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FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL VAN HELPS FLEET CUSTOMERS GO COMPLETELY GAS-FREE
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- Ford Transit Connect Electric, a pure electric-powered version of the
award-winning Transit Connect small van, goes into production in late 2010
- Ford is collaborating with Azure Dynamics Corporation to upfit the Transit
Connect Electric with Azure’s Force Drive™ battery electric powertrain
and Johnson Controls-Saft’s advanced lithium-ion battery technology
- Transit Connect Electric is the first product in Ford’s accelerated
electrified vehicle plan, and will be followed by the Focus Electric in
2011, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in 2012 and next-generation hybrid
technology in 2012
- The all-electric, zero-emission Transit Connect Electric has targeted
range of up to 80 miles per full charge, and will be rechargeable using
either 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlets
- Transit Connect Electric is ideal for fleet owners that have well-defined
routes of predictable distances and a central location for daily recharging
CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2010 – Ford Motor Company today unveiled the all-electric
version of the Ford Transit Connect – the 2010 North American Truck of the
Year – at the Chicago Auto Show and confirmed the zero-emissions small van
will be in fleet operators’ hands later this year.
The 2011 Transit Connect Electric will use a Force Drive electric powertrain
manufactured and integrated by specialty upfitter Azure Dynamics.
“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.”
In addition to the Transit Connect Electric, Ford plans to bring three more
electrified vehicles to market by 2012 – the Focus Electric in 2011, a plug-in
hybrid electric vehicle in 2012 and a next-generation hybrid in 2012.
Getting charged up and moving
Transit Connect Electric is well-suited for commercial fleets that travel
predictable, short-range routes with frequent stop-and-go driving in urban and
suburban environments and a central location for daily recharging. The vehicle,
which will accelerate at a similar rate as the gas-powered Transit Connect and
will have a top speed of 75 mph, has a targeted range of up to 80 miles on a
full charge.
Owners will have the option of recharging the Transit Connect Electric with
either a standard 120V outlet or preferably a 240V charge station installed at
the user’s base of operations for optimal recharging in six to eight hours. A
transportable cord that works with both types of outlets will be available for
recharging at both kinds of locations.
The vehicle’s charge port is located above the passenger-side rear wheel
well. The onboard liquid-cooled 28-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack is
charged by connecting the charge port to a power outlet. Inside the vehicle, an
onboard charger converts the AC power from the electric grid to DC power to
charge the battery pack.
“We’re excited about the potential for our electrified vehicles,” said
Praveen Cherian, program manager for the Transit Connect Electric, who added
that today’s electric vehicle buyers are similar to early adopters of hybrid
vehicles. “People were a little hesitant about hybrid technology at first, but
now they accept it and embrace it. We expect the same will be true of electric
vehicles.”
Driving on electric power
When the vehicle is operating, battery power is provided to the drive motor
through the electric powertrain’s motor controller. The motor controller uses
throttle input from the driver to convert DC power supplied by the battery into
three precisely timed signals used to drive the motor.
The onboard DC/DC converter allows the vehicle’s main battery pack to
charge the onboard 12V battery, which powers the vehicle’s various
accessories, such as headlights, power steering and coolant pumps.
In the Transit Connect Electric, the battery pack has been efficiently
integrated without compromising interior passenger room and cargo space. The
battery pack is expected to last the life of the vehicle.
Collaborations are key
Transit Connect Electric builds on the existing business relationship between
Ford and Azure Dynamics, as well as their shared experience with battery
supplier, Johnson Controls-Saft.
“There is an increasing interest in electrified vehicles, and we are
committed to bringing these vehicles to the marketplace,” said Nancy Gioia,
Ford director of Global Electrification. “Ford’s work with Azure and Johnson
Controls-Saft to create a purely electric Transit Connect will allow us to offer
fleet customers an additional option for eco-friendly transportation.”
Oak Park, Mich.-based Azure Dynamics develops hybrid electric and electric
drive technology for shuttle buses and commercial trucks, such as the Balance™
Hybrid Electric, which is built on the Ford E-450 cutaway and strip chassis for
the medium-duty commercial vehicle segment.
“The opportunity to work with Ford on the Transit Connect Electric is a
breakthrough advancement for us at Azure and for the light-commercial vehicle
market,” said Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO. “For us, it’s an
important evolution of our existing relationship with Ford. From an
industry standpoint, we are seeing delivery fleet and utility vehicle operators
move to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.”
Azure Dynamics’ proprietary Force Drive battery electric powertrain will be
the driving force in the Transit Connect Electric. Force Drive components have
previously been deployed in more than 40 vehicle integrations and have more than
25 million miles of on-the-road experience.
