Ford Transit Connect EV

The European-specification Transit Connect Electric van has made its debut at the 2011 Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham. Developed in collaboration with Azure Dynamics Corporation, it will be the first Ford electric vehicle available in Europe when sales begin later this year.

Ford Transit Connect Electric (2011) Front Side

Based on the existing long-wheelbase Transit Connect, its lithium-ion battery pack offers 28 kWh of power. That’s enough for a range of around 80 miles (130 km) and a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h), while recharging takes about eight hours.

By comparison, Renault claims that the electric Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E. will travel 105 miles (around 170 kilometres) before the battery runs out. Significantly, that’s approximately 30% more than the Ford, even though the Kangoo’s recharging time is similar.

Transit Connect Electric vans will be built in both left- and right-hand drive versions at the Ford Otosan plant in Kocaeli, Turkey. From there, they will be sent to the UK where Azure Dynamics will fit the ‘Force Drive’ powertrain components. Azure will also be responsible for selling the vehicle via a specially-created dealer network.

Although pricing has yet to be confirmed, Ford is chasing after fleet sales for the Transit Connect Electric. Post Norway has already placed an order for twenty, and other operators are said to have expressed an interest in the vehicle. Something that they’ll doubtless have to consider is the reduced payload of the electric version which, at 500 kg, is 388 kg less than an ordinary diesel-powered Transit Connect.

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