Amsterdam - The Norwegian-owned THI! NK City car was the first electrically-powered vehicle receiving a license for European Union roads on Monday.

Dutch Transport Minister Camiel Eurlings issued the license after completing a final symbolic test drive.

The Dutch transport ministry's road safety department said the vehicle, which underwent elaborate testing, complies with all EU standards, so that the car may now be sold in the Netherlands as well as the EU.

Dutch importer Elmonet located in Eelde in the northern Netherlands says the car, which has a maximum speed of 100 km/h, is particularly suitable for city traffic. The battery is charged in 13 hours.

The TH! NK City sells for some 40,000 euros (53,699 dollars). The current model of TH! NK City, owned by Norwegian investors since 2006, is the fifth generation of a prototype first developed in 1991.

TH! NK City was put in serial production in 1999, supported by its major shareholder US car giant Ford, which however left the electric car industry in 2003. (dpa)