Automotive News reports that Th!nk is about to offer their new City car for sale in the USA. The Th!nk City glides from rest to 30mph (ha!) in 6.5 seconds, tops-out at just over 60 mph and sports ABS, dual airbags and air con. Th!nk claims she'll go (slightly) more than 100 miles between charges. Obviously, not a road tripper, but for running down the street to buy orange juice, not a bad option. Especially if your bicycle has a flat. Aside from folks being put off by the City's diminutive size, we only foresee one real hurdle — the damn price. Th!nk wants you (yes you) to cough-up somewhere between $15k and $17k for the City. That's some serious cash– especially when compared to $12k for a Smart ForTwo or $15k for a "real" car like a Suzuki SX4. On top of that, Th!nkers are going to be charged an additional $100 – $200 per month for battery rental. Yeesh. And here's our favorite part — Tesla's making the batteries! That's it — I'm starting an Electric Lawsuit Watch series.
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Despite my fondness for the idea of running on electric power, for this one, I Th!nk not. No go. Kaput. Fuhgedaboudit. Aint’gonnahappendotcom.
I’ll wait for a reputable manufacturer like Subaru or Mitsubishi, Nissan or Toyota, before I consider a commuter electric car, thanks.
City only? Why not a bicycle instead and it costs a ton less than 17k. I go grocery shopping on my motorcycle (just me & the wife to feed) from time to time with a backpack & it works just fine.
For that kind of money, forget both the City car and the Smart. Buy a Civic, instead.
Hmmm – For a city car, all you really need is a glorified golf cart
I was busy taking a bit of time this morning looking at these little micro-vehicles (some on 3 wheels, some on 2) – look at the $1995 30cc Linkai Yamaha (licensed Yamaha engine) at this web site for example. (Scroll down after link)
http://www.gekgo.com/gas-scooters_pre-owned.html
But then I stop to think about the knuckle-dragging, sub-moronic imbecile “drivers” / vague aimers of deadly projectiles out on Michigan roads and the fact that we have 6 months of winter and 6 months of road construction, and think better of it.
Then I thank God I had enough smarts to get a Prius (not a Smart – i.e. “DUMB” car).
I’m pulling 49.5 mpg on my commute with Mrs. in the Prius since the weather is suddenly above 37 degrees & the snow tires are gone (after months and months and months….)
I’m definitely NOT going to rent or lease any integral part of my car. I don’t care if the salesman promises me that it makes good economic sense.
Let’s see the cost to drive the car is the cost of electricity plus $200 for the battery per month. Maybe if I liked endless car payments or lease plans.
Um, I think not.
I WANT an EV but not going to buy something that has a potential built-in obsolescence.
“Oh we’re sorry, now that we’ve got you by the short hairs and after raising the battery rental rates every month for the part 5 years, we have now decided to discontinue the battery rental program. We’re sorry for any inconvenience that this might cause… Bye bye now!”
Two days later I get a call from a company who will come collect my now useless vehicle for a small charge. No thanks.
It’s just like the cellphone RACKET. Certain phones, certain features in certain areas, and they want to tie me into a contract with the promise of new features and a new phone. Subscription plan. No thanks.
Oh, and you can leave me a message at home on my answering machine (that had a low purchase price and no subscription) and I’ll call you back later when it’s convenient for me.
Now back to using Linux which also does not have a subscription fee nor built-in obsolescence.
A small correction: Tesla is not making the batteries for Think.
EnerDel Press Release
I got to the $15K-$17K part and was thinking, “even for a two-place, not bad.” A price of $15K to $17K would be less than half the cost of a Volt and less than a Prius, although for a less capable vehicle. Still… 100 mile range on electric, not bad.
And this all whirled through my head just before I reached “battery rental.”
Forget that.
I hope this is seriously updated over their previous vehicle, but the stats sound similar. That thing was a glorified golf cart with a tonka plastic cover that put your head about 2.5′ off the ground. Going 60mph in it was actually quite fun in that near death experience kinda way.
“On top of that, Th!nkers are going to be charged an additional $100 – $200 per month for battery rental.”
Damn you!! I almost pissed my pants laughing when I read that. It’s a joke – isn’t it?
I drive a Land Cruiser and spend less than $200 per month on fuel. The price of the battery rental is ridiculous. I may sometimes wonder if the eco-left is using their brains, but I doubt too many of them that aren’t filthy rich will buy into this rotten deal.