F1: Integration of Formula E

Previously known as Reva NXR, it had a few interesting concepts, ranging from Roof Mounted Solar Panel to the remote access of the car’s energy management system, which serves as virtual backup battery. It would have been really interesting if there was a Solar Panel mounted on its roof for the immediate recharge of the batteries in the production model, although it would have been pushing the boundaries way beyond the current scenario.

Under Reva, the NXR was tipped to have solar panels, which would store energy in the Reva’s battery, with an option of turning the car into a mini power plant by connecting an inverter to the battery, and transmitting the electricity generated to the grid. However, the company now offers a regular solar charging dock, which is priced at ?1.5 lacs. The high cost of the vehicle is only due to the high cost of lithium ion batteries, which costs 30-40% of the total cost of the vehicle, and has to be replaced every five years.

Both the BMW i3 and the E2O are two different products, although launched in the similar time frame. It’s ironic that the various Reva models, despite their criticism, is one of the most sold EVs until 2009. It can be argued that the E2O is not the true product from Mahindra, as it has been under production even before Mahindra acquired the company. It would be interesting to see what Mahindra has to offer in the future, as they have some ambitious plans for India.

Although we can’t compare these two products, it has to be said that Mahindra has lost the plot, as they had tremendous hype from their new stable. However, BMW i3 can be said as the perfect product to emerge out of Munich in a while. Although it might be still a difficult task to convince the masses, the ‘i’ series from BMW should help EVs to look forward in the future.

However, we still feel that the EVs have a troubled execution, and there will be an elephant in the room, which one is supposed to ignore when considering these EVs. It’s about the time to do a full charge, and also the working range, which is the most important factor for many. In case of additional mobility plan from BMW, which should be seen as a desperate attempt to convince the masses, there is a long way to go before these products become mainstream.

Although, the need of the hour is for these products to go mainstream, which will eventually change the face of this planet if everyone chooses these products over the conventional engines. But still, it has to be noted the real change will occur when the electricity required to charge these vehicles comes from a renewable source of energy, rather than coal or gas.

If one has to charge the EV and still use the electricity coming from the coal based power plant, the issues might just get multiplied, and the EVs which comes out as a solution, become the problem. Simply put, countries like India, which sources 90% of power from non renewable sources of energy, simply don’t have scope of these vehicles just yet.