| Frequently Asked Questions |
| RELATED LINKS : About EVs |
| 1. Where has Reva been launched? The Reva Electric
car was launched in Malta in November 2003. The decision to import
these vehicles was taken after one year of continuous testing of 4
vehicles on the Maltese roads. 2. Has Reva been exported to other countries ? Yes, Reva Electric
cars have been exported to Nepal, Hong Kong, Switzerland, China,
Great Britain and of course, Malta/ .
Keeping in mind that the cost of a Reva is approximately one-third the
price of a similar Electric Vehicle in Europe / UK / USA - there is a
great appreciation for this car in the international market. 3. What is the seating capacity of Reva? Reva
is a two-door hatchback, which can comfortably accommodate two adults
and two minors. 4. What are the colours that are available for the Reva? The standard production colours are Cherry Red, Blue Envy, Passion Yellow, Angel White, Autumn Rust, Nature Green and Silver. The REVA Classe is also available in Black Velvet colour. Reva is also available in over another 2000 exciting colours to suit your personality and style. The Reva uses 9 units of electricity for a single full charge that gives up to 80 KM range in city driving conditions. This works out to less than 35 Maltese cents per day or Lm2.45 c per week or Lm127 per year - yes just Lm127 per year. Since the Reva does not have an engine, clutch or gears, or a carburetor, radiator, exhaust etc, the maintenance cost is low. Estimates show it is 40 % lower than the maintenance cost of a small car over a 3-year ownership period.6. How far can Reva go on one single Charge? Reva will take you up to 80-KM on a single charge of 6 hours. There is a battery level indicator light which comes on when there is 15 KM of charge remaining flashes when there is 5 km remaining, and the onboard computer automatically shifts the car into an " E " or economy mode, which enhances your driving range by another 5 KM. 7. What type of batteries is used in the Reva? What is their life span? A total of eight 6-volt tubular lead acid batteries specially developed for EV`s form Reva's power pack. The battery pack has a typical life of 3 - 5 years depending upon usage. It comes with a warranty of cycle 25,000 Kms or 24 months - whichever is the greatest. 8. What if I need to recharge the battery? Reva’s charging system is extremely simple, very reliable and safe. It has an on- board charger along with a charge cable and can be charged anywhere, at home or at work, by simply plugging in to a 220 Volt, 15 Ampere socket. There is no need to carry an additional battery. Charging the Reva
is as easy as charging your mobile phone. 9. What percentage of components in the Reva is indigenous? The Reva has about 1100 components of which over 90% of the components are indigenous. It is an extremely safe car. It has passed all mandatory safety tests and meets CE Certifaction - this is why it can be used in European countries. Overall / Side impact - The special steel space frame and side impact beams used in the Reva cocoons the passengers shielding them from impact. Reva uses ABS body panels that are dent / scratch proof. This ensures minimum damage to the car and enhances protection to passengers in the event of a collision. Front / Back impact -. Injury to passengers is also minimized in the event of a frontal collision due to the position of the spare tyre in the bonnet space where other cars usually have the engine. The front and rear bumpers are energy absorbing and retain their original shape after a minor impact. The weight and
position of the battery pack under the front seat ensures a low centre
of gravity / stability. 11. What kind of testing have you done? The Reva has already
been tested at ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India), Pune and
has been passed for homologation and roadworthiness. Tests at ARAI cover
all mandatory parameters including European ones. The Reva has also cleared the shaker test, which
simulates 250,000 KM of road testing. In addition, Reva has completed
10,00,000 KM of extensive road tests to ensure total safety and reliability
before the first car reached the customer. 12. Where are the Reva dealers / service network located? The Reva is
available in Malta from Future Cars Ltd of Hamrun - part of the Merlin
Group of companies. 13. What about the availability of spares? With high degree of localized components in Reva availability of spares is not a problem. Usually replacement parts in a car consists of Spark plugs, belts, clutch plate, engine parts, exhaust etc. Reva does not have any one of them. Most of the parts in REVA are highly reliable and do not need a change for a long time. Brushes and brake components are amongst the major parts needing replacement after a long time. Of course in the case of an accident, parts will have to be replaced. Stocks of spares of Reva are sufficiently available at all our dealer points / service stations. 14. What is regenerative braking? Regenerative braking recovers useful electricity by putting it back into the batteries. Regenerative braking lets the motor act as a generator, converting the vehicle's momentum into electricity. So, when you take your foot off the accelerator or press the brake, the motor becomes a generator, slowing the car and returning energy to the battery. Since it takes energy to make energy, the vehicle's momentum is consumed and the vehicle slows. The immediate benefit of this process is that it simulates the compression braking (slowdown effect) feature of gas engines, reducing the brake wear normal to most cars. Energy spent climbing uphill is recovered on the way down, rather than wasted burning up brakes! In Reva, regenerative braking makes driving in stop-and-go rush hour traffic smooth and effortless.
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Future Cars Ltd. Merlin House, Mountbatten Street, Hamrun, HMR 08, Malta, Tel no. 99493099 Company
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