Ford Motor Company will collaborate with Azure Dynamics to begin delivering the Transit Connect Electric to European customers in late summer 2011
Vehicle is based on the Transit Connect commercial van, a cornerstone of the ONE Ford global product vision and a proven success in Europe with over 700,000 built since its initial introduction in 2002
Azure Dynamics will integrate its proprietary Force Drive(TM) battery electric drive train in the Transit Connect Electric
The Transit Connect Electric is the first of five electrified vehicles (battery-electric, hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles) under development as part of Ford's global electrification strategy and all of which will be launched in Europe by 2013
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and Azure Dynamics Corporation today announced that they have signed a collaborative agreement to begin delivering a pure battery electric version of the successful Ford Transit Connect van to customers in Europe beginning in late summer 2011.
Azure will integrate its Force Drive(TM) battery electric drive train into Transit Connect vehicles in Europe to support the sale of the zero-emission battery-electric models in selected markets.
The Ford Transit Connect was first launched in Europe in 2002 and is designed, engineered and constructed to meet the unique needs of small business operators who want the same levels of durability, functionality and strength that are hallmarks of the larger Ford Transit range. Precisely these qualities led to it receiving the 'International Van of the Year' award in 2003.
Under Ford's global ONE Ford initiative, the Transit Connect was also introduced to the U.S., and Canadian markets in 2009 and received the '2010 North American Truck of the Year' award at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
"We're proud of Transit Connect as it has conclusively proved itself to be a versatile, adaptable and thoroughly dependable vehicle for real world commercial customers," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe's Chairman and CEO. "Adding a practical, full battery-electric, zero-emission alternative to the range further demonstrates the enormous flexibility of this vehicle and gives customers the option of being among the first to adopt this environmentally friendly technology."
European project builds on existing business relationship
Ford's relationship with Azure Dynamics is already well established in North America and is now extending to Europe.
In North America, Azure develops hybrid electric and electric drive technology for shuttle buses and commercial trucks, such as the Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric, which is built on a Ford E-450 'cutaway and strip' chassis for the medium duty commercial vehicle segment.
Michigan-based Azure began work on its collaborative agreement to deliver the pure battery-electric powertrain for the Transit Connect in the U.S. and Canada in October 2009, and the extension of this collaboration into Europe is a logical next step and the first time Azure will operate in the region.
"We're excited about the extension of the Transit Connect Electric program to Europe and understand that putting electric vehicles on the world's roads in significant quantities will be a long term proposition," said Scott T. Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO. "However, with the Transit Connect Electric, Ford and Azure are doing their part in helping to lead that transition."
"The European Union and individual governments are keen to encourage adoption of electric transportation technology because they understand the potential benefits to energy infrastructure and to society at large," Harrison added. "We believe that European commercial vehicle customers will be eager to adopt the Transit Connect Electric into their fleets, to demonstrate their commitment to becoming part of the solution."
Transit Connect is ideal platform for electrification
The Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated global commercial van platform and offers a unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, significant cargo capacity, accessibility and low purchase and operating costs. It is already a proven success and an ideal choice for electrification.
Commercial van users often travel predictable, short-range, routes with frequent stop and go driving in tight urban or suburban environments, resulting in a negative impact on the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines - which gives the Transit Connect Electric an added economic benefit in busy urban centers. In addition commercial users generally return to a central location at the end of a driving cycle perfect for recharging over night.
The Transit Connect Electric will offer European fleet owners the opportunity to eliminate the use of diesel or petrol fuel in their small vans and help to lower operating costs. The vehicle will have a targeted range of up to 130 km/80 miles on a full charge and zero exhaust emissions. It will be rechargeable using standard European 220/240-volt outlets within 6 to 8 hours.
'Glider' units, vehicles built without the powertrain, will be shipped from the current Ford Otosan manufacturing facility in Kocaeli, Turkey, directly to an Azure-contracted manufacturing location in Europe for final assembly.
The completed Transit Connect Electric will then be sold by Azure Dynamics, who will define a specially-created network of dealerships. Repair works under the Ford warranty will be provided by Ford dealers. They will be offered in both right- and left-hand drive configurations. Further details of market availability and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Azure's Force Drive(TM) components have previously been deployed in more than 40 vehicle integrations and have more than 25 million miles of on-the-road experience. The European Transit Connect Electric will be badged with both the Ford Blue Oval and Azure's Force Drive logo like its North American sibling.