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Just to prove that manufacturers are developing electric vans as well as cars, Ford is displaying a development version of its zero-emission Transit Connect Electric at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
Based on a Transit Connect Kombi, the show car is one of several electric Ford vehicles currently on test in the UK and features the same battery electric powertrain as the Transit Connect Electric Van, which is set to go on sale in Europe later this year.
The Transit Connect Electric Van is a pure electric-powered version of the long-wheelbase Transit Connect light commercial vehicle.
With 28kWh of power, the Transit Connect Electric has a top speed of 75 mph and a range of up to 80 miles. Its lithium-ion battery pack is charged via a standard power outlet – an onboard converter then charges the battery pack. Fully charging the batteries using standard European 220/240-volt outlets takes up to 10 hours.
With a cargo volume 3.8 cubic metres and a payload of 410kg, the Transit Connect Electric Van will particularly appeal to operators who travel predictable, short-range routes with frequent stop and go driving.
The Transit Connect Electric Van goes on sale in European markets later this year following its launch in North America in December 2010.
The Transit Connect Electric Van will be sold by Azure Dynamics through a specially-created network of dealerships. The European Transit Connect Electric will be badged with both the Ford Blue Oval and Azure’s Force Drive.
Further details and prices for the Transit Connect Electric, which will be available in right- and left-hand drive configuration, will be released closer to launch.
Ford has committed to introduce five full-electric and hybrid models in Europe by 2013 as part of its global electrification strategy. In addition to Transit Connect Electric, the company will launch the next-generation Ford Focus Electric in 2012, followed by hybrid and plug-in hybrid derivatives of the all-new C-MAX and another hybrid-electric model in 2013.
