2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric at 2010 Chicago Auto Show

Transitplugin
  • Competes with: Commercial vans and minivans
  • Looks like: A Transit Connect with a power cord
  • Drivetrain: 300-volt (nominal) electric motor rated at 173 pounds-feet of maximum torque; 28 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack; single-speed transmission; front-wheel drive
  • Hits dealerships: Late 2010 for commercial sale

The Transit Connect Electric will be Ford's first battery-electric vehicle, ahead of the Ford Focus Electric, which will be offered to regular consumers in 2011. The gas-powered Transit Connect, which is already on sale in the U.S., is intended as a lower-cost, higher-mileage alternative to full-size commercial vans. The electric version is a natural for commercial and fleet use because many such vehicles travel a predictable number of miles in a day and are parked in the same location where charging points are assured.

Start-stop city driving — as a delivery van would experience — also plays to an electric vehicle's strengths. Ford says the TCE has a range of up to 80 miles and can charge from a fully depleted state in six to eight hours on 240 volts. Although 120 volts is an option, charging takes longer. The van's top speed is 75 mph.

Like the gas-powered Transit Connect, the Electric will be manufactured in Turkey, but the electric drivetrain will be installed by motor supplier Azure Dynamics at a location to be determined in Michigan.

Also at the Chicago show, Ford introduced a Transit Connect taxi that uses gasoline but can be converted to run on propane or compressed natural gas, adding yet another alternative drivetrain for the model.

Front angle Profile Front Profile Rear angle Front angle Front angle Profile Rear angle Front angle Dashboard Cargo area Front angle Rear angle Front angle Rear seats Interior Compressed natural gas

Comments 

More importantly, are they adding an all-window version to their line? The panel-van visibility really keeps this from being a utilitarian family car.

Tome

I guess we'll be seeing this before the Volt. Ford is really on a roll.

Joshua

Ford has made many Electric Vehicles some of which are already on the roads for 13+ years, The Ford RangerEV is one that comes to mind but I'm sure there are others.

You have to hand it to ford they really know how to make and sell a good commercial vehicle.

I'd still rather a Fiat though : )

http://www.fiatprofessional.co.uk/

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