The commercial vehicle, Ford’s first all-electric production application, will offer a range of 80 miles per charge and reach a top speed of 75 mph. The small van will be converted to an electric model by Azure Dynamics, who will install its electric engine that sends the power to the front wheels via BorgWarner’s single speed eGearDrive transmission. Azure Dynamics has collaborated with BorgWarner for the development of the transmission.
"With this latest application, BorgWarner's eGearDrive transmission is proving its broad adaptability to a variety of electric propulsion vehicles, from high-performance roadsters to sedans to commercial vans," said John Sanderson, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems. "Partnering with Azure Dynamics allows both companies to build on their legacies of innovation, driving growth in environmentally friendly solutions that also deliver efficiency and performance."
The eGearDrive features a highly efficient gear train and has a compact design that keeps the overall weight down, an asset that increases the vehicle’s range. The transmission also delivers a high torque capacity in a compact package, offering an operating efficiency that exceeds 97 percent. It manages to achieve this while providing a smooth, quiet operation, thus helping the vehicle achieve a low overall noise, vibration and harshness level. In addition to that, the system is built of 99 percent recyclable materials.
The Ford Transit Connect Electric will also be introduced to the European market next year. The van is part of a 5 vehicle electric line-up destined for Europe. It will be followed by an electric Focus in 2012 and by two next-generation hybrid vehicles and a plug-in hybrid (these will enter the market by 2013).
Google News