Johnson Controls-Saft was selected by Azure Dynamics as the supplier for
lithium-ion battery cells and battery packs for the Transit Connect Electric.
Azure Dynamics and Ford both currently use Johnson Controls-Saft battery
technology for other products.
An ideal platform
With a unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, cargo capacity,
accessibility and low purchase and operation costs, the Transit Connect is an
ideal choice for electrification.
The Transit Connect Electric is expected to offer lower cost of operation,
because recharging with electricity is generally less expensive than refueling
with gasoline. Users may also benefit from much lower maintenance costs over the
life of the vehicle. Consider the following:
- The number of components typical in an internal combustion engine and
transmission are dramatically reduced in an electric vehicle to just a few
moving parts in the electric motor and transaxle, which results in much
fewer parts to wear out or maintain
- Electric powertrains operate with solid state electronics, which have demonstrated
low or no maintenance over the life of the product
- Electric vehicles have completely sealed cooling systems that do not
require refilling, replacement or flushing
- Electric vehicles require no oil changes or tune-ups
- There are no belts to wear out or break and no spark plugs or injectors to
clean or adjust
- There is no exhaust system to replace and no liquid fuel system to freeze
or clog
- The use of regenerative braking reduces wear and tear on brake pads
Common strengths
Although there are significant differences between the Transit Connect Electric
and its gas-powered twin, there are many things in common as well. Both models
offer:
- 135 cubic feet of cargo volume with 59.1 inches of floor-to-ceiling load
height and 47.8 inches of load width between the wheel arches
- Load length a generous 72.6 inches, or more than six feet of cargo floor
space
- Split rear cargo doors that open at a standard 180 degrees, or an
optionally available 255 degrees
- Lift-over height less than two feet when the vehicle is unloaded
- Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering allows a 39-foot curb-to-curb
turning circle for maneuverability in tight urban spaces
- Bulkheads, racks, bins and other upfits can be mixed, matched and
configured to suit many specific commercial applications and needs
“With interest in eco-friendly vehicles stronger than ever among commercial
and government fleet operators, the Transit Connect Electric promises to offer
another unique solution for their needs,” said Gerry Koss, Ford fleet
marketing manager.
FORD TRANSIT CONNECT TAXI
‘ON DUTY’; NEW PEOPLE MOVER RUNS ON GREEN FUELS WITH NEW ENGINE OPTION.jpg)
- Transit Connect Taxi goes into production and will be available for the
2011 model year
- Transit Connect is built on a dedicated commercial vehicle platform,
tested to Ford’s toughest truck standards, offers a fuel-efficient
2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and is designed to meet the extreme
demands of taxi service
- A new engine prep package allows conversion to efficient, clean-burning
compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas)
- Transit Connect’s roomy, easy-to-access interior provides passenger
comfort and ample luggage storage space, even after modification to contain
CNG/LPG fuel tanks
CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2010 – The Ford Transit Connect Taxi will go into
production and arrive in dealerships later this year as a 2011 model, adding to
Ford Motor Company’s leadership in the North American taxi market.
Making the announcement today at the Chicago Auto Show, Ford also said it
will introduce engine prep packages on all Transit Connect models – base and
taxi – allowing conversion to efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas
(CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas). Both CNG and LPG are popular
among taxi operators because of their low cost of ownership.
The roomy, flexible interior of the Transit Connect – the 2010 North
American Truck of the Year – is perfectly suited for taxi service and
conversion to CNG and LPG. The vehicle’s 135 cubic feet of cargo space
accommodates a compressed gas tank while leaving ample passenger legroom and
cargo capacity.
“While meeting with taxi operators in cities throughout the U.S., we found
considerable interest for vehicles that run on alternative fuels,” said Mark
Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “The Transit Connect Taxi,
combined with an engine modified by Ford to use CNG/LPG, is designed to meet
that need. This marks a new era in ‘green’ transit.”
To further serve taxi operators, Ford will provide required calibration
specifications for the CNG or LPG conversion. By properly following Ford’s
specifications, the conversion can be completed without voiding the engine’s
warranty.
The alternative fuel advantage
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CNG is less expensive and
burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in 30 percent to 40 percent less
greenhouse gas emissions. Propane also burns cleaner than gasoline.
“Compressed natural gas and propane offer more than sufficient power for
vehicles because they are high-energy fuels,” said Rob Stevens, Transit
Connect chief engineer. “Another natural benefit for these fuels is they
provide an overall lower emission of greenhouse gases compared to gasoline.
