Ford Transit Connect Electric Debuted In Chicago
By Chris Weiss
Ford kicked off a brigade of upcoming electric models with its brand new electric-version Transit Connect commercial van at the Chicago Auto Show. The van is positioned for fleet owners that drive predictable distances and have a reliable place to juice the batteries.
The BEV features a 28kWh liquid-cooled lithium ion battery pack funneling power to a 3-phase AC induction motor. Battery power is controlled through throttle input provided by the driver. Ford teamed up with Azure Dynamics (powertrain) and Johnson Controls-Saft (lithium ion battery) for the build.
The Transit Connect gets up to 80 miles on a charge. Charging can be handled with either 120V or 240V outlets. The top speed is 75 mph.
Ford will begin production on the BEV late this year and will follow up with a Focus Electric in 2011. [via egmCarTech]
