The 1993 ECC Lovebird was way ahead of its time and paved the way for today’s EV makers nearly three decades ago
Wondering which is the first electric car of India? No, it’s not the Reva. Well, it’s the Eddy Current Controls’ “Lovebird”. Wanna know more about it? Read on guys, it’s worth your time!
Electric cars in India
Eddy Current Controls (India) in collaboration with Yaskawa Electric Mfg, a Company of Japan has built the car
India is facing a shift in automotive trends. It is because of the growing interest in electric vehicles (EV). More and more consumers are leaning towards EVs as they are more efficient. At times when fuel prices are skyrocketing, EVs seem like a good alternative. They provide a good driving range and are good for B2B businesses.
Last-mile delivery services also depend on EVs in India. But it has only started to see a growth pattern post-pandemic times. Nonetheless, the pattern seems to be on a steady growth.
The biggest upheaval of the EV market in India is yet to come and automakers are prepping their cars for it. Mahindra and Mahindra and Tata Motors are the ones who have already started the EV game in India.
It's time to turn back the clock and revisit memories of how the EV game started in the country! So, sit back and read on to know this rich and fulfilled story.
The Tata Tigor EV and the Tata Nexon EV are two of the cars which have gained traction in the EV market.
Mahindra has also announced the launch of newer electric vehicles in India. But the question that ponders in everyone’s mind is how did the EV surge start in India. Did it begin right away or is there a history to it? Also, some of you might be wondering which is the first electric car in India, right?
This Is The 1993 ECC Lovebird | India’s First Electric Car
Eddy Electric series built India’s first electric car, the Lovebird
Time Travell to 1993
Way back in 1993, the Eddy Electric series built India’s first electric car, the Lovebird. The vehicle was first showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo.
Due to its unique design and well of course being an electric vehicle, it seemed so futuristic back in the day. So, naturally, it received many awards as well.
The vehicle was first showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo 1993
Eddy Current Controls (India) has created the Lovebird with all love. The company built it in collaboration with Yaskawa Electric Mfg. Company of Japan. The car was so cool that the brand gets its approval for starting production. The manufacturing begins at the plant in Chalakudy Kerala and Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. It soon became news all throughout India.
Although the fascination for it grew, the want for owning one seemed less in numbers. Only 25 units flew off the production line. So, it was evident that the production had to come to an end. It was quite unfortunate!
The Lovebird and its specs
As for its powertrain, it gets a 5 hp DC series motor linked to a rechargeable lead-acid battery pack
What made the Lovebird particularliy special?
The ECC Lovebird is fun looking two-seater car. It was equipped with a 5 hp DC series motor linked to a rechargeable lead-acid battery pack. The battery capacity was 5.4 kilowatt-hour. The reason why it had a mere lead-acid battery pack is that back in the day, the technology was not so advanced.
Moreover, the configuration did allow the car to reach speeds of up to 50kmph. Not bad, isn’t it? What blows our mind is the tech behind it. It had the old MOSFET chopper base. Well, what is MOSFET Chopper, you may ask?
A chopper is basically a static power electronics device. This device converts fixed DC voltage or power to variable DC voltage or power. Interesting ain’t it! Further, the ECC Lovebird also had a transmission that performed torque multiplication. It was a four-speed gearbox with reverse. This helped the car to climb steep roads, well not without struggles. As for charging time, it took 6 to 8 hours to juice up the battery pack.
Is lovebird a goner?
Why did they end production?
Power failures and lack of financial subsides from the government made the car expensive to own, so naturally it came to an end
So, why was it not a huge success?
The Lovebird did get lots of appreciation and love but it was not enough to increase the sales figures. There are plenty of reasons why it did not do well in sales. Even though it is a car with good technology integrated, electric cars were a new concept. Power failures were also common in the country.
This could have been the primary reason ie. deficiency in electricity. There were no subsidies like the FAME-II back then which made them expensive as well. Also, petrol and diesel cars had more space, power, and comfort than the little ECC Lovebird.
The Current Scenario
Automakers still believe to date that the ECC Lovebird paved the way for EV makers and the Indian EV market- SWIPE UP TO READ MORE IN DETAIL.
What’s up with the Auto Industry?
Aside from the fact that the ECC Lovebird did not last long, it still paved the way for EV makers. Indian electric vehicle industry and its products are now slowly on the rise.
Today, with the government’s subsidies and schemes on EVs, the rate of EV adoption is like never before. EVs are being accepted and have become the norm. In fact, due to strict emission norms to reduce global carbon footprint car makers are now forced to conduct R&D.
With the big giants in the auto industry like Mahindra and Hyundai already in the EV game, it is bound to improve.
Thus, this is all about the 1993 ECC Lovebird, to stay up to speed!
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LoveBird : Story of India’s First Electric Car | Electric Vehicles by Electric Vehicles
Keyword: First Electric Car In India