THINK to sell City EV in New York, followed by other U.S. cities

THINK has announced that it will begin selling its Think City electric car in New York later this year, with other select cities to follow soon after. The THINK City EV is one of the world's first highway-capable electric vehicles.



THINK, a Norwegian electric vehicle maker that was once owned by Ford, says that it is in the final stages of working with the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program to bring the THINK City EV to New York before the close of 2010.

The THINK City is roughly the same size and shape as Daimler's gas-powered Smart car, but instead relies on a purely electric drivetrain to get around. The THINK City has a maximum range of 160 kilometers - or roughly 100 miles - with a top speed of 62 miles per hour. The THINK City is a 2+2 (optional rear seats), comes with two airbags, ABS and power windows and mirrors in addition to key technologies associated with its electric drivetrain.

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"Use of EVs will provide a clean, cost effective alternative to the use of gasoline powered light-duty vehicles by public and private fleets," said Christina Ficicchia, executive director of the New York City Lower Hudson Valley Clean Communities. "We are excited to work with THINK North America, a U.S.-based manufacturer of electric vehicles; and support incentives for clean transportation."

THINK's lithium-ion battery system is made in the U.S. by Ener1, Inc., located in New York City. THINK also says that it has applied for Department of Energy loans and has announced plans to establish a U.S.-based production facility in 2011, located in Elkhart County, Indiana.

Pricing for the THINK City has not yet been released for the U.S., but it is estimated to range from approximately $15-20,000.