Ford Introduces New Transit Connect as Their First Electric Vehicle

Ford has announced that the recently introduced Transit Connect will become the company's first BEV (battery electric vehicle) and it is scheduled to go on sale in 2010.

The pure electric version of the commercial van represents what Ford considers to be the "next logical step in our pursuit of even greater fuel economy and sustainability". Ford says that a number of commercial fleet clients have expressed interest in electric vehicles, so the company wanted to respond quickly by introducing this purpose built BEV. The company considers the Transit Connect the perfect vehicle to be outfitted as a BEV because many commercial users drive short predictable routes that consist of a lot of stop and go urban and suburban traffic.

In order to get the new Transit Connect BEV to market as soon as possible Ford teamed up with Europe's leading battery electric outfitter of commercial vehicles, Smith Electric Vehicles. Smith already offers an electric version of the Transit Connect, so the partnership was a match made in heaven.

Ford promises that the new BEV will offer fleet customers a range of up to 100 miles, a unique car-like driving experience, and excellent cargo capacity.

In the announcement Ford also committed to introducing a new battery electric small car in 2011 and releasing their next generation of hybrid vehicles in 2012, including some with plug-in capability.

Press Release

FORD TO OFFER FIRST BATTERY ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ON GLOBAL TRANSIT CONNECT PLATFORM

• The first product in Ford's aggressive new electric vehicle plan, a battery electric-powered version of Ford's global Transit Connect commercial vehicle, will be offered in 2010
• Ford is collaborating with Europe's leading battery electric commercial vehicle upfitter - Smith Electric Vehicles, a unit of the Tanfield Group ? to quickly bring this vehicle to market in North America
• The initiative leverages the "One Ford" global strategy, delivering pure battery electric power for commercial applications on a global platform. It also supports Ford's strategy of bringing scalable, affordable and fuel-efficient solutions for millions while helping reduce American commercial vehicle dependence on oil

Ford Motor Company today 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 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.