GM and Reva to work together on EVs

General Motors is reported to be negotiating with Bangalore-based electric car manufacturer, Reva Electric Car Company for a technical collaboration as well as a 50:50 joint venture. Although GM had unveiled the Chevrolet Volt petrol-electric hybrid last month, the car maker is yet to fully master the electric car technology and is expected to launch the Chevy Volt in 2010.

General Motors India, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Detroit-based carmaker, is said to be holding talks with Reva on behlaf of its parent, for a 50:50 joint venture. The Volt is expected to run up to 40 miles (64 km) daily on a single electric charge, which can be extended to 60 miles (96 km) by extending power source by creating electricity from gasoline, E85 or bio diesel fuels, which recharges the lithium ion battery pack.

But GM wants to use Reva's technology for its 2010 version of the petrol driven Chevy Spark mini car and make it an electric car. The current version of the Chevy Spark is powered by a 1.0-litre engine with 66hp and a 1.2-litre petrol with 78hp. Reva's advanced power management and drivetrain technology, could bring significant cost savings to GM in pricing its electric cars.

Source : Domain-B, September 16th, 2009