Ford is poised to start a new era of green transit after unveiling two exciting new vehicles at this week's Chicago Auto Show.
First is the Transit Connect, a small European-style van. Tailored for commercial fleets that have frequent stop and go services, a gas powered Transit Connect has been on the market since 2002.
The 2011 electric model will be available later this year.
The vehicle is powered by a liquid-cooled 28 kWh lithium-ion battery pack from Johnson Controls-Saft. Though the vehicle can be charged using a standard 120V outlet, Ford recommends installing a 240V charge station at the user's operations location.
A charge from the 240V station would take between 6 and 8 hours. That single charge will allow the Transit Connect to cruise up to 80 miles at a top speed of 75 mph.
Since commercial fleets typically have short, predictable routes, they play to the strengths of electric vehicles.
"Not only is this an ideal vehicle for eco-conscious fleet operators, it is an important part of Ford's future," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's vice president of Global Product Development.
Another major target for Ford's new alternative energy fleet is cab drivers. Ford has spent a great deal of time meeting with taxi operators all over major U.S. cities, finding serious interest in alternative fuel vehicles like the Transit Connect.
In order to meet that need, Ford has also unveiled the Transit Connect Taxi.
The Transit Connect Taxi runs on gasoline, but offers a package that will allow its 2.0-liter Duratec engine to be converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG).
The Transit Connect Taxi boasts 135 cubic feet of cargo space, allowing for plenty of passenger legroom while housing the compressed natural gas tank.
As the only major U.S. automaker to avoid bankruptcy in 2009, Ford hopes to build on last year's successes by paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient lineup of vehicles. The electric Transit Connect and the Transit Connect Taxi are but two of five alternative energy vehicles Ford will be releasing by 2012.
The Focus Electric is slated for a 2011 release, and 2012 should bring upon a plug-in hybrid electric and a next generation hybrid.
Comment 
Subscribe to