Also, under existing law, Revas pays only a 17 percent import fee, considerably lower than the average 50 percent import fees for cars in the Costa Rican market.īut perhaps the most significant benefit of the Reva is its low environmental impact, including near-elimination of carbon emissions (in Costa Rica, over 90 percent of electricity is produced using hydropower and other clean sources). Its body is constructed completely of dent-proof recycled material and its air conditioning is powered by a second electric motor. “That was my transportation cost for the day,” Echeverri said.īenefits to Driving Electric Aside from the cost benefits of owning an automobile that isn’t subject to gas prices, the Reva also can boast other unique features. Before he left, he gave the friend ¢100 (about $0.19) to cover the cost of the electricity used. Echeverri joked that one night at a party in Escazú, west of San José, he plugged his Reva into an outlet in a friend’s garage for a few hours to generate enough charge for the return trip home. “If someone who drives to work in a gasoline-fueled car every day were to switch to an electric car, that person would save several thousands of dollars on gas expenses each year.”Īccording to Echeverri, an eight-hour charge of the Reva costs less than $1 in electricity fees. “Studies have shown that over 95 percent of all vehicles in the world drive less than 80 kilometers each day, all fueled by fossil fuels,” said Luis Echeverri, manager of the Reva offices in Costa Rica. If a Monday-through-Friday round-trip commute is around 10 kilometers, an eight-hour charge on Sunday night would provide sufficient energy for the entire week. That means that when the Reva is not moving, no charge is expended. For example, in stop-and-go traffic, electricity is used only when accelerating. The car is equipped with “smart” technology. Though the car will not travel great distances, and it cannot carry more than two adults, the Reva is designed for urban driving and areas of high traffic, such as San José and the Central Valley. With a full charge, the Reva can travel 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) on the standard batteries, and up to 120 kilometers with the optional lithium ones. To fully charge the car, the Reva must be plugged in for eight hours. ![]() To charge the batteries, the Reva must be plugged into a 110 or 220-volt electrical outlet. The Reva is powered by an electric motor that uses a power pack consisting of eight six-volt EV-type lead acid batteries, or an optional lithium ion battery pack that provides greater range. “We wanted to bring in a car that could be used in the city and that would not require gasoline. “When we created the relationship with REVA, they were interested in Costa Rica because of the country’s commitment to the environment and our measures to decrease the amount of pollution in methods of transportation,” said Emilio Mora, president of the local company. According to the company’s promotion materials, “reva” means “a new beginning” and also “one that What they found was the Reva, produced by the REVA Electric Car Company (RECC) of Bangalore, India. Founded in 2008, the company began a search for an automobile that would minimize environmental impact and would not require consumption of fossil fuels. The Reva was introduced by the Zero Emission Electrical Vehicles Company of Central America, S.A., a private company based in San José. We want to show people that we don’t need to have something big and luxurious to do some of the things that are needed as far as getting around.” ![]() When we do get it, it is something we are going to be very proud of. “We (the British Embassy) are in the throes of buying an electric car from Reva. “If there is a country in the world where electric cars should be able to work, it is Costa Rica because the electricity is produced so cleanly,” said Kate Cruse, sustainable operations officer at the British Embassy in Costa Rica. ![]() ![]() Last year, 20 Revas were sold in Costa Rica and, as their mini-profile becomes more prevalent, the little cars are attracting more attention. Since its debut on the Tico automotive market in March 2009, the appearance of the Reva on San José streets has generated the interest of environmentally conscious drivers. The Reva, pint-sized even by mini-car standards, is the first all-electric car to hit the streets throughout Central America. But, in the last few months, the smallest car on the road is beginning to attract attention. Amidst the endless swarm of bright red taxis and grunting motorcycles zipping through the streets of San José, automobiles rarely stand out in the blur of city traffic.
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