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While Scandinavia is known for producing successful car companies such as Volvo and Saab, it is typically Sweden and not Norway which gets all of the attention when it comes to automobile innovation.
Norwegian company Th!nk, formerly a subsidiary of Ford is hoping to change all of that with their new line of electric vehicles, lead by the Th!nk Ox 5-seater.
The Th!nk Ox is a multi-function electric vehicle that is designed to be adaptable to different regions of the world and different driving tasks.
Resembling a small SUV in terms of shape and height, the two main versions are a 4 door ‘MPV’ version, and a 2 door coupe.
Interestingly, the company also employs two different battery types in the Ox.
Battery choice not only affects cost, but also range, styling and interior room. In the base model MPV version, sodium batteries offer an extended range and are cheaper, but take up more interior room.
The flat shape of lithium ion batteries in the Sports coupe while more expensive, allow for a lower floor and a more compact design which doesn’t negatively impact interior space.
The electric motor in the base model Ox produces 60 kilowatts, giving the vehicle a top speed of approximately 75 miles per hour. Accelerating to 60 miles per hour only takes 8.5 seconds, which is respectable for a vehicle that weighs 3300 pounds.
The total combined city and highway range of the Ox is claimed to be 120 miles on a full charge, which stretches to just under 160 miles if used exclusively in an urban environment.
The Th!nk Ox can be charged by plugging it into a 230 volt outlet, which takes around 12 hours, but if you are pressed for time the lithium ion version of the Ox can reach 80% of its full charge in just one hour using a special external battery charger.
The design innovation doesn’t end with the powertrain, as Th!nk has loaded the Ox with many unique features and services not typically found in most electrical or even gas-powered vehicles.
Keyless entry not only opens the doors but stores the environmental, entertainment and onboard computer preferences of each driver. The key fob also remotely keeps drivers up to date on the charge level in their car.
The computer systems in the vehicle perform a wide variety of tasks, from providing passengers with internet access to using GPS to find parking spaces and the best routes to a given destination. Perhaps most useful is the manner in which the onboard computer systems can provide real-time feedback regarding energy consumption, and instruct the driver on how to adapt their driving style to minimize battery usage.
The vehicle can even be programmed to charge itself during off-peak hours in order to take advantage of lower electricity rates from utilities companies.
The Th!nk Ox also provides what it calls ‘location-based services”. These are oriented around helping drivers navigate and find information about their current location, and can pinpoint the location of charging stations as well as provide more concierge-like services.