Their electric car, the REVAi, appeals to the budget- and environment- conscious city dweller due to its affordability, small size, and zero emissions.

Founded in 1994 by Sudarshan Maini, the REVA car company entered the market in 2001 by introducing the world to the first mass-produced electric car, the REVAi. Nine years later Mahindra & Mahindra of India acquired paid USD 7.1-billion for 55.1% of the shares in the REVA Electric Car Company, originally a joint venture of the Maini Group of Bangalore with AEVT Inc. of the USA.

Soon after the launch of their first smart electric car, REVA signed a contract with United Kingdom's GoinGreen, and managed to refurbish their REVA electric car (2001-2001) into the REVAi (2008 until the present). The agreement with GoinGreen in 2004 allowed the REVA ev to dominate the UK's electric car market, with London streets recognizing the REVAi as the "G-Wiz".

The REVA ev has since become known in 2009 as the world's best selling small electric car, becoming available to 26 countries. By March 2011, the REVA corporation sold greater than 4,000 units of their REVA electric car to environmentally aware consumers worldwide, although there are doubts whether Maini's initial 7-year $50 million investment on research and development has raked in breakeven returns.

The 30,000-capacity REVA electric car plant in Bangalore, India is currently the largest operational plant in the world that assembles electric vehicles. Local sales of the REVA electric cars have induced the opening of 23 national sales outlets, setting aside the two branches in Bangalore and Delhi.

Maini, employed at Mahindra REVA EV as chief of technology & strategy, is determined for India to follow the steps of China in increasing the electric car population. The Chinese have managed to raise their electric car population from 40, 000 to 100 million in a span of 11 years. Maini's dream for 2020 is a country that has 20% of its cars under the electric vehicle category. Today India's government is pushing for consumers to go green, granting greater than 20% subsidy on EVs.

One of the main concerns that impede growth in the electric car industry is the cost of manufacture and the availability of charging infrastructure. Electric cars run solely on batteries that need to be charged now and then for the car to achieve significant mileage. Most electric cars have a maximum range of 60 to 80 miles per full charge. Currently the number of battery-recharging stations for electric cars is significantly lower than the number of stations that supply gasoline.

The batteries of electric cars also come at a steep price, which could make up around a third of the car's selling price. REVA models have their batteries located beneath the front seats. Depending on the model, the battery may be a 48-V, 200 amp-hour lead-acid type or a Lithium-ion type. In both cases the cost of the battery is prohibitively high.

Unhindered by the scare of these elevated costs, The REVA company has successfully provided the world with affordable electric cars, all of which are fully automatic. The models which REVA have under its belt are: the original REVA (G-Wiz), the 2008 lead-acid battery-run REVAi, the 2009 Lithium-ion battery-run REVA L-ion, the REVA NXR and the REVA NXG. The 2001-2009 models possess two large openings, seating capacity good for two adults and two children, and rear seatbelts. The last two electric car selections are slated for launch by 2012 and 2013, respectively.

The electric car popularized by REVA allows smoother transmission than most gas-powered cars, and produces little noise upon running and on ignition ---- answering the need for auditory harmony in busy urban areas while addressing air pollution and a limited wallet.

REVA electric cars have tubeless tires, wide openings, and high seats. The compact body is made of a combination of steel and ABS panels that resist denting, and is designed to have a low center of gravity. All REVA electric cars have anti-roll bars. Like all other electric cars, all types of REVA ev have hill-rolling restraint systems and energy-saving regenerative brakes. The minimal 3.5m turning radius of the REVA car allow for easy parking and quick weaving in and out of traffic. Inside, the cabin has a handy map pocket and a light system that warns the driver of how much charge is left in the battery. This warning system is part of the two computers on board the vehicle. Additional features such as air-conditioning, music player, dual-tone leather seats and more are also available, depending on the car variant.

The classic REVA popularized by British celebrities has a top speed per hour and range per charge of 50 miles. This model has drum-type of breaks for the front and rear wheels. Although the "G-Wiz" has a steel-strengthened body, its safety has been questioned do to its failure to pass a 25 mph-crash test. The upgraded REVAi, however, managed to pass the same test due to a reinforced chassis and new disc-type front brakes. The REVAi also has a higher top speed of 55 mph. At 1,470 lb this model has a 3-phase AC Induction Motor with a peak 17hp --- a deviation from the original DC drive system. Charging the REVA electric car to 100% requires 8 hours.

In 2009 the company received positive reviews for its sneak-peek of the REVA NXR, a sporty hatchback that accommodates four adults. Reaching a top speed of 65 mph, this ev comes with intelligent features such as temperature pre-settings, auto-unlock, and a REVive technology that stores reserve charge when the battery is drained. The distance covered by the NXR under a fully-charged battery is estimated to be 100 miles, perfect for commuting a long way inside the city.

Another pleasant surprise unveiled in the Frankfurt Motor Show was the 'Next Generation' REVA or REVA NXG, which boasts of a keyless start and entry for its M1 targa-topped two-seater. The advanced technologies in the NXR have also been incorporated in this luxurious version, which outruns the previous REVA models with its greater top speed of 81 mph. The REVA NXG also runs a longer distance of 125 miles under a full battery.

Through all these options, Mahindra REVA could probably expect a fair share of sales from the electric car market. Thanks to their brilliant idea of pioneering the mass-manufactured clean car, friends of the environment now have reasonable choice to buy a car instead of commuting or walking to their destination. The noiseless and soot-free REVA electric car is an attractive contribution to cities seeking to reduce humanity's carbon footprint, as well as a lifesaver for those trying to reduce the headache of paying for fuel and a little parking space.