The prime mover in REVA, is the motor. It is similar to the engine in a conventional car. Reva has a 13 kW separately excited DC motor with a high torque of 70 Nm at zero speed. When in use, the motor converts the energy stored in the Power Pack into mechanical motion. The high torque electric motor ensures a quick acceleration. The power from the motor is delivered to the wheels through the Trans-axle that propels the vehicle. While braking, the motor acts like a generator and recharges the Power Pack.

REVA's Power Pack consists of eight 6-Volt EV tubular type lead acid batteries that attain 80% state of charge in under 2.5 hours. A complete charge is achieved in less than six hours. The Power Pack is housed beneath the front seats, which lowers the center of gravity, thus increasing the safety of passengers. Charging REVA is a safe and easy process - Just plug into a 220 Volt, 15 Ampere socket - at home or at work.

REVA has an on-board Charger, which converts AC into DC power to charge the power pack. The charger is computer controlled with an in-built stabilizer and auto shut-off mechanism. The smart charger's output is connected to the power pack and ensures that optimum current and voltage is maintained at all times.

REVA also has a computerized Motor Controller. This regulates the flow of energy from the Power Pack to the Motor in direct relation to pressure applied on the accelerator. It ensures perfect speed control and optimum use of energy in both forward and reverse directions.

The brain of REVA is the Energy Management System that monitors and controls all vital functions. The EMS is a computer based system that optimises charging and energy output of batteries to maximise operating range and improve performance. The system also predicts available range for a given state of battery charge and is a standard feature on the Reva.

The EMS also maintains an electronic log of the vehicle performance, enables service personnel to run diagnostic checks on the car to give service information about the car.

Driving the REVA is easy. Just unplug after completing the charging process, turn the key, disengage the parking brake and turn the control knob to the forward or reverse position. Accelerate and take off.