It so appears, GM India's electric version of its small car Spark will hit the Indian roads by October this year. It was reported last month General Motors India and Bangalore-based Reva Electric Car Company (REVA) have entered into a collaboration agreement to develop electric version of the former's models like Spark, etc, for the Indian market. This unique partnership brings together two companies, established in their own field to develop car platforms, electric vehicle technology and advanced control systems. GMI is also planning to offer batteries of the car on lease to car owners as their cost is nearly 40 per cent of the total price of the complete cars. The auto maker wants to offer them on lease to make the car more affordable.
It may be recalled that Karl Slym, president and managing director, GM India had earlier said, "We are pleased to join hands with REVA to bring affordable small car platform based electric vehicles to the market in line with government objectives to reduce fossil fuel dependence. GM's ability to develop platforms and Reva's capability in developing electric drive-trains and control systems will result in, the consumer having a wider choice of EVs. We are going to be working closely with the Central and State Governments in India to develop infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and providing specific financial benefits to consumers, who make the choice to adopt an environment-friendly mode of personal transport." Slym said that in India, GM will launch the e-Spark in the fourth quarter of 2010. The prototype is being tested and the cars will be produced at the Talegaon plant. The company expects to sell around 5,000 units of the e-Spark in the first year, he said. Elaborating on the role of each of the two joint venture partners, he said, "Reva will make and supply the power cube, while we will engineer and manufacture the car." The company is looking at 90 per cent localisation for the product. While the on-road cost of the car is still being worked out, Slym said, "Around 40 per cent of the total cost could be the battery cost. We are working on an agnostic system that can use different batteries – either a cheaper lead-acid one or the more expensive lithium ion type. Our vision is to give the customer the option of choosing the type of battery."
Chetan Maini, deputy chairman and CTO, Reva Electric Car Company had also told reporters earlier, "This unique collaboration symbolizes a global trendsetter for partnerships that will result in far reaching changes in the industry. Each of the partners will use its strengths, with the aim of making India a global hub for the development and manufacture of electric vehicles and related technologies. I am extremely happy that we have found a partner in GM India that shares our passion for reducing carbon emissions."
However, for the export market, GMI will sell complete electric Spark cars in those countries where the Spark is not manufactured locally. But in countries where the Spark is manufactured, the Reva-General Motors joint venture will sell electric car kits to GM entities.
It may be recalled that Karl Slym, president and managing director, GM India had earlier said, "We are pleased to join hands with REVA to bring affordable small car platform based electric vehicles to the market in line with government objectives to reduce fossil fuel dependence. GM's ability to develop platforms and Reva's capability in developing electric drive-trains and control systems will result in, the consumer having a wider choice of EVs. We are going to be working closely with the Central and State Governments in India to develop infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and providing specific financial benefits to consumers, who make the choice to adopt an environment-friendly mode of personal transport." Slym said that in India, GM will launch the e-Spark in the fourth quarter of 2010. The prototype is being tested and the cars will be produced at the Talegaon plant. The company expects to sell around 5,000 units of the e-Spark in the first year, he said. Elaborating on the role of each of the two joint venture partners, he said, "Reva will make and supply the power cube, while we will engineer and manufacture the car." The company is looking at 90 per cent localisation for the product. While the on-road cost of the car is still being worked out, Slym said, "Around 40 per cent of the total cost could be the battery cost. We are working on an agnostic system that can use different batteries – either a cheaper lead-acid one or the more expensive lithium ion type. Our vision is to give the customer the option of choosing the type of battery."
Chetan Maini, deputy chairman and CTO, Reva Electric Car Company had also told reporters earlier, "This unique collaboration symbolizes a global trendsetter for partnerships that will result in far reaching changes in the industry. Each of the partners will use its strengths, with the aim of making India a global hub for the development and manufacture of electric vehicles and related technologies. I am extremely happy that we have found a partner in GM India that shares our passion for reducing carbon emissions."
However, for the export market, GMI will sell complete electric Spark cars in those countries where the Spark is not manufactured locally. But in countries where the Spark is manufactured, the Reva-General Motors joint venture will sell electric car kits to GM entities.
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