By Marilyn Odendahl, Truth Staff
modendahl@etruth.com
ELKHART -- As part of its move into Indiana, Think North America asked the Economic Development Corp. of Elkhart County to identify potential suppliers within a 200-mile radius of the plant on Magnum Drive.
The agency found most of what the company needed within 20 miles.
Just a few weeks after local and state officials welcomed the electric car manufacturer to Elkhart, the pieces necessary for production to start here are falling into place. Along with the list of available suppliers, EnerDel in Indianapolis will begin making the lithium-ion batteries for Think's Finland operation on March 1 and Think plans to begin work on the infrastructure inside the Elkhart plant in early spring.
"I think the real opportunity with Think hasn't been realized," said Dave Ogle, director of business retention and expansion at the EDC.
Also, the two-seater automobile is introducing itself to the American public, having been displayed at the recent auto shows in Detroit and Washington, D.C. Think garnered some media attention when it unveiled a quick charging station but mostly the manufacturer has focused its public relations campaign on putting show attendees in the driver's seat. Allowing test drives, explained spokesman Brendan Prebo, helps to underscore the point that the Think City is one of the few pure electric vehicles being built and put on the road.
Suppliers
When production starts in Elkhart in 2011, Think will use the components currently manufactured by companies in its global chain of suppliers, Prebo said. Changing parts providers as the operation is being developed in the United States would be too expensive. However, the automaker does plan eventually to source as much from domestic suppliers as possible.
The work by the EDC indicates Think may not have to look too far.
"I think we've got the whole package here," Ogle said. "I can't imagine anything other than the battery that can't be manufactured here for them."
Glass, plastic, composites, wiring harnesses, seats, under-the-hood insulation, brake parts and electronics are all manufactured in Elkhart County and could possibly be used in the electric car, Ogle said. In addition, local companies practice just-in-time inventory methods which could save Think money.
Battery
EnerDel, whose parent company Ener1 Inc., is a major shareholder in Think, collaborated with the Norwegian vehicle maker to develop the battery pack which will power the electric cars, Prebo said. The lithium-ion battery has proven to be "very capable" in the Think City, he said.
Last week EnerDel announced a $237 million investment in a third facility in the Indianapolis area which will lead to the creation of more than 1,500 new jobs over the next five years.
"Think is the principle reason why we're expanding our capacity," said Charles Gassenheimer, chairman and chief executive officer of Ener1, explaining the new production center will ensure the auto manufacturer has access to batteries as operations overseas and in Elkhart grows.
Although the 600-pound battery packs will make the long trip to Elkhart along U.S. 31, Gassenheimer does not foresee EnerDel opening any type of production or assembly facility in Elkhart County.
Getting charged
During the Washington Auto Show, Think made an announcement that could enable drivers to charge their electric vehicles as fast as they currently fill their gas tanks.
The car maker said it will work with AeroVironment to develop demonstration and commercial projects in the U.S. using AV's fast-charging system which can provide an 80 percent charge in 15 minutes. Recharging the vehicle using a standard electrical outlet could take up to 8 hours.
"This is a major leap forward for electric vehicles," stated Richard Canny, Think CEO, in a press release. "The development and deployment of very-fast-charge stations will speed the electrification of automobiles worldwide."
Also helping jump start operations in Elkhart is the $16.9 million Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. This is a good indication, Prebo said, that the department is supportive of Think's application to the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing loan program.
The automaker has not disclosed how much it has asked for but Prebo noted the loan would go toward manufacturing the Think City as well as developing the second generation car. And not getting the funds will be felt in Elkhart.
"It will have an impact on manufacturing in Elkhart," Prebo said. "It will probably mean we won't be scaling up as aggressively."