First Electric Car in India: Nowadays world is facing environmental challenges and a need for a sustainable solution and electric vehicles are a crucial and transformative technology. In the Indian market, most companies are moving towards manufacturing electric cars. Demand for electric cars increasing day by day and it is more affordable than gasoline engine cars.
But the thing is do you know when did the first electric car in India launch? In 1993, Eddy Current Control (India) produced the first electric car in India named ‘LoveBird‘. so we can say that in reality, electric automobiles first appeared on Indian roads roughly 29 years ago.
The first vehicle was introduced at the Delhi Auto Expo and also received a few awards. This car was manufactured with a partnership between Eddy Current Control and Yaskawa Electric Co. from Japan. The manufacturing plant was in Chalakudy, Kerala, and Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
About the First Electric Car in India: LoveBird
Eddy Current Control (India) was started in the year 1971 and started the manufacture of Eddy Current Variable Speed Drivers and Related Control Systems in India. When the electric car term was still in the development stage in the automobile industry. ECC and the M/s Yaskawa Electric Mfg. Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan with collaboration has manufactured the first electric car.
it was a two-seater car and used a direct current electric motor powered by a rechargeable portable battery. Lovebird was Lightweight and manufactured by using a high tensile steel chassis, Fibreglass reinforced polyester body, No Pollution, and noiseless.
Lovebird was designed for driving in the city and had a range of 60 Km on a single charge. For the full charge to the battery, it took Eight hours and it is the same as modern electric vehicles. The Lovebird was equipped with an electronic chopper, which provided the driver with a smooth speed control system.
The Government too gave the green signal to this Lovebird Project but in terms of sales, it was too low. even the Lovebird couldn’t cross the three-digit number of sales of this car. The government also stopped the subsidy of Rs. 80,000 and due to this reason production of the LoveBird electric vehicles ended.
First Successful Electric Car in India: Reva Electric Car
After the failure of the electric cars in the market. In 2001 RECC launched India’s first successful electric car named Reva. The Reva Electric car Company was Founded in 1994 By Chetan Maini, as a joint venture between the Aini Group of Banglore and Amerigon Electric Vehicle Technologies (AEVT Inc) of the US.
The company’s aim was to develop and produce an affordable compact electric car. At the same time, other car manufacturing company was planning to produce electric car but in 2001 RECC launched their first successful electric car.
Reva Electric Car Company joined with different automotive experts and components manufacturing companies to develop the components for the Reva. Inc. of USA developed a Motor Controller specifically for the car, Tudor India Limited supplied customized Prestolite batteries, and The Charger for Reva was developed by Modular Power Systems of USA (a division of TDI Power).
After that REC started manufacturing chargers themselves through collaboration with MPS and The Maini Groups.
In 2009, Reva unveiled their future model Reva NXR and Reva NXG at the Frankfurt Motor Show. at the event, Reva and General Motors India declared their technical collaboration to develop an affordable EV for the Indian market. After this collaboration, General Motors India Declared an electric version of the hatchback at New Delhi Auto Expo 2010.
The hatchback name was the e-Spark and Reva was to provide battery technology.
Aquisation of Mahindra and RECC:
Mahindra & Mahindra, India’s largest sports utility vehicle and tractor manufacturer, acquired a 55.2% controlling stake in Reva on May 26, 2010. The company was renamed Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Private Limited after the acquisition. Pawan Goenka, Mahindra’s president of an automotive business, was named chairman of the new company. As a result of the ownership transition, General Motors backed out of the e-spark collaboration with Reva.
Mahindra Reva electric car price
The Reva electric car has now been discontinued but still, people have a craze about this car. The price of this car is in Delhi Rs. 3.76 Lakh.
About the Future of Electric Vehicles in India:
The future of electric vehicles in India is right now in a great position. The government is planning to up to 2030 expect 70% EV market will expand for all commercial vehicles, 40% for buses, and 80% for three-wheelers.
The government is going to take initiative for the electric vehicles, increase awareness about the pollution due to vehicles, and the most advanced features have come in the EV Sector. In FY 2023, over 1 million units were sold for the first time ever and it is the highest annual growth in any developing country.
The electric vehicle sector in India has grown dramatically over the years, providing EV customers and manufacturers ample time to learn about the new technology and conduct R&D.
In light of the EV revolution, numerous government and non-government groups have released several growth estimates that point to a hopeful future for EVs in India.
Read Also: Nexon EV Facelift: A Step Forward in Electric Mobility
First Electric Car in India FAQs:
What was the name of the first electric car In India?
The first electric car Name in India was ‘LoveBird’.
Which is the first successful electric car in India?
The REVA electric car was successful in India.
Why did LoveBird fail in India?
Due to poor sales in India production has been stopped.
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