The vehicle itself, although not impressive when compared to other similar vehicles (meaning that it offers pretty much the same things as other similar vehicles, be it passenger cars or vans) impresses because of the number of companies involved in its development.
Azure Dynamics, Ford, Johnson Controls and AM General have been working on the van for quite some time now. It is based on the long wheelbase version of the Transit Connect and is equipped with a battery electric drive train supplied by Azure Dynamics. The system, already tested on some 40 vehicle integrations, will give the vehicle a range of 130 km or 80 miles on a full charge.
“We’ve been working to grow clean energy manufacturing in Michigan to diversify the state’s economy and create jobs,” Granholm said after the test drive. “The Transit Connect Electric is a prime example of the public and private sectors collaborating to invest in clean energy technologies that lead to new jobs for Michigan workers.”
To honor the governor, parts supplier Johnson Controls, who manufactures the lithium-ion battery pack for the model, announced it is ordering 20 Transit Connect Electric vans.
“The collaboration we share with our suppliers on the Transit Connect Electric is a critical component in our delivery of the first of five new electrified vehicles we are bringing to market within the next two years, including hybrids, pure battery electrics and plug-in hybrids,” added Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification.
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