Reva fanboy drives the NXR, loves it [w/VIDEO]
Reva NXR - Click above for high res image gallery
You might call Mike Boxwell something of a Reva fanboy. Not only is the British electric vehicle advocate (and solar electricity author) a proud G-Wiz owner, he is also the force behind Reva Car Club, an internet forum based around the company and its products. Being such a big-time booster, it's little wonder that when Mike traveled to the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show where Reva's new models were being debuted, not only could he get a one-on-one interview with CEO Chetan Maini, but he also snagged a chance to drive their new NXR before any fancy-pants auto journalists. So what does he think of this new, possibly America-bound, electric offering? He likes it!
Before heading for Germany, Mike took it upon himself to try out Ford Ka, so as to have something to measure the NXR against and in almost every way the Indian electric matched up quite well. Fit and finish was comparable, with the materials in the interior of the Reva being somewhat snazzier. Our enthusiast also found the NXR to be a lot more roomy than the Ka both in the front seats and back. The only place the Ford seemed to excel was the satisfying "thunk" of the closing door, though Boxwell was assured that this and other minor details would be improved before actual production. You can read Mike's written review at Reva Car Club and hit the jump to watch the video of his NXR first-drive as well as his interview of Mr. Maini interspersed with shots from inside both the NXR and their sporty NXG.
Gallery: Reva NXR
[Source: Reva Car Club]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
smartacus 10:17PM (10/27/2009)
OMG I love this car. And they didn't get Government assistance, bankrolled by taxpayers without their signatures.
That's why those Fiskers and Volts in the news are in the same category as the Russian Bailout Billionairess:
http://www.luxist.com/2009/03/20/russias-richest-woman-seeks-government-bailout/
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polo 2:25AM (10/28/2009)
"And they didn't get Government assistance, bankrolled by taxpayers without their signatures."
Yeah. They're getting taxbreaks to build $25million-dollar plant here in upstate NY where alot of major manufactures including Magna already have or are in the process of pulling out. You won't find a single taxpayer here who has a problem with that. idiot.
Throwback 8:03AM (10/28/2009)
Polo, a tax break is not the same as taking tax dollars and "loaning" it to a company. If the business is profitable they can reinvest those profits instead of paying taxes. Using tax dollars for a private enterprise means those dollars can't go for other things, like upgrading schools, paving roads etc.
polo 12:30PM (10/28/2009)
-Polo, a tax break is not the same as taking tax dollars and "loaning" it to a company. If the business is profitable they can reinvest those profits instead of paying taxes.
What are you talking about? They're receiving tax breaks (under Empire Zone status), as well as loan incentives, to build here. Its the same for the majority of good paying manufactures here. Without them they would not even
-Using tax dollars for a private enterprise means those dollars can't go for other things, like upgrading schools, paving roads etc."
And not using tax dollars to entice local development would mean a net loss in tax base as the jobs from companies that close and move out are not replaced new jobs like these - which in turn would mean less money for schools, roads, etc. The investment in tax dollars is more than offset by the gain in taxes from the good paying jobs. Its economics 101 and how most cities compete for plants like this (there were 12 other cities competing for the Reva plant). The fact is, you can argue and whine all you want but nobody who lives here who actually pays the tax dollars you are whining about is complaining.
Rain 1:24AM (10/28/2009)
Mike is a car Guy first and foremost and happens to be attached to the Reva G-wiz'.
Check out his site,its a good place to while away some free time and get to know People who actually get to drive BEV's everyday.
Don't be put off by that Jeremy Clarkson/Top Gear rubbish,i think that Reva will become
one of the popular marques in the new BEV world order.
Now,when exactly can We expect them in the states?
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polo 2:38AM (10/28/2009)
I just read in the paper that they are going to be manufacturing the NXR here as a 2-seater for $17K (55mph/50mile range, lead acid batteries), along with a $20-$25K hatchback 4-seater (65mph) and a premium model that goes to 100mph (with 100-120mile range on lithium batteries).
Here's video from the Reva press conference:
http://videos.syracuse.com/post-standard/2009/10/the_reva_electric_car_news_con.html
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polo 2:43AM (10/28/2009)
Here's the article link about the announcement:
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/10/reva_cars_built_in_onondaga_co.html
They'll be available fall 2010!
oobflyer 1:09AM (10/29/2009)
It's an investment, get over it dittoheads.
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