Additionally, operating on CNG or LPG provides the operators lower
fuel/operating costs for their fleet.”
Furthermore, nearly 87 percent of natural gas used in the United States is
domestically produced. There also are government tax credit incentives for
fleets to convert to alternative fuels.
Since October 2009, CNG prep packages have been available on E-Series vans
with 5.4-liter and 6.8-liter gas engines.
A conversion-ready interior
The Transit Connect Taxi offers an outstanding interior package for people and
cargo. With its open architecture, the taxi provides excellent interior headroom
and passenger visibility. The vehicle’s rear seat has been moved back three
inches to maximize passenger comfort. Plus, with 6.5 inches of ground clearance,
passengers step easily through the dual sliding doors. Additional climate
control ventilation has been added for rear seat passengers.
The Transit Connect Taxi also features a wiring upfit package with a hole in
the roof for signage, vinyl front and rear seats, rubber rear floor, sliding
second-row windows and standard third-row windows – all of which are factory
installed. Additional installation of technology and other taxi modifications
such as roof signage and the optional seating partition are handled by taxi
upfitters in local markets.
The vehicle’s cargo area easily accommodates compressed natural gas tanks
directly behind the second-row seat, still allowing ample luggage storage.
Technology on the go
Ford is collaborating with Creative Mobile Technologies, LLC (CMT), to integrate
premier payment processing and passenger information technologies in the Transit
Connect Taxi.
Ford and CMT also are developing strategies for potential integration of Ford
Work Solutions, a suite of productivity technologies for business owners
providing a wireless in-dash computer with full high-speed Internet access and
navigation. “Ford has demonstrated a significant commitment to support the
taxi industry with not only a dedicated product but also with the commitment to
work with the technology companies that support the industry,” said Jason
Poliner, chief operating officer, CMT. “Ford understands that the taxi
business is not just the vehicle but a complete technological solution.”
Evidence of how this technology could work in the future is included in the
Transit Connect Taxi. It also features an 8.4-inch electronic infotainment and
navigation screen that shows cab fare, news, weather, sports scores and stock
ticker. With the touch screen, passengers also can select their choice of
programming, follow the taxi’s journey on a map, or scroll through a list of
points of interest along the route – including restaurants, museums and shops.
Once at the destination, the screen displays the fare with options to pay via
cash, credit or debit. Cardholders can swipe their card, select a pre-calculated
tip recommendation or utilize the touch screen to enter a tip amount, and
complete the transaction right from their seat.
Building on taxi leadership
The “green” taxi isn’t new at Ford, which has been a leader in the taxi
business for decades. Ford was the first manufacturer to introduce gas-electric
hybrid-powered taxis into North American fleets with the launch of the Ford
Escape Hybrid in San Francisco and New York City in early 2005.
Built on a dedicated commercial vehicle platform and tested to Ford tough
truck standards, the Transit Connect Taxi – including gasoline-powered
versions and those modified to operate on CNG/LPG – is designed to meet the
extreme demands of taxi service.
With its standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission,
the conventionally powered Transit Connect is expected to deliver an estimated
30 percent improvement in fuel economy over many of today’s traditional taxis.
“Transit Connect already has proven that it offers tremendous versatility
for commercial fleet use,” said Gerry Koss, Ford fleet marketing manager.
“The Transit Connect taxi, combined with the capability for CNG/LPG
conversion, further demonstrates its flexibility.”
FORD TRANSIT CONNECT STARS
IN NEW
‘VALENTINE’S DAY’ MOVIE
- The Ford Transit Connect hits the silver screen in the New Line Cinema and
Warner Bros. Pictures film “Valentine’s Day,” featuring an all-star
cast, which opens in theaters nationwide Feb. 12
- The Transit Connect is seen in the film as the vehicle used to deliver
flowers on one of the busiest days of the year for any florist,
Valentine’s Day
- Florists throughout the U.S. are replacing larger cargo vans with the
versatile Transit Connect, which offers better fuel economy, greater
maneuverability and added height in the cargo area
DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 12, 2010 – The Ford Transit Connect hits the silver
screen with an all-star ensemble cast in the New Line Cinema film,
“Valentine’s Day,” which opens in theaters nationwide today.
The film follows the intertwining storylines of a diverse group of Los
Angelinos as they navigate their way through romance and heartbreak over the
course of one Valentine’s Day. One of the main characters is a florist who
uses the Transit Connect to deliver flowers on love’s most celebrated holiday.
