Just Right – Ford Transit Connect Makes Living on the Road Easier

The tiny home trend is here to stay and provides the green-conscious a way to live in comfort with a minimal footprint, both literal and environmental. While many tiny homes require an additional capable vehicle to tow the home from place to place, a group of entrepreneurs yearning for flexibility and work-life balance have turned to a classic platform to create mobile live/work spaces that are both personal and economical.

Ford recently highlighted a few inspiring women who are using the flexibility that’s baked into the Ford Transit Connect van to make life on the road a little bit easier. Check out Ford’s release, below, then let us know what you think in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

ROAD WARRIORS: ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN DISCOVER LIFE ON THE ROAD CAN FEEL JUST LIKE HOME, THANKS TO FORD TRANSIT

When Teri Lou Dantzler returned home from her New Zealand vacation in 2016, one of the first items on her to-do list was researching vans.
That’s because Dantzler, a landscape photographer and grandmother, had just spent her holiday camping in a large vehicle, or “camper-vanning,” as it’s known in some parts – and loved it. After deciding to purchase a Ford Transit, she spent the next four months working with her father to outfit the vehicle with everything she needed to accommodate long road trips to capture the best photos around the U.S. – a bed, workspace, refrigerator, freshwater system and plenty of storage – and documented the whole thing on YouTube.
Living in vans – once upon a time a lifestyle dedicated mostly to surfer dudes – is now expanding to include women like Dantzler. In fact, more and more women are tricking out vans and taking their lives on the road, choosing Ford Transit and Transit Connect as platforms on which to build their own homes. Women buying Ford vans cite their lower costs, reliability, safety and security, and serviceability through Ford’s extensive North American dealer network as key purchase considerations.
“Now, I can live out on the road for extended periods of time,” says Dantzler, who also added solid maple cabinetry and purpleheart wood inlays, power inverter and solar panel to recharge the battery to her Transit. “In between venturing to unique photo locations, I do meet-ups and conduct live photography classes – all from my home on the road.”


Freedom is ‘Incredible’
For Rebecca Gross, a former Air Force captain and champion cyclist, it’s easy to be productive out on the road. Eight months out of the year, Gross depends on her 2017 Transit cargo van to get her to cyclocross and mountain biking events. She says the freedom is incredible.
“It’s always an adventure,” says Gross. “I’m happier having control over my time. I can coach and work on the road – anywhere I choose – then stop when I want and go for a ride.”
It took just a matter of days and a few hundred dollars in materials for Gross and a friend to outfit the Transit for her home on the road. She built a platform bed with storage underneath, a counter and another storage system for cycling gear and personal items.
“On a cyclist’s budget, the Transit is a lot more affordable option,” says Gross. “The dealer was surprised to hear what I was planning to do with it, but personalizing the van just the way I wanted was really fun.” She estimates the cost was $10,000 less than competing vans.
Equally important to Dantzler and Gross is the extensive Ford dealer network across North America. With more than 3,200 Ford and Lincoln dealers and more than 675 commercial vehicle centers in the United States, Ford Transit owners enjoy significantly greater access to service.

2015 Chevy City Express Van Good For 25 MPG

GM’s answer to the Ford Transit Connect is the 2015 Chevy City Express, which netted a combined 25 MPG rating thanks to a particularly high city rating of 24 MPG. GM managed to accomplish this using a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine matched to a CVT transmission.

That resulted in a 24 MPG city rating and a 26 MPG highway rating for an even 25 MPG combined. This compares favorably to the Ford Transit Connect, which manages up to 30 highway MPG using the 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine, but just 22 MPG around town. Small vans like this tend to do most of their driving in urban environments, acting as delivery or contractor vehicles for local vendors.

The starting price of $22,950, just a little bit cheaper than the Transit Connect’s MSRP of $23,130, and the 20 interior cargo points plus six floor-mounted D-rings allow a wide range of payloads to be safely seccured. The dual rear-sliding doors open up to 122.7 cubic-feet with a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds, and with urban driving in mind GM saw fit to give it a tight turning radius of 36.7 feet, all of which are similar to the Transit Connect. One might say the only difference between the two delivery vans is whether you prefer a blue oval or a bowtie badge on the front of your van.

Or you could just go the New York way and opt for the Nissan NV200 instead, which is smaller, but cheaper as well. Your call, chief.

Source: Gas 2.

New Ford Transit Van 46% More Efficient Than E-Series

Ford is rolling out its replacement for the venerable E-Series van starting this summer, and the new van gets as much as 46% better fuel economy than the model it is replacing.

What started as the lowly Econoline way back in  1961 has been the best selling van in America for the past 35 years. Originally a bare bones work vehicle, it morphed over the years into a full zoot luxo-barge suitable for wafting the entire family down the highway in climate controlled, leather trimmed comfort while towing a 7000 lb boat.

Mercedes started the trend toward the high roof cargo van 10 years ago, and the rest of the industry has been playing catch-up ever since. The Transit is Ford’s take on the idea, and production has just commenced. It will come standard with a 3.7 liter V-6 engine rated at 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, compared to the available 10 cylinder engine in the E-Series which was rated at 10 mpg city and 13 mpg highway. That’s a whopping 46% improvement that can save the owner almost $2000 a year in fuel costs. When compared to the standard engine in the E Series, fuel economy is up nearly 20%. Ford also debuted a new painting process that uses less water, making it that much more eco-friendly/

The Transit is also available with a 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine that pumps out 400 ft/lbs of torque, the most among all its competitors, thanks to a combination of direct gas injection and twin turbos. It also is rated 14 city/19 highway, meaning more power without sacrificing any efficiency. If load carrying capacity is important to you, the Transit has more than any other van sold in America at 4,650 lbs. All across the line, it totes 600 lbs more weight than the E Series it replaces, with its maximum towing capacity rated at 7,500 lbs.

