Ford Motor Company's 2002 TH!NK neighbor is a zero-emissions, low-speed electric vehicle which represents a flexible transportation solution for the migration of people to planned-community and resort living, as well as a growing commercial market. While this Ford electric product is really for the sunnier parts of the US, maybe a closed version will eventually be sold in Ireland?
Approximately 50 US Ford dealers in sunnier parts of the country will be the first to offer the new 2002 TH!NK neighbor beginning this autumn. More TH!NK dealers will be added in a second phase of the rollout in Northeastern states next spring.
According to the company, a 72-volt motor delivers ample low-end power for quick takeoffs and maintains the vehicle's speed even while fully loaded in hilly terrain.
The TH!NK neighbor surpasses Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) regulations and has three-point safety belts and head restraints for all seating positions, an industry-first LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) seat attachment option, tires rated up to 70 mph, three mile-per-hour front and rear bumpers, safety belt reminder system, car-type brake and signal lights and mirrors.
An anti-rollaway feature prevents the vehicle from rolling quickly when stopped on hills.
The battery can be fully charged in six to eight hours by plugging TH!NK neighbor's residential power cord into any 110/120-volt household outlet. It has zero-emissions operation, with a top speed of 25mph and range of up to 30 miles.
Two-passenger and four-passenger models are available, with two lifestyle packages - Family and Sport - and 'convenience options' include a cooler module, weather enclosures, powerpoint and vented moon roof. An in-dash AM/FM/CD stereo, heater/ windshield defogger and a cooler/mister system will be available soon after launch.
The vehicle can carry a total payload of up to 900 pounds in the longer-wheelbase four-passenger model, 550 pounds for the two-passenger model.
Ford Motor Company bought the TH!NK company in January 2000, and plans to make it the industry's first brand dedicated to environmentally responsible products. In addition, TH!NK is well positioned to help meet Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) requirements that exist in several states.
The TH!NK neighbor is targeted at baby boomers who are spurring development of 'gated' communities in the US, active retirees who move to resort locations and fleet customers. TH!NK neighbor is the most technologically advanced vehicle to enter the relatively new, but fast growing federally recognized low-speed electric vehicle market.
Traditional low-powered electric vehicles, including golf carts and small utility vehicles, sell in the range of 240,000 new units per year. However, most of these vehicles are not designed for on-road use and offer far less power and capabilities than the TH!NK neighbor .
The rear-wheel-drive TH!NK neighbor is built around a fully independent suspension. The four-wheel-drum braking system can stop the vehicle in less than 30 feet from the top speed of 25mph. A regenerative braking feature aids braking while recapturing energy through the electric motor to extend battery charge and driving range.
The standard steel or optional 12-inch aluminum wheels can be fitted with either a 145/80 R12 street tire or 21.5-inch by 8.5-inch turf/street tires for more rugged terrain. Both are rated by the US Department of Transportation for street use up to 70 mph, well beyond the vehicles top speed.
A dash-mounted gauge tracks the charge level during operation and re-charging. The TH!NK neighbor also is among the most recyclable vehicles on the road, with fully 98 percent of its parts by weight able to be recycled.
The base package of both models includes a trunk with lockable lid, driver's side mirror, solar windshield with washer and wiper, front cupholders, floor mats, an instrument cluster that includes state-of-charge indicator, reverse warning chime and horn. Available exterior colors include Snow White, Midnight Blue and Forest Green.
Two option packages in both the two-and four-seat configurations customize the TH!NK neighbor to most customers' needs. The Family package adds an extended lockable trunk, passenger side exterior mirror, LATCH child safety seat attachments on the front passenger seat, a 12-volt powerpoint and a cooler/storage module capable of holding a 12-pack of 12-ounce cans.
The Sport package features a golf bag rack and platform, ball and club washer, sweater basket, sand/seed bottle holder for divot repairs, street/turf tires, golf ball and tee holder, scorecard holder, rubber floor mats and cooler/storage module.
Additional options include soft side and rear weather enclosures and a vented moon roof. Soon after launch, an AM/FM/CD audio system as well as heater/defogger and cooler/mister systems will be available.
August 2001
by Bill Trapman