Nano prompts first demo model of Oreva e-car

Published October 9, 2008
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3 min read

Amid unprecedented excitement triggered by Tata Motors' entry into Gujarat for its dream Nano car project, the renowned Ajanta Group of Morbi has quietly launched the first demo model of its small e-car under Oreva brand

Ajanta Group is already an international name in clocks. It also manufactures many household electronics items under Orpat brand. Last year, the company launched e-bike under Oreva brand. It became an instant hit with women and teenagers in particular.

The company had been meaning to make a small e-car after the success and increasing popularity of its e-bike. The announcement of Nano from Tata Motors made the Ajanta Group bigwigs determined to manufacture an affordable e-car under Oreva brand.

The Ajanta Group director Jaysukh Patel had said a few months ago: "We're already into manufacturing e-bikes. With almost similar technology, it's not difficult for us to produce an e-car. As we can produce 70 per cent of its parts in-house, we surely have an edge over other such vehicles as far as pricing is concerned."

Though neither Patel nor any other person revealed any detail about the manufacturing of Oreva e-car, it is learnt from reliable sources that the company bought about half-a-dozen different e-cars from different manufacturers for a comprehensive study by its engineers and mechanics.

Within a few months the first demo model of the Oreva e-car was ready at the company's unit at Samakhiyali in Kutch district, where the Oreva e-bike is also manufactured. But somehow it was not put on a display for the public. But the moment Nano landed in Gujarat, the company launched the Oreva e-car model first at Samakhiyali and the vehicle was driven to Rajkot on Wednesday.

"I can't disclose anything. I can't say when the Oreva e-car will actually enter the market. Nor can I say about its pricing. Nothing has been decided as yet. But it's going to be an affordable car," Rajesh Nathwani, national marketing head, Oreva E-bike, told "With the fuel prices rocketing by the day, there is no reason why the Oreva e-car shouldn't be popular; and in demand. And it's completely pollution-free, too. But this is the only model of Oreva e-car we've manufactured so far. So you'll have to wait and watch!"

It is a fair guess that Oreva e-car will be priced between Rs. 90,000 and Rs. 100,000. If, of course, the company starts manufacturing the e-car in a large number for sale in near future, that is.

The Oreva e-car is now on display at the company's showroom at Gondal Road, Rajkot. "We've received a lot of inquiries about the Oreva e-car. Many people wanted us to even book their orders. It shows that when officially launched for sale, this dream e-car will be a smashing success," said Yogesh Tank, owner of the Oreva Auto showroom, Rajkot.

The only electric car presently available in India is Reva.

Specifications:

1. Seating capacity : 2 adults + 2 children. 4 seater
2. Load capacity : 400 kgs.
3. Motor power : 3000Watt, 48V AC
4. Battery Rating : 145Ah / 6V x 8nos.
5. Charging time : 8 - 10 hours.
6. Electricity consumption / charge: 9.6 units*
7. Maximum speed : 55 km / hr.
8. Range per charge : 110 km/charge**
9. Battery life : 350 cycles**
10 Ground clearence : 110mm
11.Dimensions : 3000 x 1515 x 1600mm ( LxWxH )
12.Brake type : Drum.
13.Turning Radius : 4.6 meter.
14.Gradablity : 13 degree.
15.Charger : 25A 48V.
16.Drive type : Rear wheel drive.
17.Steering system: Rack and pinion type.