(December 18, 2010) INDIANAPOLIS — THINK, a dedicated electric vehicle maker formerly owned by Ford Motor Company, has delivered its first U.S.-built cars to Indiana for use in its government fleet. The 15 vehicles, which were shipped from THINK’s manufacturing facility in Elkhart, Ind., will be the first electric passenger vehicles with American-made, Lithium-ion batteries used in an American fleet operation.

The first prototype to today’s modern THINK was developed in 1991. Drawing on 19 years of experience in electric vehicle development and production, THINK is not a typical car industry start-up.

The THINK City was put into production in 1999 when Ford became a major shareholder and invested $150 million in THINK during its four years as an owner. Ford divested THINK in 2003.
Today, amidst a wave of environmentalist conscience and climate change awareness, the market for alternative mobility solutions has boomed giving THINK opportunity for growth and enabling the Norwegian-owned manufacturer to expand into the U.S.

Governor Mitch Daniels takes
delivery of the THINK City EV’s
from THINK CEO, Barry Engle

“We’re proud to be the first manufacturer to deliver an all-electric car built in the U.S. with an advanced battery that suits the needs of government and commercial fleet operators,” said THINK CEO Barry Engle. “Our delivery today (in Indianapolis) is part of a larger effort to help transform the U.S. light-duty vehicle fleet from one that is mostly dependent on imported oil, to one that is fueled entirely by domestically produced electric energy.” 

The THINK City model, now in its 5th generation, is an all-electric, zero-emission car designed in Scandinavia for fleet applications and urban commuters. Durable, highly maneuverable and low maintenance, the THINK City can travel 100 miles on a single charge, using advanced Lithium-ion batteries manufactured in Indiana by Ener1, Inc. 

The vehicle has accumulated more than 35 million road miles in customer experience since it was first safety certified in Europe in 1999. 

The vehicle presentation took place at Fort Harrison State Park outside of Indianapolis and was presided over by Governor Mitch Daniels.  The cars were delivered to the Department of Administration and will be used principally by the Department of Natural Resources in the state’s park system.

THINK plans to roll out retail distribution in select U.S. cities in the second half of 2011. The retail distribution timeline coincides with the company’s plans to expand the production line at its Elkhart facility. By the end of 2011, THINK will have more than 100 people in Elkhart building electric cars and more than 415 by the end of 2013. The company also builds the THINK City in Finland for sale in Europe.