Visit to Th!nk Nordic, Aurskog and Oslo, Norway 25th/26th June 2003
Here are some photos from our visit to Th!nk Nordic in June 2003.

Production is currently in limbo between the old and new models. Various prototypes are up-and-running & testing continues with the Frazer-Nash drivetrain, inter-nodal electrical system and NiNaCl "Zebra" battery. We were able to visit the factory and also spend some time with members of the management team at their offices in Oslo. Driving to this meeting we were able to see some of the new El Bil signs showing EV access to the bus lanes which was to commence a few days after our visit. Our hosts were gracious and open, maintained diplomacy in their references to the company's recent history and acknowledged the keen interest in their vehicle from the U.S., especially California. Hopefully this is the start of a productive dialogue between EV drivers/enthusiasts and a genuine EV manufacturer.

Inside the factory. This shows the production line with a partially-completed vehicle. In the background is the hoist used when installing the battery pack. The new vehicle is assembled from outside supplier's components - no more roto-molded body panels.

Another view of the production line showing the hoist carrying a steel chassis/ aluminum superstructure assembly.

Another unit on its cart near to the beginning of the production line with components stacked alongside.

Yours truly with Chris Neal (Plant Manager and fellow Brit) and Niklas Fridstrand (Wiring and E/E System - actually a Swede) alongside a "patriotic" new-style Th!nk. Note the new, hinged hood (bonnet), separate front bumper, mirrors attached to the doors and the charger access flap in the open position.

The same "new Th!nk" closed up and ready to go! The car we test-drove looked the same apart from lacking the flags... Our test drive vehicle had experimental power-steering alongside all the other F*&%-inspired electrically-powered additions, including power windows. Nice but I'd rather save the weight. Driving feel was quite similar to the old-style Th!nk that we drive now, although it had a conventional shifter and redesigned gauges and console controls.

A new-style Th!nk City in the lobby of the Admin building adjacent to the factory. I think this was the car that was used for the auto shows and is a non-running mock-up.

Niklas' VW Strommer electric which he used to transport us (it could fit the three of us, unlike the Th!nk). It uses air-cooled NiCds rather than the water-cooled NiCds in the original
Th!nk City. The Th!nk in the background belongs to Henning Sjolie who came to visit and swapped EV stories. He plugged in while we chatted - no fussing around with Avcon units or special connectors, just plug in to conventional 240V domestic supply. Henning's car uses the original receptacle located just below the windshield which utilizes the same connector as block heaters (common in Norway... Niklas has one on his gas Volvo). He also has a tow hitch concealed behind the rear licence plate which he uses to tow his small trailer. Note this picture was taken around 10:30 pm (I think the camera was on UK time!) and shows what "white nights" are all about.

Niklas does "show 'n' tell" under the hood of the Strommer with Henning looking on.

Another view of the EVs soaking up some juice in front of Niklas' home, where he very generously provided us with accommodation for the night.