DEARBORN, Mich. – The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved the THINK City as a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV). The approval paves the way for THINK to sell the all-electric THINK City in California, as well the District of Columbia and 12 other states that have adopted California’s ZEV requirements.

“CARB certification is critical for fleet sales, not just in California, but in the other CARB states as well,” said THINK spokesperson Brendan Prebo. “These states make up more than 35 percent of the automobile market in the U.S. and represent a significant share of the fleet market.”

Designed for fleet applications and urban commuters, the THINK City has a range of 100 miles, which meets CARB’s Type II ZEV Tier requirements. The vehicle uses an advanced lithium-ion battery developed by Ener1.

THINK says it will begin delivering vehicles to fleet customers soon. The company plans to roll out retail distribution in select cities in the second half of 2011, in conjunction with plans to expand production at its Elkhart, Ind., manufacturing facility.  

The company also builds the THINK City in Finland for sale in Europe, where the car has been highway-certified since 1999.