Here’s a detailed breakdown of the REVAi electric car — a pioneering step in India’s electric vehicle (EV) journey:
Manufacturer: Reva Electric Car Company (RECC), Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Founded: A joint venture between:
Amerigon Inc., California, USA (known for thermal systems and EV tech), and
Maini Group of Industries, a Bengaluru-based automotive and engineering firm.
Objective: To develop a compact, energy-efficient urban electric car.
The first REVA car was flagged off from New Delhi in March 1998.
It officially entered commercial production in 2001.
Marketed globally under various names:
G-Wiz in the UK,
Sold in 26 countries by 2011.
Especially popular in Europe (notably the UK, Italy, Norway), where small, clean-energy vehicles gained early traction.
Battery: Initially lead-acid, later upgraded to lithium-ion.
Top Speed: Around 80 km/h.
Range: Approx. 80–120 km per charge depending on the model and battery type.
Charging Time: 6–8 hours from a standard outlet; quick-charge options also developed later.
Size: Extremely compact and lightweight — ideal for congested urban streets.
In May 2010, Mahindra & Mahindra acquired a majority stake in Reva Electric Car Company.
Post-acquisition, the company was renamed Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.
This acquisition gave a major boost to EV development in India, with Mahindra investing in design, R&D, and production capacity.
Launch: In 2013, Mahindra launched the e2o, a stylish and improved successor to REVAi.
Touchscreen infotainment,
Regenerative braking,
Remote diagnostics via smartphone app,
EcoDrive Mode to extend range.
Despite its tech features, the high price and limited charging infrastructure limited its widespread adoption.
REVAi laid the foundation for India’s electric mobility revolution.
It remains a symbol of early innovation in sustainable transport.
Mahindra continues to be active in the EV space through:
Mahindra eVerito (electric sedan),
Mahindra Treo (electric auto-rickshaw),
And upcoming Born Electric SUV platforms.
