Norwegian electric vehicle manufacturer Think, together with Ener1, announced today it has partnered with Japanese Itochu Corporation for the supply of "plug and play" EV drive-train technology. As part of the partnership, Think will provide Itochu three prototype test-beds to enter trails in the Japanese city of Tsukuba.
“Japan is quickly becoming one of the most forward- thinking countries in the world when it comes to electric vehicle technologies. Already this year we have supplied the Japan Postal Service – through Japanese System Integrator Zero Sports – with our THINK and Ener1 EV drive-train system for the testing of a new fleet of electric postal vehicles,” Richard Canny, Think CEO said in a release.
Alongside Itochu, other Japanese companies will help Think as well. Mazda will send three Mazda3 vehicles to be converted into plug-in battery powered vehicles, to be tested in the same city.
“THINK’s latest generation integrated EV drive controller will power the new Mazda 2 test vehicles, further demonstrating our leadership in electric vehicle technology. This is a very exciting initiative, especially with the ancillary tests being conducted into the use of renewable energy sources and secondary applications of EV batteries – watch this space,” Canny added.
“This is the second big opportunity we have had to work with our partners at THINK Global to develop a complete drive-train system for a third party customer," concluded Charles Gassenheimer, Ener1 CEO.
"EnerDel has worked hard to build upstream and downstream relationships with the industry's leading companies around the world that give us a crucial edge as these growing markets converge.”
“Japan is quickly becoming one of the most forward- thinking countries in the world when it comes to electric vehicle technologies. Already this year we have supplied the Japan Postal Service – through Japanese System Integrator Zero Sports – with our THINK and Ener1 EV drive-train system for the testing of a new fleet of electric postal vehicles,” Richard Canny, Think CEO said in a release.
Alongside Itochu, other Japanese companies will help Think as well. Mazda will send three Mazda3 vehicles to be converted into plug-in battery powered vehicles, to be tested in the same city.
“THINK’s latest generation integrated EV drive controller will power the new Mazda 2 test vehicles, further demonstrating our leadership in electric vehicle technology. This is a very exciting initiative, especially with the ancillary tests being conducted into the use of renewable energy sources and secondary applications of EV batteries – watch this space,” Canny added.
“This is the second big opportunity we have had to work with our partners at THINK Global to develop a complete drive-train system for a third party customer," concluded Charles Gassenheimer, Ener1 CEO.
"EnerDel has worked hard to build upstream and downstream relationships with the industry's leading companies around the world that give us a crucial edge as these growing markets converge.”