Ford’s All-Electric Vans Hit the Road: A New Era in Commercial Transport
Ford Motor Company is making waves in the automotive industry. That’s with the launch of its all-electric commercial vans. Built on the Ford Transit Connect body and powered by Azure Dynamics’ innovative Force Drive™ battery electric powertrain. For these zero-emission vehicles are a game changer. Assembled by AM General in Livonia, Michigan, these vans are hitting the market just 13 months after the collaboration began.
Pioneering Partnerships and Initial Rollout
The debut of these electric vans marks a significant milestone for Ford and its partners. Azure Dynamics has launched its LEAD customer program. They are delivering the first units to seven major companies in 2010. Notable early adopters include AT&T, Southern California Edison, Xcel Energy, Johnson Controls Inc., New York Power Authority, Canada Post, and the Toronto Atmospheric Fund EV300. More LEAD customers are set to join the ranks by the end of the year.
Ford’s collaboration with Azure Dynamics was first announced in October 2009. This partnership involves outfitting the Transit Connect van with Azure’s Force Drive battery electric drivetrain, featuring Johnson Controls-Saft’s advanced lithium-ion batteries. Initial production kicked off in late 2010, with full-scale production planned for April 2011.
The Power of Collaboration
Sherif Marakby, Ford’s director of Electrification Programs and Engineering, emphasizes the importance of supplier collaboration in this rapid development process. A strong teamwork environment established by Azure and Ford was critical to delivering this vehicle,” Marakby stated. Scott Harrison, CEO of Azure Dynamics, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the synergy between Azure’s powertrain technology and Ford’s global vehicle platform expertise.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation played a crucial role by providing incentive funding, encouraging Azure Dynamics to select a Michigan-based partner for final assembly. AM General, a renowned contract vehicle assembler, was chosen to complete the assembly of the Transit Connect Electric vans.
A Roadmap for the Future of Electrification
These electric vans signify the first product in Ford’s accelerated electrified vehicle plan. Following the Transit Connect Electric, Ford plans to roll out the Focus Electric passenger car in 2011, along with a plug-in hybrid electric and two next-generation lithium-ion battery-powered hybrid vehicles in 2012.
Global Impact: Expanding Horizons
Beyond North America, the Transit Connect Electric is also making its way to the United Kingdom. Fourteen of these vans will participate in the government’s Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator program, supported by Scottish and Southern Energy. This initiative aims to test zero-emissions vehicles and infrastructure technologies in the London suburb of Hillingdon.
Ford and Azure Dynamics have announced plans to extend their collaboration to produce the Transit Connect Electric for the European market, with initial deliveries slated for 2011.
This pioneering venture underscores Ford’s commitment to sustainable innovation, setting a new standard for commercial transportation and paving the way for a greener future.
Source: Ford Motor Company
