|
|
Ford further demonstrates its commitment
to a global vehicle electrification strategy by showcasing a development
version of its zero-emission Transit Connect Electric at the 2011 Geneva
Motor Show. |
|
|
Based on a Transit Connect Kombi, the show
car is one of several electric Ford vehicles currently on test in the UK
and features the same battery electric power train as the Transit
Connect Electric Van, which is set to go on sale in Europe later this
year. |
“By providing a variety of electrified
vehicles, we are making it easier for our customers to embrace this
fuel-saving technology,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor
Company. “This strategy is true to our heritage of making innovative
technology available to as many people as possible and to our vision of
developing great products, building a strong business and contributing
to a better world.”
Zero emissions
The Transit Connect Electric Van is a
pure electric-powered version of the award-winning, long-wheelbase
Transit Connect light commercial vehicle.
Developed in conjunction with Ford's
US-based electric vehicles partner Azure Dynamics, it has a proprietary
Force Drive™ battery electric drive train powered by an advanced battery
pack designed by Johnson Controls-Saft.
With 28kWh of power to call on, Transit
Connect Electric has a top speed of 75mph (120km/h) and a range of up to
130km/80 miles. Its lithium-ion battery pack is charged via a standard
power outlet – an onboard converter then charges the battery pack. Fully
charging the batteries using standard European 220/240-volt outlets
takes up to 10 hours.
Practical and affordable
Transit Connect Electric Van will offer
European operators the opportunity to eliminate fuel bills in their
small vans and help to lower overall running costs.
Ford’s Transit Connect commercial
platform is an ideal choice for battery electric power thanks to its
unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, generous cargo
capacity, easy accessibility and low purchase and operation costs.
With a cargo volume 3.8 m3
and a payload of 410kg, Transit Connect Electric Van will particularly
appeal to operators who travel predictable, short-range routes with
frequent stop and go driving.
Tried and tested
The Transit Connect Electric Van goes
on sale in European markets later this year following its successful
launch in North America in December 2010.
'Glider' units - complete vehicles
except for the powertrain - will be shipped from the Ford Otosan
manufacturing facility in Kocaeli, Turkey, directly to an
Azure-contracted manufacturing location in Europe for final assembly.
The completed Transit Connect Electric
Van will then be sold by Azure Dynamics through a specially-created
network of dealerships. 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. Further details and prices for the Transit
Connect Electric which will be available in right- and left-hand drive
configuration will be released closer to launch.
“Transit Connect Electric exemplifies
how we are leveraging our relationships as well as our hybrid and
advanced powertrain programs to bring energy-efficient technologies from
the laboratory to the street,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice
president, Global Product Development. “Not only is this an ideal
vehicle for eco-conscious fleet operators, it is an important part of
Ford’s future.”
Ford has committed to introduce five
full-electric and hybrid models in Europe by 2013 as part of its global
electrification strategy. In addition to Transit Connect Electric, the
company will launch the next-generation Ford Focus Electric in 2012,
followed by hybrid and plug-in hybrid derivatives of the all-new C-MAX
and another hybrid-electric model in 2013.
Transit Connect Electric
Technical data
Body
- 'Glider' assembly at Ford Otosan
plant in Kocaeli, Turkey
- Final assembly by Azure Dynamics
Corporation
Propulsion architecture
- Siemens AC induction motor, Azure
Dynamics inverter
- Borg-Warner transaxle, Johnson
Controls-Saft battery pack
- System voltage range 260V – 380V
Electric drive system
- Motor Siemens model 135, 3-phase
AC induction motor, 300V nominal, liquid-cooled
- Torque 158 Nm (continuous) / 235
Nm (peak)
- Transmission Borg-Warner 31-03,
single-speed
- Gear ratio 8.28:1
- IEC 62196 type 1
Battery
- Johnson Controls-Saft lithium-ion
pack
- Capacity 28 kWh, 16 modules / (192
cells)
- Voltage range 215V – 390V /
charger – 3.3 kW
Weights and capacities
- Maximum payload 410 kg
- Curb weight 1791 kg (est.)
- Cargo volume 3.8 m3
Performance
- Driving range up to 130 km (80
miles) per full charge
- Charge duration up to 10 hours for
full cycle using 230 V
- Top speed 120 km/h (75 mph)@ 0
percent grade
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph)
in 12 seconds (based on kerb weight)
- 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph)in 15 seconds
(based on gross vehicle weight rating)
|
