Category: Auto Shows, Ford, Chicago Auto Show, Ford , Minivans/Vans, Minivan/Van
Ford has made it official: A battery electric-powered Transit Connect will join the base Transit Connect (which is making its U.S. production debut at this week's Chicago auto show) on Ford lots in 2010 and will serve as the automaker's first true battery-powered vehicle in the U.S. The gas-powered Transit Connect is pictured.
Select dealerships chosen to sell Transit Connect BEVs will be able to advertise a reported 100-mile range and cargo capacity that, even with battery pack on board, will still likely be more than twice that offered on the Chevy HHR Panel.
More than anything else, Ford wants us to think of the Transit Connect BEV as a representation of its ability to leverage its products on a global scale, as well as its commitment to fuel economy.
Production will, of course, remain limited, but Ford points out its green plan won't stop with the Transit Connect BEV in 2010. Ford says an as-yet-unnamed battery electric small car is coming in 2011 (likely either a version of the Fiesta or Focus), with "next-generation hybrid vehicles" and plug-in hybrids to follow in 2012.
The conversion of the Transit Connect shouldn't be too difficult for UK-based Smith Electric Vehicles, who has been contracted to outfit the vehicles to run on battery power. Smith already helps Ford electrify its Transit medium commercial vehicles and has converted thousands of vehicles to battery electric power.
So far, there is no word yet on price, any specific details about how the powertrain will work, what type of battery pack it will use, etc. But Ford notes that several federal and regional incentives are available for companies looking to convert their fleets to electric power.
We'll be pressing Ford for more details on the battery electric Transit Connect during this week's Chicago show, so stay tuned.
-By Zach Gale
Source: Ford
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