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Elkhart could go from RV capital to EV capital

MSNBC.com -- The so-called "RV Capital of the World" may soon be able to bill itself the "EV Capital of the World." What a difference a letter makes.

Elkhart, Ind., about 155 miles southwest of Detroit, will soon be the new U.S. production center for Think, the Norwegian-based manufacturer that hopes to charge into the emerging market for battery-electric vehicles. The first of the maker’s two-seat City, an urban commuter car, will begin rolling off the new assembly line a year from now. If demand meets Think’s expectation, the company hopes to be turning out as many as 20,000 battery-electric vehicles, or BEVs, annually by 2013.

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Submitted Mar 11, 2010 By: wiwhite87

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cpl11787 All-Star Author Minnesota Posts:630 Points:123,275 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 12, 2010 3:38:39 PM Ignore cpl11787 Report Abuse good I guess.
kelsielee Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,266 Points:629,815 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 12, 2010 6:50:23 AM Ignore kelsielee Report Abuse Sounds wonderful for Elkhart.
PathfinderSC Champion Author South Carolina Posts:4,370 Points:820,175 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 4:00:26 PM Ignore PathfinderSC Report Abuse Had Camper made in Elkhart. This will mean more jobs.
KillChain Champion Author Albuquerque Posts:2,059 Points:563,975 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:11:53 PM Ignore KillChain Report Abuse Ok.
FieroGT Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:9,288 Points:1,619,215 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:03:04 PM Ignore FieroGT Report Abuse I've never heard of this company. Why do they think the Norwegians know more about car technologies than the US or Canada?
letmathe Champion Author Chicago Posts:9,830 Points:2,250,120 Joined:May 2001	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:59:59 PM Ignore letmathe Report Abuse A "dual" capital position would allow for a smooth transition.
Pucked Champion Author Fort Worth Posts:1,091 Points:210,780 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:58:35 PM Ignore Pucked Report Abuse Wait and see position.
gasokie Veteran Author Oklahoma Posts:481 Points:546,785 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:54:05 PM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse They have a lot of experience in building lightweight cheap camping equipment so they ought to be loved in the auto industry.
nojsts Champion Author St. Louis Posts:14,013 Points:2,824,530 Joined:May 2002	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:48:47 PM Ignore nojsts Report Abuse How many people are going to buy this vehicle? How far can you drive on a charge?
madison8359 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:2,739 Points:588,715 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:46:43 PM Ignore madison8359 Report Abuse We will build them if they sell them.
Buddy2264 Champion Author Tampa Posts:6,420 Points:1,344,415 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:46:19 PM Ignore Buddy2264 Report Abuse Being an RV-er I know their importance. As far as pollution goes I think in the long run we travel greener. The trucks seem to be more a problem when trains could move goods for 1 gallon = over 400 miles. Conservation keeps your money in your pocket.
RobRD Champion Author Alberta Posts:3,828 Points:896,020 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:45:59 PM Ignore RobRD Report Abuse Good luck with that as Americans don't seem to be accepting of 2 seat urban vehicles like the Smart car.
snofog All-Star Author Seattle Posts:623 Points:92,655 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:41:07 PM Ignore snofog Report Abuse My.
camel1 Champion Author Minnesota Posts:3,620 Points:1,292,575 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:37:07 PM Ignore camel1 Report Abuse What a change. From being known as a producer of mega polluters to clean non-polluting car producers.
saleboss All-Star Author Phoenix Posts:582 Points:514,885 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:32:36 PM Ignore saleboss Report Abuse Great! BEVs are a good start . . .
Z51Corvette Champion Author Austin Posts:4,015 Points:775,345 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:31:02 PM Ignore Z51Corvette Report Abuse I hope this will be a good alternative for producers and consumers alike.
