[GTO]

Nice review, Mike. Thanks for sharing. I agree that the Reva makes a lot of sense as a local runabout. That said, the Reva's success in India has been limited by:

1. The pricing. Strange that governments around the world give the Reva better tax benefits than at home. However, independent of the tax benefits, Maini has priced the Reva at an over-optimistic 4 lakh rupees.

2. Battery technology : Though the same has been addressed to an extent with the Reva i, the technology of electric car batteries is yet in the nascent stage. Furious development work world-wide will ensure a disruptive technology in the next couple of years.

3. Charging facilities : British & American style homes are conducive to charging an electric car via a port in the garage. However, 20+ storey apartment style buildings with strict society management do NOT allow any kind of alterations.

4. Restricted Highway ability : In range, safety, speed & passenger capacity.

5. Basic car for the price : I believe the Reva is classified as a quadricycle in the UK? For 4 lakh rupees, it is a terribly basic car with limited functionality. If the price was made more realistic in India, the car would surely ensure a higher shot at success.

The concept certainly has potential, but needs a better strategy / implementation for success. Especially now that the 1 lakh rupee car Nano - which has about the same footprint but a far larger cabin - is just around the corner.