REVA-NXG: A Next Generation Electric Car? Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Private Limited, formerly known as the Reva Electric Car Company, is one of the first companies to introduce electric vehicles worldwide. Based in Bangalore, India, it is involved in one goal alone: to develop and produce an affordable compact electric car. It is the producer of the REVAi, known as both the world's first mass-produced and the world's best-selling electric car.

REVA-NXG: The Future Generation of Electric Car

Over the years, they have created a host of prototypes powered by electricity. One of these prototypes is the REVA-NXG. The concept first appeared at the EV21 Electric Vehicle Symposium held at Monaco in 2005. A convertible with seating for 2 people, this car is the result of a collaboration between REVA, world-renowned Indian car designer Dilip Chhabria, and Simputer developer Encore Software.

Dubbed as the "Next Generation Electric Vehicle" (hence the NXG name), it was developed mainly to showcase REVA's expertise in developing electric car technologies and to show India's capabilities as a nation, particularly in the fields of information technology, electronics, automotive components, and plastics. According to Kapil Sibal, India's Union Minister for Science and Technology and Ocean Development, the car is "truly a technical marvel which promotes alternate fuel technology in India and abroad".

And oh, it's indeed a technical marvel. The car design, developed by Dilip Chhabria to be an appealing one for the younger audience, featured aggressive, chiseled, and bold body lines and figures. According to Chhabria, it took almost 30000 man-hours to design as they want it to meet global standards in design and dimension.

What powers this unique creation is an electric motor capable of producing 50 horsepower, transmitting this force to the front wheels. It gives the NXG a top speed of 75 miles per hour per hour. Sodium nickel chloride batteries, a type of battery that is known to last longer than lead acid batteries, are used as the car's fuel source.

These batteries gives this car a range of 124 miles per charge, further aided by a technology called regenerative braking. This technology converts thermal energy produced during braking as a form of energy to further power the car.

Inside, the REVA-NXG possesses a "wireless tablet" that integrates with a high resolution information display system. Activated by touch screen, it displays vehicular information such as speed, range, and remaining charge. In addition, it also is the hub for advanced features such as a GPS navigation system, a MP3 player, and internet connectivity. This dashboard system is developed by Encore Software by embedding a tablet computer in the dashboard.

The unique technological environment of India would allow REVA to successfully produce this car commercially in limited numbers and sell it in affordable prices. In fact, a second prototype appeared in 2011, now featuring REVA's patented drive-train technology, the REVive system, and a removable targa top. With production scheduled for 2013, the REVA-NXG is expected to stand out both because of its style and performance. If these plans push thru, it would ultimately live up to the promise it showed way back in 2005: a technologically advanced and radical approach to producing electric vehicles.