Think, EnerDel to supply electric drive to Japan

Going electric: thousands of Japanese postal trucks.

(Credit: Japan Postal Service)

Electric carmaker Think Global and auto battery company EnerDel said Monday they will supply the electric drive components for a trial to convert gasoline trucks in Japan.

Think's electric power train and EnerDel's lithium ion batteries will power delivery trucks for the Japan Postal Service. As part of a government-led effort, the Japan Postal Service plans to convert 25 percent of its 22,000-truck fleet from gasoline to all-electric.

Testing alternative power trains with fleets is typically a good way to try out new technologies because vehicles can be refueled in controlled settings, such as corporate or government offices.

Think said the power train that will be used in the Japanese trial was originally developed for the Think City all-electric town car. The company, which had to delay production earlier this year because of financing problems, sees supplying third parties as a "significant new business line and revenue opportunity," Think CEO Richard Canny said in a statement.

EnerDel, meanwhile, is seeking to expand its auto battery manufacturing business, in part by applying for government loans to promote the domestic battery industry. So far, EnerDel has lined up supply deals with Think and luxury plug-in electric carmaker Fisker Automotive.

[kdavis95139]

What a great idea! Converting existing combustion vehicles to electric drive saves even more on green house gas emmissions from not having to scrap the old vehicle or produce an entirely new one. Relatively slow moving, multiple Start/Stop government vehicles with static routes and controlled charging are the perfect intro market for an all electric vehicle. I'll bet there is even room for a Photovoltaic Panel on the roof of that van. When will we do this in the US?

[monkeyfun14]

When congress stops trying to please the oil companies.

[Fortnam_B]

When the US ceases cow-towing to special interests groups. You see, to those groups you aren't all that special, or interesting.