Anyone hoping to get behind the wheel of a Ford Transit Electric has been boosted by the news that Ford has now signed a collaborative agreement with Azure Dynamics Corporation to bring the vehicle to Europe.
The aim is to deliver a pure battery electric version of the Ford Transit Connect by late summer 2011 with Azure having already worked towards delivering the battery electric powertrain for the US and Canadian version of the vehicle following the end of Ford’s partnership with Smith Electric Vehicles. Azure already develops hybrid electric and electric drive technology for shuttle buses and commercial trucks in the US, including the Balance Hybrid Electric, which is built on a Ford E-450 cutaway.
The move, which will mark the first time Azure has worked in Europe, will see the company integrate its Force Drive battery electric drive train into the Transit Connect vehicles.
As for the van itself, it will have a targeted range of up to 80miles on a full charge and zero exhaust emissions. It can be recharged with a standard 220/240V outlet within six-eight hours.
Ford has already announced that its global electric vehicle plan will extend to Europe and that it will introduce the Transit Connect in 2011 followed by the Ford Focus Electric in 2012.
