Chennai, 17 December 2007: Chennai based Bavina enterprises, is all set to launch its electric cars in India. The company is planning to introduce both 2-seater as well as 4-seater cars, so as to compete with Maini Group's long-standing model, Reva. The car looks more like a mixed up version of the Old Hyundai Santro and Daewoo Matiz. Its been few years since “Maini” launced its 2 seater electric version but could not have much luck with the Reva.

The fully-loaded version of the Bavina car will cost around Rs.2.4 lakh and will boast facilities including AC, power window and centralized locking, like any other small, premium hatch-back. The fully-charged car would run for 130 km with AC switched on and another 20 kms without AC. It reaches maximum speed of 55 kmph and can be limited to 40km/h .

Parts of the vehicle like electric motor, body shell, battery and charger would be imported initially from China. The company would be assembling the parts at its Chennai city facility and by April next year, the company would set up its own production unit at Marakkanam, about 100 km from Chennai. At first the company would roll out 5,000 cars per year and the numbers would gradually go up. By the end of 2008, the company plans to introduce eco-fridendly taxis, first in Delhi and Chennai, ans later on in all the major cities of South India, including, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Hyderabad.

The six lead-acid batteries in the car would last up to 65,000 kms or a minimum of one-and-a-half years, he said. The replacement cost could be around Rs 21,000. This would come down to Rs 12,000 when the company introduces a three-battery version within two years.