Ford Motor Company
announced plans to market a pure
battery electric-powered light
commercial vehicle in North
America, based on the all-new
Transit Connect global
commercial vehicle platform."The
new Transit Connect light
commercial vehicle with battery
electric power represents the
next logical step in our pursuit
of even greater fuel economy and
sustainability," said Derrick
Kuzak, Ford's group vice
president of Global Product
Development. "A growing number
of our commercial vehicle fleet
clients have expressed interest
in electrification as a
sustainable mobility solution.
By leveraging our global team
and asset portfolio, we're able
to quickly bring this
environmentally friendly, strong
‘silent type' to market." The
use of a global commercial
vehicle platform showcases
Ford's ability to deliver
products with worldwide
marketing opportunities.
Powering this electrification
drive is the company's "One
Ford" global product vision.
Transit Connect with battery electric power
is the initial offering in Ford's aggressive
new electric vehicle plan to bring pure
battery-powered vehicles, hybrids and
plug-in hybrids to market. To start, during
the next four years, Ford will introduce in
North America:
The Transit Connect battery electric
commercial vehicle in 2010
A new battery electric small car in 2011
Next-generation hybrid vehicles in 2012
Plug-in hybrid versions in 2012
Collaboration with experienced global
partner enables speed to market
Ford is working with Smith Electric
Vehicles, the European market's leading
battery electric upfitter of commercial
vehicles, which is part of the U.K.-based
Tanfield Group of companies. Since 1920,
Smith has converted tens of thousands of
vehicles to battery electric power. In the
U.K. and select European markets, Smith
already offers battery electric versions of
the Ford Transit Connect and also the Ford
Transit Connect medium commercial vehicle to
fleet customers.
Transit Connect commercial platform
ideally suited to battery electric power
Ford Transit Connect has been a global
success. Its unique combination of car-like
driving dynamics, cargo capacity,
accessibility and low costs of entry and
operation make it a logical platform for
battery electric power. Transit Connect has
been designed, engineered and manufactured
by Ford of Europe on a dedicated global
commercial vehicle platform to beat tough,
light commercial vehicle durability
standards.
Many commercial users travel predictable,
short-range routes, with lots of stop and go
in urban and suburban environments. For
companies aiming for sustainable mobility
solutions, Transit Connect with battery
electric power can help them deliver in an
environmentally friendly way.
A range of up to 100 miles makes Transit
Connect a useful hauler, with significantly
reduced operation and maintenance costs over
the long haul. Numerous federal and regional
programs offer incentives for companies to
electrify their fleets. Ford Transit Connect
with battery electric power will be
available in select U.S. Ford dealerships in
2010.