Ford Unveils All-Electric Transit Connect
CHICAGO - Ford recently unveiled the all-electric version of the Ford Transit Connect at the Chicago Auto Show, confirming the zero-emissions small van will be in fleet operators' hands later this year.
Rechargeable using either 240-volt or standard 120 volt outlets, the all-electric Transit Connect can travel a range of 80 miles on a full charge, according to Ford.
CHICAGO- Ford Motor Company unveiled the all-electric version of the Ford Transit Connect at the Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 8 - the first product in the automaker's accelerated electrified plan. Limited production of the new model will begin this year, with full production ramped up in 2011. Ford confirmed the zero-emissions small van will be in fleet operators' hands later this year.
About 1,000 units will be produced annually depending on customer response, said Praveen Cherian, program manager of the Transit Connect, at the Chicago Auto Show. Ford collaborated with Mich.-based Azure Dynamics and Johnson Controls-Saft's technology in the development of the electric model.
Cherian said the vehicles are designed to meet the needs of commercial customers with a predictable drive route, such as "florists or a handyman, plumber, or a Best Buy Geek Squad, utility type purposes vehicle." Rechargeable using either 240-volt or standard 120 volt outlets, the electric vehicle can travel a range of 80 miles, providing an alternative for drivers who need a utility vehicle, but don't want a pickup truck.
The Transit Connect has proven its popularity among commercial customers over the past year, earning itself the title of 2010 North American Truck of the Year. Businesses currently using the Transit Connect include Thyssenkrupp, Edible Arrangements, Ambius, KONE, Reddy Ice Holdings, and Mancuso Florists.
Production of the Ford Transit Connect Taxi, which will arrive in dealerships later this year as a 2011 model, was also announced. The automaker said it will introduce engine prep packages on all Transit Connect models - base and taxi - allowing conversion to efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas).
To further serve taxi operators, Ford will provide required calibration specifications for the CNG or LPG conversion. By properly following Ford's specifications, the conversion can be completed without voiding the engine's warranty.
In addition to the Transit Connect Electric, Ford plans to bring three more electrified vehicles to market by 2012 - the Focus Electric in 2011, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in 2012, and a next-generation hybrid in 2012.
More Fuel
June Fuel Update: Prices Fall Below $4
Drivers are finally getting some relief at the pump. The national average gas price has dropped below $4 a gallon for the first time in months, with prices falling in 47 states as oil markets react to developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Read More →
Study: How 2026's Gas Price Hikes Affect Different Vehicle Types
New data from iSeeCars reveals how rising fuel costs have affected different vehicle segments as gasoline prices climbed nearly 46% over the past four months.
Read More →
Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?
Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.
Read More →
May Fuel Update: All Regions Experience Declines
Gas prices are finally easing in much of the country, but experts warn global tensions could quickly reverse the trend as the national average remains well above last month’s levels.
Read More →
April Fuel Update: Prices Climb Above $4 as Spring Surge Accelerates
National average jumps to $4.04 per gallon, up sharply from last year, with West Coast prices topping $5 and further increases expected amid rising oil tensions.
Read More →
Tips from Fleet Managers on Saving Fuel Costs
Fleet leaders share practical strategies to reduce fuel spend through smarter policy, routing, and driver guidance.
Read More →
March Fuel Update: Prices Settle With a $4 Average
Fuel prices significantly slowed this week, but a $4 national average is still expected.
Read More →
Bob Adamsky on Fuel Volatility: “Don’t Panic — Have a Plan”
With oil prices rising again, AWP Safety’s fleet manager shares how to respond to rising fuel costs and how the right strategy can turn fuel spikes into cost-saving opportunities.
Read More →
Oil Market Turbulence Is Complicating Fleet Cost Planning
Rapid swings in crude oil prices driven by the conflict in the Middle East could create longer-term cost pressures for fleets, affecting fuel prices, supply chains, and vehicle strategy, says NTEA’s Andrew Wrobel.
Read More →
February Fuel Update: Prices Inch Higher for Third Week in a Row
The final February fuel update reveals prices continuing to inch higher for the third week in a row.
Read More →