The U.S.-based auto major General Motors on Thursday joined hands with Reva Electric Car Company for developing electric vehicles for the Indian market, which would hit the market within next year. The proposed electric car will be based on the platform of GM’s compact car Chevrolet Spark and will be sold in both India and abroad.
Announcing the “unique partnership” here, GM India President and Managing Director Karl Slym said: “The initiative is aimed at developing affordable small car platform-based electric vehicles to the market in line with government objective 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 electric vehicles”.
Mr. Slym said the first car would be an electric Chevrolet Spark, while in future other options would also be tried. “We have already started working on test vehicles, besides undertaking feasibility study. For sales, our initial focus will be on the domestic market, but we also plan to take this car to overseas market where Spark is currently being sold,” he added.
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Reva Electric Car Company Deputy Chairman and CTO Chetan Maini said: “Both the partners will use their respective strengths with the aim of making India a global hub for the development and manufacture of electric vehicles and related technologies. The electric car will be available in a series of battery options and price points. We aim to expand the market for electric vehicles in India. The collaboration will help streamline this and also help us grow by using GM’s network,” he added.
Both GM India and Reva would also work closely with the Centre and State governments to develop infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and provide specific financial benefits to consumers to help them adopt an environment-friendly mode of personal transport.