Sunset_Blogger

Ford confirmed that commercial customers will have the choice of ordering their 2010 Ford Transit Connect with a gas or battery electric powertrain. The announcement also said the delivery van will be proudly badged with a blue oval when it appears at "select Ford dealerships" sometime next year. We're thrilled to see a domestic carmaker selling a fully electric vehicle.
Global Product Development VP Derrick Kuzack said that Ford is positioning the electric Transit Connect as the "strong, silent type," perfect for customers who are interested in environmental sustainability but need a rugged work truck. According to Smith, who converts the Transit Connect for electric operation, the van will get 100 miles per charge, reach 70 mph, and can silently carry almost 1,800 pounds -- perfect for early morning deliveries.
"Many commercial users travel predictable, short-range routes, with lots of stop and go in urban and suburban environments," Ford said in a statement.
The strategic release of the battery electric Transit Connect fits in with Ford's global strategy of offering advanced electric vehicles to select commercial users while selling enhanced internal combustion technology to the masses. Ford's rationale is that the highest demand for the current generation of purely electric vehicles will come from well-financed fleets, while average consumers will be interested in more affordable fuel-saving technology.
"The new Transit Connect light commercial vehicle with battery electric power represents the next logical step in our pursuit of even greater fuel economy and sustainability," Kuzak said. "A growing number of our commercial vehicle fleet clients have expressed interest in electrification as a sustainable mobility solution." A lot of noncommercial customers have expressed interest as well, but they'll have to wait another year for Ford's promised small battery electric car that will hit dealerships in 2011.