Ford and Azure Dynamics Join Forces For 2010 Electric Van

Ford today announced the signing of a partnership with Azure Dynamics Corporation for the new battery electric commercial van projected for 2010. Azure will thus supply its Force Drive battery electric drive train to be integrated in the Transit Connect van for commercial fleet and retail use.

“We recognize an increasing interest in electrified vehicles and have an aggressive strategy to bring these vehicles to the marketplace,” said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification. “Our work with Azure to create a pure electric battery Transit Connect vehicle will allow us to offer our commercial customers an additional option for environmentally friendly transportation.”

Additionally, Ford confirmed that Johnson Controls-Saft has been selected as battery supplier for Transit Connect BEV for the United States and Canada.

“The opportunity to work with Ford on the Transit Connect BEV is a breakthrough advancement for us at Azure and for the light commercial vehicle market,” said Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO. “For Azure, 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. The Transit Connect BEV will come to market at an ideal time to meet this growing trend."

The Transit Connect BEV is the first electric model in a long series of green cars for both the United States and Canadian markets, which also comprises the battery electric Focus passenger car in 2011, a next-generation hybrid vehicle in 2012 plus a plug-in hybrid in 2012.