Ford Transit Connect the first of five electric LCVs
Ford’s Transit Connect Electric made its debut at the 2010 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany this week, where the company initiated its electric vehicles plan for Europe.
When released next year, the Transit Connect Electric will be Ford’s first electric commercial vehicle. A raft of EVs is to follow, the firm has revealed, with plans to bring four more all-electric or hybrid light commercial vehicles to market by 2012.
With 28kWh lithium-ion batteries producing over 173lb-ft of torque, the Connect Electric has a range up to 80 miles on a full charge. Batteries can be re-charged on a household mains outlet in 10 hours.
The Force Drive powertrain featured in the all-electric van is manufactured and fitted in Europe, while the rest of production will remain in Turkey.
Despite its obvious green credentials, the van has a top speed of 75mph and gets to 60mph from standing in 12 seconds. Maximum payload also has been affected, and stands at a healthy 520kg.
Prices for the Ford Transit Connect Electric haven’t yet been revealed, but the standard model is priced from £9,995.