The Reva dc-drive (known as the G-Wiz in the UK) is the car that started the electric car revolution. It gained popularity in London thanks to its exemption from the London Congestion Charge.
The car is a small city car in a similar vein to the Smart and the new Toyota IQ. Like the Toyota, ... Read review
Advantages: Small, economical, electric car. Practical around cities, great visibility, easy to park. Disadvantages: Handling, ride, up-hill performance, safety.
The Reva dc-drive (known as the G-Wiz in the UK) is the car that started the electric car revolution. It gained popularity in London thanks to its exemption from the London Congestion Charge.
The car is a small city car in a similar vein to the Smart and the new Toyota IQ. Like the Toyota, it has seating for two adults and two small children.
The car is designed purely for in-town use. Top speed is 40mph and the car ... ...town although hill-climbing abilities are poor.
The car is extremely practical as a two seat city car. The turning circle is tiny and the length of the car means it can be parked end-on at the side of the road. As a consequence, there is never a problem with finding a parking space even when other cars find it impossible to park.
With the rear seats folded down there is a generously sized boot space that will easily ... more
The Reva dc-drive (known as the G-Wiz in the UK) is the car that started the electric car revolution. It gained popularity in London thanks to its exemption from the London Congestion Charge.
The car is a small city car in a similar vein to the Smart and the new Toyota IQ. Like the Toyota, it has seating for two adults and two small children.
The car is designed purely for in-town use. Top speed is 40mph and the car has a range of 30-40 miles. Performance is adequate around town although hill-climbing abilities are poor.
The car is extremely practical as a two seat city car. The turning circle is tiny and the length of the car means it can be parked end-on at the side of the road. As a consequence, there is never a problem with finding a parking space even when other cars find it impossible to park.
With the rear seats folded down there is a generously sized boot space that will easily carry the weekly shopping with space to spare. I often use mine for trips to the tip or for carrying around computer equipment to and from customer sites. A secure hidden luggage compartment is also hidden underneath the bonnet.
As a four seat car, the car does have its limitations - the rear seat is suitable only for children and there is not much room for luggage when there are four people in the car. However, for a car that is designed to take the kids too and from school, and potter to the shops and the like, it is perfectly adequate.
The car is fun to drive around town with reasonable performance from 0-20. Brakes take a bit of getting used to – the motor switches into a generator and recharges the batteries which slows the car down. Only if you push the brake pedal hard do the actual brakes need to get used.
The car can be recharged from any mains electrical socket. A full charge takes around 8 hours, but a 'top up' charge is considerably quicker - an 80% charge takes around 2½ hours.
The car has good grip levels, especially in wet and icy conditions, although in general handling and ride are poor. The car handles deep snow better than any other car I've ever driven.
The interior of the car is very basic and does not come up to the same levels of refinement as any other car. However, that does add to its overall charm - the seats are comfortable enough and the switchgear falls easily to hand.