ICUUCME Sophomore Author Ohio Posts:211 Points:1,119,420 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:30:04 PM Ignore ICUUCME Report Abuse Any jobs created in America is a plus.
thunderstruck Veteran Author Chicago Posts:405 Points:414,625 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:29:07 PM Ignore thunderstruck Report Abuse Anybody that's in favor of plug in electric vehicles obviously doesn't pay Chicago's Com-Ed electric rates.
59glide Rookie Author New Haven Posts:85 Points:271,550 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:16:38 PM Ignore 59glide Report Abuse Great jobs in the U.S. we need them.
my3sons Champion Author New York Posts:4,168 Points:1,366,640 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:13:10 PM Ignore my3sons Report Abuse I hope they do it, they need the jobs there
Greg6901 All-Star Author Oakland Posts:574 Points:184,195 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:10:34 PM Ignore Greg6901 Report Abuse Jobs in U.S. - that's good.
djgunrunner Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:4,618 Points:1,345,215 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:07:36 PM Ignore djgunrunner Report Abuse When competing against American companies if you have an idea that works and you can get it out then you are way ahead of them.
jes Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:11,285 Points:2,361,460 Joined:Jun 2003	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:57:25 PM Ignore jes Report Abuse Time will tell.
saveongasNC Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,220 Points:694,085 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:56:11 PM Ignore saveongasNC Report Abuse Sounds good!
PFCASTA All-Star Author Worcester Posts:678 Points:1,046,885 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:42:25 PM Ignore PFCASTA Report Abuse As long as it means jobs
wizzard1222 Champion Author St. Louis Posts:3,514 Points:1,305,540 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:41:51 PM Ignore wizzard1222 Report Abuse Well there are a lot of 'local' citizens that have been hurting...could use a good job !!! Not necessarly high union $pay or $benefits...reasonable $income to put 'taters & meat on the table' !!! [Edited by: wizzard1222 at 3/11/2010 3:42:28 PM EST]
goldseeker Champion Author West Virginia Posts:12,675 Points:1,708,740 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:38:20 PM Ignore goldseeker Report Abuse Really.
DellDude2 Champion Author Nashville Posts:3,794 Points:1,113,085 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:33:13 PM Ignore DellDude2 Report Abuse I agree with BobbyVA.
MDTDriver Champion Author California Posts:4,774 Points:1,152,070 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:29:29 PM Ignore MDTDriver Report Abuse Very good car made by wood craft makers that will be interesting.
BobbyVA Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:1,285 Points:277,665 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:29:00 PM Ignore BobbyVA Report Abuse They need to do something because people are not going to be buying RVs anytime in the future. Good luck on the EV venture.
Cakes77 Veteran Author Harrisburg Posts:452 Points:717,845 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:27:17 PM Ignore Cakes77 Report Abuse Sounds nice...thanks for posting this wiwhite87.
valvestem Champion Author Maine Posts:1,413 Points:88,255 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:24:16 PM Ignore valvestem Report Abuse Oh no, now the electric rates will go up more, gotta make 'em pay for them 'lectric cars ya know, if we can't sell 'em gasoline!
Bernz Sophomore Author Albuquerque Posts:235 Points:386,045 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:24:09 PM Ignore Bernz Report Abuse Hmmmm . . .
unicornpmb Champion Author Buffalo Posts:3,337 Points:612,800 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:21:45 PM Ignore unicornpmb Report Abuse As long as it means jobs, so what.
slvrdo_dsprdo Champion Author Nashville Posts:1,784 Points:361,430 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:17:02 PM Ignore slvrdo_dsprdo Report Abuse Surely it's because the Obamessiah passed by! (He visited there a while back.)
