# TH!NK City EV Sparks European Rollout : 22 Cities and Counting

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/12/think-city-ev-going-22-in-europe-for-starters/
- Published: 2010-12-21T00:41:50-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

TH!NK, a pioneer in the electric vehicle (EV) space, made headlines back in 2010
by launching its TH!NK City model across 22 cities in Europe. This bold move marked
a major step forward for sustainable urban transportation. As a compact, all-electric
car, the TH!NK City was engineered for daily commuting while leaving zero tailpipe
emissions behind.

With urban air [pollution and congestion becoming major concerns](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/09/pfas-chemical-waste-a-growing-environmental-concern/)
across Europe, TH!NK’s approach focused on smart, sustainable design. The [vehicle offered quick charging](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/06/genesis-charging-offers-customers-electric-vehicle-charging-solutions-across-europe/),
low maintenance, and surprising range for its size—positioning it as a leader in
the EV revolution well before it became mainstream.

### Designed for the City, Built for the Future

The TH!NK City was one of the world’s first [electric cars](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/lg-energy-solution-with-honda-forming-joint-venture-for-ev-battery-production-in-u-s-a/)
developed from the ground up as a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Unlike retrofitted
gas-powered models, TH!NK built its [car with electric](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/hyundai-ioniq-battery-test-drive-2018-plugin-hybrid-electric-car/)
efficiency in mind. The result? A nimble, lightweight, and durable vehicle tailored
for urban streets.

Some standout features:

 1. Top speed: Around 68 mph (110 km/h)
 2. Range: Up to 100 miles (160 km) per charge
 3. Charging time: 80% in less than 4 hours with fast-charging capabilities
 4. Recyclable materials: Emphasizing circular design

Its size and simplicity made it ideal for city dwellers who needed an affordable,
[green alternative to gas-guzzling vehicles](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/09/great-green-vehicles/).

![Th Nk city ev sparks european rollout 22 cities and counting Electric car on a
factory assembly line with workers installing lithium ion battery packs showcasing
the start of modern ev production](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/
uploads/2010/06/492474E3-325D-4CD8-91C1-45EC47694BE8.png?resize=780%2C780&quality
=50&ssl=1 "492474E3-325D-4CD8-91C1-45EC47694BE8 - The Green Living Guy")

Early production of lithium ion battery powered electric vehicles marked a turning
point in sustainable transportation history

Public and Private Support Drove Expansion

## TH!NK Rolls Out Across Europe

At first, the rollout focused on 22 forward-thinking cities across Europe. Many 
already had climate goals in motion. In addition, they were investing in [EV charging infrastructure](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/10/2500000-from-epas-clean-school-bus-program-is-going-to-new-jersey-school-districts/).
Because of that, TH!NK found strong allies in both public and private sectors.

Government incentives played a key role. Moreover, partnerships helped TH!NK clear
early adoption hurdles. Instead of simply selling cars, they created support networks.
Each city worked hand-in-hand with the company. Together, they set up service centers,
charging stations, and long-term support plans.

### TH!NK City EV : Norway Led the Charge

TH!NK operated out of Oslo. Naturally, that gave it a home-field edge. Norway already
ranked among the world’s electric mobility leaders. Thanks to generous EV perks—
like toll-free roads, charging access, and tax breaks—the country offered the ideal
testbed.

As a result, TH!NK thrived early in Norway. That early momentum fueled its expansion
into the rest of Europe.

Norway’s commitment inspired [Copenhagen ](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/europe-wide-green-emotion-initiative-to-pave-the-way-for-electromobility/)
TH!NK City EV to expand into other European cities such as Amsterdam, Copenhagen,
and Madrid. By 2011, the company had its sights set on additional markets and growing
demand from eco-conscious urbanites.

### TH!NK City EV : Legacy in a Changing Market

Although TH!NK faced financial setbacks, it still left a lasting mark. Its early
efforts helped shape today’s [electric vehicle industry](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/hertz-polestar-announce-partnership-electric-vehicle-industry/).
For example, many modern EVs now use the same smart ideas—like lightweight parts,
modular builds, and city-range efficiency.

As a result, TH!NK’s City EV design lives on. Automakers continue to build on its
blueprint. While other companies scaled up, TH!NK showed what was possible with 
a small, focused approach.

Today, Europe moves away from gas-powered cars. Cities commit to cleaner air and
carbon cuts. Therefore, the TH!NK City remains a symbol. It proves that bold ideas,
even from small players, can [drive real change](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/05/online-followers-steps-to-drive-real-change/).

### Sources:

 1. [European Commission – Urban Mobility Strategies](https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/clean-transport-urban-transport/urban-mobility_en)
 2. CleanTechnica – EV History Timeline
 3. [International Energy Agency – Global EV Outlook](https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2024)

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)