I read an article about release of a new-type electric car. Think Global, the Norwegian company, released a realistic electric cars. Actually, there were many prototypes of electric cars in US market. For example, GM introduced several models of cars and already invested about 4 million dollars to the development of the company's battery research and development operations. But their electric cars were just innovative products. Actually, the cars failed to attract customers except innovators. But Think's car is different. It's more fuel-efficient and cheap that normal cars. Think has been selling gas-free, Lilliputian city cars in Europe and will start peddling them to fuel-crunched Americans in 2009. The company's newly formed North American division has high hopes for Think's existing models—and even higher ones for the upcoming Th!nk Ox, a concept unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show earlier this year.
Electric car is one of the alternatives that will replace gasoline and gas cars. Think's Ox is a preview of Think's next-generation production vehicle, due out in 2011. They planned to introduce more innovative and efficient cars. The Ox can travel between 125 and 155 miles before needing a recharge, and zips from zero to 60 miles per hour in about 8.5 seconds. Its lithium-ion batteries can be charged to 80% capacity in less than an hour, and slender solar panels integrated into the roof power the onboard electronics. It's a surprising performance! Even today, they can make independent electric car market through their products. They said that they will price the cars about $25,000.
Also, Think developed some very distinguished designs. Think's senior vice-president for design, Katinka von der Lippe, says the Ox is a "real car, a big step away from the cuteness of [other] electric vehicles." All that distinguishes the Ox from name-brand, fuel-sipping compact cars, in fact, is its silent hum and zero emissions. They considered their products as gasoline cars. That means they want to increase the efficiency of their cars to the level of gasoline cars. The Ox also embodies the characteristic simplicity of Scandinavian design, featuring uncomplicated lines and clean, uncluttered surfaces. A band of unpainted metal stretches from the front of the vehicle to its rear, revealing the Ox's interior architecture, an aluminum frame. An unassuming grille is tucked between sophisticated sloping headlamps.
The company's business model is very innovative and is similar to that of Dell's, which fueled its rise by ruthlessly optimizing its manufacturing and supply chain. Think's ultralean manufacturing system lets it build production facilities for about $10 million, compared with the billions invested in new plants by old-line manufacturers. That means more factories closer to customers, further cutting costs. I think it will very effective to penetrate niche markets. Maybe someday, the Norwegian company can be a number one producer of entire car industry.
Author: Matt Vella
Title: The Electric Car Lives
Date: June 16, 2008, 12:32PM EST
Page: 1
entry # 15 20700067