Kato51 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:2,649 Points:1,237,595 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:16:21 PM Ignore Kato51 Report Abuse I hate to see this. I have had a motor home for the past 25 years and thoroughly enjoy the campying life style. It's a big part of the American leisure time and family togetherness.
enigma09 Rookie Author Dayton Posts:66 Points:278,795 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:12:18 PM Ignore enigma09 Report Abuse good news for elkhart, that city has been blasted pretty hard by the recession
eddyp94 Champion Author Ontario Posts:3,971 Points:831,785 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:09:30 PM Ignore eddyp94 Report Abuse EV cars are not for highway or long drives.....
pgriff1 Champion Author New Orleans Posts:3,979 Points:1,200,475 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:09:15 PM Ignore pgriff1 Report Abuse good news
thirsty_truck Rookie Author Detroit Posts:12 Points:657,670 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:09:02 PM Ignore thirsty_truck Report Abuse Better to have production in Indiana than in Mexico. EVs will not be for everyone. Until the range approaches 150 miles a day (per charge) I cannot use an EV for commuting. But I would consider it as a second vehicle for commuting once the technology has been demonstrated.
Hugo40 Champion Author Kentucky Posts:2,553 Points:613,360 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:08:35 PM Ignore Hugo40 Report Abuse EV doesn't equate to the same economic impact for Elkhart like another member remarked.
lgwhitlock Champion Author Chico Posts:2,664 Points:685,875 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:08:14 PM Ignore lgwhitlock Report Abuse This little cars looks great for town driving and short trips. However it does not look like a great primary vehicle for a family. Still I hope it works out well for them and the town bringing good jobs...
repeater1 Champion Author Kansas Posts:3,261 Points:1,364,920 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:07:15 PM Ignore repeater1 Report Abuse We still do not have the infrastructure in place to support a massive use of this technology.
Hambone61 Champion Author Oregon Posts:8,943 Points:1,538,955 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:03:08 PM Ignore Hambone61 Report Abuse Studebaker used to make electric cars just a few miles from Elkhart, in South Bend.
WCCurtis Champion Author San Bernardino Posts:2,818 Points:881,125 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:01:45 PM Ignore WCCurtis Report Abuse It doesn't sound like a good trade off for the Economy of Elkhart. An RV sells for a lot more than an EV.
TFowler513 Champion Author Memphis Posts:2,216 Points:555,215 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:01:14 PM Ignore TFowler513 Report Abuse A great move in the right direction!!!
Gas Thirsty Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:1,856 Points:2,266,670 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:59:43 PM Ignore Gas Thirsty Report Abuse That's good for Indiana.
Vigdia Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:1,240 Points:213,220 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:58:59 PM Ignore Vigdia Report Abuse We need jobs...
SVmike Veteran Author California Posts:433 Points:98,410 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:58:27 PM Ignore SVmike Report Abuse milespergallon: "Still has the same old question. What would be the five year maintenance cost for the vehicles? Please include battery replacement costs. Take that number and compare to what the five year maintenance cost for a hydrogen vehicle? The results are explosive " A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (that doesn't really exist yet, commercially) will be far more expensive. First, fuel cells cost a lot. And since fuel cells take a while to warm up they will need batteries, operating like a hybrid to smooth out the electric demands and provide initial power. And the fuel cost of hydrogen will be at least 2x - 4x as much as electricity for an EV. And no one really knows what the maintenance will be like on a small fuel cell car. Experimental fuel cell buses cost 50x as much as a diesel bus to operate, excluding purchase price. It is easy to show that hydrogen as a fuel is more expensive than electricity. For an EV you use electricity to charge the battery then discharge when driving. Charging and discharging are both around 80-90% efficient. To get hydrogen via electrolysis you start with the same electricity...the electrolysis is ~60% efficient on an industrial scale. Then you must compress and liquify the hydrogen gas. Then the fuel cell consumes the hydrogen and produces electricity, on demand. The best fuel cells get about 50-60% efficiency, after they are warmed up. Thus, using hydrogen involves several energy losing steps. EVs will get 70-80% of the inital electricity to the wheels. While a hydrogen fuel cell will be more like 10-20% maybe 30% on long trips and with some improvements.
balljars Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,478 Points:690,550 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:54:02 PM Ignore balljars Report Abuse Good lots of jobs in Elkhart.