/article/501395 | title = Business | India's iconic electric car | publisher = TheStar.com | date = 2008-09-18 | accessdate = 2009-05-04 | location=Toronto}}</ref>

== Safety concerns ==
The REVA is exempt from most European crash test rules, because its low weight and power registers it in the European "[[Motorised quadricycle|heavy quadricycle]]" category instead of the "car" category.

The [[Department for Transport|UK Department for Transport]] found "serious safety concerns" after crashing a now-discontinued G-Wiz at {{convert|56|km/h|abbr=on}} into a deformable barrier on 24 April 2007,<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article1764088.ece | title = Celebrity green car is declared unsafe | date = 2007-05-09 | accessdate = 2008-02-28 | newspaper = Times Online | location=London | first=Ben | last=Webster}}</ref> which is part of the normal test for production cars. Likewise, a test commissioned by ''[[Top Gear Magazine]]'' that followed the [[Euro NCAP]] [[crash test]] specifications found that the occupants would suffer "serious or life-threatening" injuries in a 64 km/h (40 mph) crash.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/1832/ | title = G-Wiz crash test news — Electric shock | date = 2007-05-09 | accessdate = 2008-02-28 | publisher = Top Gear | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080415233006/http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/1832/ | archivedate = 2008-04-15 }}</ref>

In October 2010, a fatal accident in London occurred between a G-Wiz and a [[Škoda Octavia]], with the driver of the G-Wiz, British scientist [[Judit Nadal]], being killed. The coroner Andrew Walker was quoted as saying about the G-Wiz at the inquest: “What concerns me is that this vehicle was destroyed in this collision in a way that I have not seen a vehicle destroyed before”<ref name=TSTInquest>{{cite web |title=Crash inquest raises eco-vehicle fears |url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/ingear/cars/Driving/article766838.ece |work=The Sunday Times |accessdate=2013-03-04 |date=2011-09-04}}</ref> but he did not recommend further action regarding the vehicle's design.<ref name=Standard/> Mr Walker said he would be writing to Transport for London about making improvements to the safety of the junction.<ref name=Standard>[https://www.standard.co.uk/news/i-think-ive-made-a-mistake-last-words-of-scientist-on-phone-before-g-wiz-crash-6438558.html I think I've made a mistake: Last words of scientist on phone before G-Wiz crash] 31 August 2011 ''standard.co.uk'', accessed 28 August 2019</ref> Subsequently, the government ordered an investigation into the safety of small electric vehicles.<ref name=TSTInquest/>

Current REVA''i'' and REVA L-ion models include several new safety features such as front disc brakes, a collapsible steering column, and a much revised and reinforced chassis that has been successfully crash tested in India by [[Automotive Research Association of India|ARAI]]. A {{convert|40|km/h|abbr=on}} frontal crash test video of the new model is available online.<ref name="safety" />

== Reception and criticism ==
The REVAi has been panned by many critics, including criticisms that it is underpowered, unsafe, and ugly.<ref>{{cite web |title=G-Wiz vs Smart |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/green-motoring/7984610/G-Wiz-vs-Smart.html |work=The Telegraph |accessdate=2012-12-17 |date=2010-09-14}}</ref> The BBC programme ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]'' has consistently and incessantly lambasted the G-Wiz, named it the Worst Car of 2007 and then even blew it up later in the same episode; co-presenter [[James May]] referred to it as "the worst car for this year - and indeed for every other year whilst we have breath in our bodies — it is the most stupid, useless and dangerous car ever to stalk the earth. It is totally terrible, and disgusting."<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Gear |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008m4dy |work=BBC |accessdate=2012-12-17}}</ref>

In July 2004, ''[[The Independent]]'' reported [[Archie Norman (businessman)|Archie Norman]] owned a G-Wiz to commute around London, and outside London, he drove a [[Volkswagen Golf]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/features/a-new-charge-that-could-transform-city-motoring-554535.html |title=A new charge that could transform city motoring |work=Independent |location=UK |date=2004-07-26 |accessdate=2017-03-16 |first=Henry |last=Biggs}}</ref>

In October 2013, ''[[Top Gear (magazine)|Top Gear Magazine]]'' placed the G-Wiz on its list of "The 13 worst cars of the last 20 years."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/The-13-worst-cars-of-the-last-20-years-2013-10-30 |title=The 13 Worst Cars of the Last 20 Years |magazine=[[Top Gear (magazine)|Top Gear magazine]] |date=2013-10-31 |accessdate=2014-10-12}}</ref>

In December 2016, twenty G-Wiz vehicles were destroyed in an episode of ''[[The Grand Tour (TV series)|The Grand Tour]]'' and continuing on the theme of lambasting the car, which the presenters started whilst working together on ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Grand Tour in numbers: The costs behind the £160million Amazon Prime series |url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz-tv/hot-tv/561259/The-Grand-Tour-Amazon-Prime-series-costs-Jeremy-Clarkson-Richard-Hammond-James-May |work=Daily Star |accessdate=2016-12-17}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[City car]]
* [[Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles]]
* [[Kei car]]
* [[List of modern production plug-in electric vehicles]]
* [[List of production battery electric vehicles]]
* [[Neighborhood electric vehicle]]
* [[Mahindra e2o]]
* [[Zero-emissions vehicle]]

== References ==
{{commons category|REVAi}}
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140201090657/http://gwiz.wonko3.myfastforum.org/ REVA Electric Car Club]

[[Category:Battery electric cars that were formerly produced]]
[[Category:Electric city cars]]
[[Category:Cars of India]]
[[Category:Car brands]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 2001]]

REVAi - Revision history

imported>Tegrenath at 17:38, 24 August 2021