Think says GSA electric vehicle contract is "game changing"

PRESS RELEASE

THINK™, the world's leading dedicated electric vehicle manufacturer, announced today that it was awarded a contract to supply pure electric, zero-emission vehicles to the federal government. With a contract in hand from the U.S. General Services Administration, THINK is now open for business to the thousands of federal agencies that purchase or lease vehicles through the GSA each year.

May 26, 2011

The THINK City is the perfect vehicle for government fleet customers. With an enclosed climate-controlled cabin and a highway-capable top speed, the THINK City is a superior alternative to the thousands of low-speed electric vehicles that are leased by the military each year for use on bases and facilities. The electric car's low operating costs and 100-mile range also make it a good replacement for small cars that are part of the GSA's 200,000 vehicle leased fleet.

"The federal government is the largest purchaser of vehicles in the U.S.," said Lizabeth Ardisana, THINK director of sales, service and distribution. "If you want to sell vehicles to fleets, it's imperative to be on the GSA contract. This is a game changing contract for THINK."

Government involvement is critical to support and sustain the growing U.S. EV industry where major auto manufacturers have reported low sales and new manufacturers have delayed or cancelled product introductions.

"Today's announcement moves us one step closer to President Obama's goal of putting one million electric vehicles on the road in America by 2015," said Ardisana.

The next logical step in a policy designed to reduce America's reliance on imported petroleum by one-third and increase U.S. jobs is direct government purchases of electric vehicles. It follows loans and grants to manufacturers to support the commercialization of EV technology and grants made to cities to invest in electric vehicles and related charging infrastructure.

THINK, which delivered the first electric vehicles powered by American made advanced lithium-ion batteries to the State of Indiana last year, is pursuing a fleet-first approach to sales, service and market development. With predictable driving routes and centralized recharging and service, fleets are a natural fit for electric vehicles. Fleet operators see lower overall operating and maintenance costs and stable fuel costs as electric vehicle advantages. The THINK City also does not emit any carbon dioxide or other gases while in use – ideal for agencies that are trying to reach emission reduction targets set by the Administration.