Dean Kamen and the new "Think"

[Ashley Weed]

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/busin...ex.htm?cnn=yes

[Elgin Clock]

These little cars are really amazing. I first saw one in an electric vehicle competition I was competing in back in 1999.

The quote in that article from Larry Page from Google is semi-accurate.

"We drove one a long time ago," Google co-founder Larry Page says. "Sort of a milk-carton-material car."

It's actually more like the material they use to make the Step-2 kids slides and playground equimpent. Kinda funny when you first realize that fact, but it really is a very strong material.

They are a blast to drive, and although kinda small, very comfortable.

I can't wait to see the Sterling put into one and see these Th!nk's* mass produced. <crosses fingers>

I'll be first in line for one when that happens.


*Think may be the newly adopted name, but when I first saw these the "I" in Think was replaced with an "!" for a more trendy name.

[WernerNYK]

Originally Posted by Elgin Clock

*Think may be the newly adopted name, but when I first saw these the "I" in Think was replaced with an "!" for a more trendy name.

Still is. www.thinkev.com

[JesseK]

Couple of my own analyses. Just my .02 so take it lightly.

Cost
It would still cost about as much per month for the normal consumer to use as a regular gasoline car however, and possibly more than a hybrid does due to the "battery lease" or whichever other name you prefer. The great news is that it should cost no more than a normal 4-cyllinder gasoline car -- my TSX is decent gas milleage, sporty, comfy, and gives great thrills while costing ~$200/month in gas, maintenance, and insurance. Give me those qualities in this new car (plus seat warmers if you offer leather -- it's durn cold in the winter) and I'm definitely the type of customer for this car.

Investors and Business Model
If you know the story of Dell and why it's successful (no PEBCAK wars please) then you'll understand why this manufacturing concept is good for both the consumer and the company. Also taking into account the power of customisation and possible inexpensive ways to add new body frames, it's pretty easy to see how this looks like a solid business model that could appeal to many many customers in the not so distant future.

Flaws
On an interesting note, researchers have found and are still finding ways to make other means of gas-less cars more feasible. Examples are full-scale sterling engines, fuel cells that operate at normal car temps (cheap nano-diamond injection), increased efficiency hybrids, and other electric-car concepts (though this is the most feasible-looking). These are all examples of competing technologies and the sad truth about those is that it takes gigantic market shifts over a period of time to see a new "standard". In other words, electric car technology didn't win last time it competed with gasoline & steam, and now it has even more competitors before it becomes a norm.

Other than the coolness factor, I see no reason for the car to hook up directly to the internet. Yea I'd be happy to know that my car is telling me when the "gas tank is near empty", however I also know how to read a gas tank as it is now -- a simple gauge that tells me estimated miles and/or drive time (in minutes) is left would suffice. The privacy/security implications are endless.

For the younger generation, at least people around me as the subject comes up, it's my conclusion and also my opinion that the Prius is quite possibly one of the ugliest cars in production today. Think is "cute" but it's not mini-cooper cute nor is it sporty with its current body style. The company should aim for different body styles, lengths/widths, comfort zones, etc if they're looking to go large-scale. I'm sure they've thought of this but the commentary in the article doesn't mention it.

[nuggetsyl]

This is the car of our future, but what is deans engin running on???

[Stu Bloom]

Originally Posted by nuggetsyl

This is the car of our future, but what is deans engin running on???

From the article:

... The iconoclastic inventor, who made his first fortune developing medical devices, has spent more than $40 million creating Stirling engines that can tap almost any fuel source, from restaurant grease to cow dung. He wants to equip the City with one, extending its range by hundreds of miles...

... when it's connected to the City, his Stirling engine will meet indoor air-quality standards...

Remember that this is the technology that Dean has been developing to bring power and clean water to remote villages. I think it is a perfect fit.

[Ashley Weed]

Originally Posted by JesseK

For the younger generation, at least people around me as the subject comes up, it's my conclusion and also my opinion that the Prius is quite possibly one of the ugliest cars in production today. Think is "cute" but it's not mini-cooper cute nor is it sporty with its current body style. The company should aim for different body styles, lengths/widths, comfort zones, etc if they're looking to go large-scale. I'm sure they've thought of this but the commentary in the article doesn't mention it.

True, and yet false. As the generation of students out there now, who grew up with PC's/Internet, become established and begin to purchase their first cars - they will be amazed over the technological availability in a Prius. The Prius is specifically designed the way it is to allow for even further gas mileage than with a sporty or boxier body style. There are many instances when driving down the interstate (must be driving, not sitting) where one does not even consume energy with the addition of windshield wipers as the aerodynamics of the car "splice" through rain.

I was waiting for a few responses before I posted an opinion. I love the technology of these cars. As a Prius and Jeep Commander owner, I choose to get into my Jeep every morning for my 45 mile round trip commute to work. Why? For the same reason that many of these small eco-car manufacturers, such as the SMART, fear that they will not thrive for decades in the US; I thoroughly enjoy feeling safe while driving, knowing that I may withstand an accident with the laws of physics on my side. Our Prius on the other hand, it currently on makes a 1 mile trip to the train station every day, even though the 52-55 mpg never ends in amazing me.

I would like to see more advancement of the HSD, and furthermore something along the lines of the sterling engine in larger SUV's. Just as most American's are big vehicle hungry.

[SuperJake]

Originally Posted by JesseK

Other than the coolness factor, I see no reason for the car to hook up directly to the internet. Yea I'd be happy to know that my car is telling me when the "gas tank is near empty", however I also know how to read a gas tank as it is now -- a simple gauge that tells me estimated miles and/or drive time (in minutes) is left would suffice. The privacy/security implications are endless.

So with the car hooked up to the internet, google maps (which are updated constantly) can provide you with turn-by-turn directions like your standard GPS unit (except the maps update automatically... did I mention that already?). Then, Google Traffic can automatically route you around traffic (like your standard GPS with the Traffic Add-on... but without the extra cost). If you are following a route and you start to run low on gas, google (paired with gasbuddy.com) can not only find you a gas station within the range of your remaining fuel (not just the closest one to you) but it can also tell you which one is the cheapest.

The possibilities are ENDLESS when you are connected to the internet.

P.S. - I only used google examples because I think google is awesome and they support FIRST.

[Libby K]

I got to see the Th!nk in person this past week, and I definitely think the car has a lot of potential. It seems tiny when you look at it, but the inside has plenty of room for both driver and passenger, and the back of the car will hold 2 people sitting comfortably (This was only for testing purposes, there are no seatbelts in the back of the car, people aren't meant to ride there). The stirling is going to extend the car's range, making it even better.

It's just plain cool. I definitely want one. It's gotten the best crash test ratings possible, it's helping the environment, and it goes fast!

[artdutra04]

I'd definitely consider a Th!nk car someday for commuting if needed, but the Tesla Roadster is still my favorite electric car. But if there was a way to install an after-market Sterling engine into the Tesla Roadster to recharge the batteries if needed, that would be a wicked sweet car.