"The mindset of the customer has undergone a sea change in the last 10 years"

Congratulations on having completed 10 years in India. How has the market evolved in these 10 years?

The market is definitely evolving in India, and I can say that the development is happening on the positive side. The mindset of the customers too has undergone a significant change over the last 10 yearspeople are more aware about electric vehicles than what they used to be. The perception has changed and electric vehicles are now being looked as a vehicle of convenience and with low maintenance. The increase in petrol prices, climate change, and awareness about ecology conservation, technology and the recent announcement of subsidies by the government for electric vehicles makes the growth horizon looks wider and brighter.

Can you elaborate on some of the technological advancements made in the manufacturing of electric vehicles. And how is Reva looking out for IT as an enabler for the automotive sector?

The manufacturing of electric vehicles in the last few years has been witnessing major technological advancements. Significant work in the area of Lithium ion batteries have helped overcome the traditional limitations of electric vehicles in terms of driving range, charging time, etc. For instance, the Reva NXR-Lithium will have a driving range of 160 km and can be charged in about an hour with a fast charge.

The other major technological advancement is in the area of connectivity. Every car will have built in telematics capabilities which will open up a number of unique user experiences. While connectivity in conventional cars will ensure seamless infotainment experiences, electric cars take this one step further. The electric car allows transfer of data, information, and commands across the user, the car and the service network. This helps the user obtain information about the car and also control some of its functions through his mobile phone.

Reva cars have always been fitted with on-board computers that collect and analyze data. Combined with off-board information processing, IT has always been integral to the service process at Reva. The new connected car paradigm expands the usage of IT to several areas that include a gamut of pre-sale, post-sale, and lifetime management of the vehicle. Some areas to be mentioned are customization and personalization, prognosis and diagnosis, fleet management, charge station management, and value added infotainment services, etc.

How is the governments support towards manufacturing of electric vehicles in India?

The recent subsidies announced by governmentMNRE have been of great significance to us. The cap on the incentive for an electric car is `100,000. Mahindra Reva will save `75,000 approximately on each car, the benefits therein will be passed on to buyers. There is a positive change in the governments mindset now, and that shows the potential for growth in this segment. We hope there is long-term potential support by the government in the future.

Can you elaborate on the R&D activities of Reva and what are your investment plans?

Mahindra Revas high technology focus has always meant that most of the investments are into R&D. We have been constantly working on several areas of EV specific technologies. Some examples are battery initiatives wherein we are working with global partners; battery management, an area in which we hold several international patents; telematics where we have several unique offerings. There are also several other areas like EV drive trains, charge systems, and in-vehicle electronics we are constantly working on.

How is India performing in EV technology and concepts? Is the technology used in Reva at par with global EVs? How are you addressing issues related to speed, comfort, safety and convenience?

The EV technologies developed for Reva are some of the most advanced technologies available globally today. Reva is a ground-up electric vehicle unlike other converted hybrid electric cars in the market. With more than 7 years of R&D and over 10 patents, a significant amount of IP has been created in battery and energy management systems. The design is modular in nature and several systems are software upgradeable. Reva is continuously investing in research and developed Indias first fuel cell car prototype in July 2004.

Pragyan Acharya
pragyana@cybermedia.co.in