“The delivery of flowers is one of the threads that ties all of the
characters in the movie together,” said Brian Daly, senior vice president,
Team Detroit, who is a member of Ford Global Brand Entertainment (FGBE). “This
film is heavily character-driven, so this is one of the few opportunities for a
vehicle in the film to be showcased.”
Ford Transit Connect: A perfect fit for the part
In his role with FGBE, Daly routinely reviews movie scripts in development.
After reading the script for “Valentine’s Day,” he says he knew
immediately that Ford’s new compact van would be an ideal fit for the part.
“We knew that the character of the florist was going to be a passionate
entrepreneur, and since the Transit Connect is smaller than the typical cargo
van, it conveys that ‘small business’ message to the viewer,” said Daly.
“We took it over to Warner Bros., and the production crew fell in love with
it.”
The Transit Connect featured in the movie is painted powder-puff pink and
sports decals for the fictitious L.A. florist Siena Bouquet. Daly says as
product placements go, this one is pretty prestigious.
“Everyone in the cast is A-level, which made the film a unique opportunity
for Ford to be involved in.”
The FGBE team is known throughout the industry for successful product
placements in movies and television programs. In 2009, the team was recognized
by Brandchannel as a Brandcameo Award Runner-Up for Overall Product Placement.
“This is where the excitement is,” said Daly. “To use the power of film
to leverage our brands is very satisfying. It gives a different dimension to the
brand when it’s aligned with the right story and the right character.”
In addition to the placement of the Transit Connect in “Valentine’s
Day,” Ford Warriors in Pink is teaming up with the celebrity cast of the movie
to help raise awareness for breast cancer. To learn more, please visit www.fordcares.com/valentinesdaymovie.
U.S. florists attracted to versatility of Ford Transit Connect
Across the country, florists – just like the one featured in “Valentine’s
Day” – are using the Transit Connect to get the job done.
Jim Farquhar, owner of Grosse Pointe Florist in Grosse Pointe, Mich., is a
third-generation florist. He’s spent a lifetime navigating floral delivery
trucks through his community’s maze of winding cul-de-sacs and narrow
driveways. The recent economic downturn coupled with the rising cost of gas
prompted him to replace one of his larger cargo vans with the new Transit
Connect.
“It’s a great truck,” he said. “I can zip in and out of tight spaces
easily, and the mileage is great. The amount of money I’m saving on gas
compared to the larger cargo van is making my payment on the Transit Connect.”
Like Farquhar, Dennis Sparr, owner of Sparr’s Floral in Plymouth, Mich.,
also was looking for a more economical vehicle.
“I’m trying to cut my operating costs, and the Transit Connect fit the
bill,” he said. “Everything Ford said about it is more than true. They said
it would get 22 miles per gallon in the city, and we’ve been getting 23.”
Sparr says the Transit Connect is easier to drive because it handles more
like a car than a truck. “One of the things that really impressed me is the
way it holds the road so nicely,” he said. “Other trucks sway when they get
a little weight or wind. Not this truck.”
Farquhar says the vehicle’s dual side doors make flower delivery a breeze.
“Most of the homes in our area have driveways on the right-hand side, so
the drivers used to have to walk around to the passenger side of the truck,
unload the flowers and then go back around to make the delivery,” he
explained. “The Transit Connect has doors on both sides of the cargo area, so
it saves a lot of time.”
And because it is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the Transit Connect makes winter
floral deliveries much safer, says Farquhar.
“There is much less slipping and sliding in the snow,” he said.
Snow is not an issue for florists on the West Coast, but heat can be a
concern for delicate floral arrangements in the summertime, says LuAnn Schwab,
owner of Blooms & Bears Florist in Irvine, Calif. So she ordered the
versatile Transit Connect without side windows.
“It works very well,” she said. “The front window is huge and the
mirrors are great. That really compensates for the lack of side windows.”
But it’s the amount of space in the cargo area – especially the extra
height – that really makes life easier, says Schwab.
“We do a lot of tall arrangements for our corporate accounts, and in the
past we would have to tip the flowers a little bit before we could put them
in,” she said. “With the Transit Connect, there’s enough headroom so the
driver doesn’t have any problems.”
All three florists say they’ve never had a delivery vehicle that garnered
so much attention.
“We drove it for a short while before we had our signage put on it, and our
driver said everyone would stop him and comment on it,” said Schwab. “It’s
like a traveling billboard for us.”
2010 Ford Transit Connect
Transit Connect and the Old Blue Truck at the Victoria Country
Club in Riverside, CA
Special RAD edition of the Transit Connect
In stock Cargo Vans and Club Wagons
For more information please call 951-353-8800
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