Last chance for the Reva down under
I’d expect the Aussies to show more bottle than this.
Today’s meeting of Australian state and territory transport ministers will be the last chance for them to give a positive assessment of the Indian-built Reva electric car. The Howard government is opposed to the Reva saying it does not meet basic safety standards. 
Their official line is that "This is an issue that needs careful consideration as the Australian government will not put lives at risk on our roads."
Come on, guys! The Reva shouldn’t have to meet the same safety standards required of open road vehicles because it’s meant to operate as an urban commuter vehicle.
What are they scared about? Do they imagine that if vehicles like this are allowed the roads are going to be full of farming quad bikes and golf buggies? That’s not exactly the experience in other countries.
Besides, this little Dinky toy only does about 80km on a full 'tank', so it's hardly going to be the vehicle of choice for trips across the Australian wilderness. Mind you, with all that sunshine, maybe you will eventually see them clustered around Ayers Rock. It all depends on today's decision, so watch this space.
Christine Gupta
It's not looking good. Adelaide Now reports that the Reva electric car appears certain to be destroyed this week at the instructions of the Australian Federal Government's Department of Transport and Regional services.
"I hate to say this, but crushing it appears the only option, otherwise we would be liable for a fine that could be as much as $166,000," says the importer, Solar Shops in Adelaide.
I'd be out there with my protest placard on the street right now if it wasn't the other side of the world.
Christine Gupta
Latest news - Australia's Federal Government has declined to approve the Western Australian Government's plan to crash test the Reva.
Get this. Federal Roads Minister Jim Lloyd says more information about the proposed trial is needed before he will approve it.
"Those issues include insurance, the purpose and period of any trial, any conditions or restrictions that would be put on the vehicles," he said.
"[Also] who are the people that would be involved in the trial, would there be any children involved in the trial, how many vehicles, who would own the vehicles?"
What is he getting so hung up about, fer gawd's sake? This is a vehicle that's classed as a quadricycle in Europe. With a top speed of 45mph it's hardly boy-racer material.
And I thought the UK was the only nanny state.
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