Zero to 80 Percent in 15 Minutes: New Benchmark for EV Fast-Charging

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric vehicle manufacturer THINK today announced it will work with AeroVironment, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVAV) (AV), a leading developer and supplier of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, to pursue demonstration and commercial projects using AV's level III fast-charge system and the THINK City electric vehicle.  The projects will be designed to jump-start the development of fast-charge infrastructure in the United States.

The announcement came during a 15 minute news conference at the Washington DC Auto Show. The same amount of time it takes to charge a completely depleted THINK City to 80 percent using an advanced fast-charge system, establishing a new benchmark for the rapidly developing electric vehicle industry.

"THINK and AeroVironment are setting a new standard for quick re-charging – zero to 80 percent in just 15 minutes," said THINK CEO Richard Canny.  "This is a major leap forward for electric vehicles.  The development and deployment of very-fast-charge stations will speed the electrification of automobiles worldwide."

"A safe, reliable and accessible charging infrastructure is necessary for broad adoption of electric vehicles such as the THINK City," said Michael Bissonette, AV senior vice president and general manager of its Efficient Energy Systems business segment.  "Our portfolio of true fast-charge systems and commercial and home charge stations will help drivers integrate electric vehicles into their lives."

THINK also announced EnerDel, an Indiana-based lithium ion battery manufacturer, will be the exclusive battery supplier for THINK City electric vehicles sold in the U.S. through 2012.  EnerDel will also supply about 60 percent of the batteries for THINK vehicles sold in Europe.

THINK City, going on sale in the U.S. late this year, will have a top speed of more than 70 miles per hour and a range of more than 100 miles per full charge.  THINK City has an onboard AC charger that can be coupled with an economically priced 220-volt THINK home charging station to provide overnight charging.  It can also be charged using 110-volt current on a regular household outlet.  The fast-charge system will be a supplementary alternative for customers' added sense of security and for fleets with daily mileage requirements exceeding the car's range.

SOURCE THINK