The G-Wiz from GoinGreen is manufactured
by the Reva Electric Car Company and is the best selling electric car in
the UK.
The G-Wiz is emission free, with no
exhaust emissions. It uses just one quarter as much energy as a similar
size small car with an internal combustion engine.
The G-Wiz is now in
its third model variant, the G-Wiz i. The latest model features an
advanced ac powertrain for a smoother more powerful ride, an anti-roll
bar for improved handling, a new crash tested safety package, new front
disc brakes which improve braking performance by 30%, improved vision
and driving position, improved certified top speed of 50 mph, nippy
acceleration and excellent value for money. The G-Wiz i seats two adults
and has two small folding rear seats for small children or the
shopping. There are also a number of upgrade options available on the
AC Drive including a Lithium-ion battery, air-con, leather seats, paint
colour and alloy wheels.
As well as being green, the G-Wiz makes financial sense too. Due
to its zero emissions, it is exempt from road tax and the London
Congestion Charge. Businesses benefit from 100% year 1 tax write
down and company car tax rate of just 9%. A years
fuels, or electricity in this case works out to just £50 on average or
1.3p/mile. There are more and more parking incentives to take
advantage of too in London, details of which can be found
here.
The G-Wiz is fully automatic and well
suited to slow speeds of London traffic although it is limited by its
top speed on faster road.
It is constructed from a stainless steel safety cage with 100% recyclable ABS
body panels. Power comes from 8 x 6v lead acid batteries connected in
series with a regenerative braking system. Charging takes between
2.5 to 8 hours for a full charge from a standard main socket or from one
of the increasing number of car parks with free charging facilities.
NEWS UPDATE: REVA has confirmed the
launch of its G-Wiz lithium-ion battery
powered electric car.
There will also be an upgrade option for existing G-Wiz AC and DC
drivers. First customer deliveries are expected to commencing May
2009.
75 miles with the
G-Wiz L-ion.
Notes
G-Wiz is carbon neutral: GoinGreen will off-set the CO2 produced during the
manufacture, shipping and first two year's driving for every G-Wiz sold
via contributions to Climate Care.
Reviewed by Gary Webb from London on 27
November 2009
G-Wiz: I test drove
the G-wiz because I wanted to feel the performance of an electric car.
Having read online reviews I chose the G-Wiz for its popularity and
numbers sold. I found the drive of (G-Wiz i) very smooth and a lot
faster than I expected. Apparently the older DC technology has been
superseded with AC (though I'm not technical minded). Overall it handled
traffic flow effortlessly and using the boost mode accelerated happily
up hills. I would recommend buying one, though I think i may just test
drive an old DC model to really get a feel between the two models.
Reviewed by Bob T from London on 14th
October 2007
(G Wiz tested 2005) Probably the biggest
surprise was that inside that tiny body there was comfortable room for a
very large person (myself) as well as the person from the distributors.
Furthermore there was space for a number of suitcases at the back. The
ride and steering were quite heavy. I tried its hill-climbing abilities
on Haverstock Hill and it maintained around 20-25mph but could get no
information on how this might reduce the range. Two minor issues that I
didn't pursue are heating for winter use (this is electrical and adds to
battery drain). Also the maintenance/longevity of the lead acid
batteries. Some might feel uncomfortable about impact protection for
rear seat passengers. But all in all I found it a minimal but practical
vehicle for use in London.