So, let’s see. The new model has a higher load capacity, much better fuel economy, best in class torque and tows almost 4 tons?  Goodbye, E Series. Hello, Transit!

Source: Gas 2.

2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi Debuts With CNG/LPG Capability

Automakers like Ford are responding to high gas prices by offering more vehicles with CNG and LPG capabilities, especially for fleet customers who could see the most savings using cheaper fuels. The 2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi not only debuts an all-new look and taxi-specific features, but also comes with a CNG/LPG prep package, allowing for easy conversions.

Natural gas and propane vehicles are gaining popularity in the U.S. as gasoline and diesel prices remain stubbornly high. Ford is one of several automakers now offering natural gas options to fleet customers, though as is the case with the CNG-powered Ford F-150, the vehicles don’t come from the factory equipped for these alternative fuels.

Rather, the 2014 Transit Connect Taxi comes with a “prep kit” that allows a Ford-qualified conversion shop to convert the taxi vans into CNG or LPG-powered vehicles. Conversion costs run between $6,000 and $9,000 per vehicle, a hefty investment on top of the price of the van itself.

However, with CNG and LPG both selling far below the cost (between $2.00 and $2.70 gallon-equivalent), fleet owners can amass big fuel savings over the life of a vehicle. The 2014 Transit Connect is powered by a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford also made other changes to the 2014 Transit Connect Taxi that go beyond a face lift. The roof is lower, as is the floor, allowing for more sign clearance and easier loading. The taxi van can now fit five passengers, and has an anticipated best-in-class 60 cubic-feet of cargo room behind the second row of seats. How the CNG/LPG conversion affects that, Ford doesn’t say.

As far as alternatives to gasoline though, the Transit Connect may make the most sense when it comes down to the dollars and cents of it all.

Source: Ford

Azure Dynamics' California Customers Receive New Incentive Program for Deploying Transit Connect Electric

PRESS RELEASE

Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC:
AZDDF) ("Azure" or the "Company"), a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for light and medium duty commercial vehicles, today confirmed the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) aggressive incentive support for the Ford Transit Connect Electric van, effective November 1, 2011. The incentive is designed to encourage further adoption of Azure's fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly powertrain technology employed in the Ford Transit Connect Electric. Coupled with other United States federal incentives, the payback period for the Transit Connect Electric in California is now estimated at less than two years.

The new program, which is expected to be in effect until February 2012, offers up to $15,000 for the first Transit Connect Electric purchased by a commercial fleet or municipal fleet for deployment in the State of California. Subsequent purchases of Transit Connect Electric vans will qualify for an incentive of up to $12,000, with a maximum of 100 vans per customer. Beginning in February 2012, the program will offer up to $12,000 for the first three Transit Connect Electric vans and up to $10,000 for subsequent purchases up to 100 vans per customer. Complete program details are available at www.californiahvip.org.

"On average, a Transit Connect Electric will spend about ten years in service for a commercial vehicle fleet," said Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO. "The new incentive, in combination with the operational and maintenance savings resulting from the EV powertrain, may significantly reduce the incremental Transit Connect Electric acquisition cost and provides customers with an attractive less than two-year payback."

"National and regional governments around the globe understand the value of increased deployment of electrified technology and the profound economic, environmental and energy advantages that the technology offers," said Harrison. "Incentives are a first but crucial step in building this new transportation paradigm."

The Transit Connect Electric is the result of a collaboration between Ford Motor Company and Azure Dynamics. The Transit Connect Electric utilizes an advanced lithium-ion battery from Johnson Controls to achieve a range of 50 to 80 miles depending on auxiliary power usage and drive cycle and is rechargeable using either a 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlet. California fleets interested in adding the Ford Transit Connect Electric should visit www.azuredynamics.com to find a conveniently located participating Ford Commercial Truck dealership.

About Azure Dynamics
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working internationally with a variety of partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions. For more information please visit www.azuredynamics.com.

Ford Transit Connect Electric to qualify for $15,000 rebate in California

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is set to add an additional category to its Hybrid Incentive Voucher Program (HVIP) that awards buyers of zero-emissions light-duty commercial vehicles, including the Ford Transit Connect Electric, a discount of up to $15,000 on their green vehicle purchase.

Starting in November, light-duty zero-emissions commercial vehicles with a GVWR between 5,001 and 8,500 pounds will be eligible for vouchers of up to $15,000 in California. This discount will reportedly be available to all fleets, public or private, that register the zero-emissions vehicles in the state of California. This $15,000 discount, coupled with the federal government's $7,500 tax credit, means that some buyers of the Transit Connect Electric will get a whopping $22,500 off the vehicle's $57,400 price tag.

Vouchers for the light-duty zero-emissions category are valued at $15,000 for a fleet's first vehicle ordered, with $12,000 off all purchases thereafter for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011. Proposed vouchers for Fiscal Year 2012 dip to $12,000 for the first three vehicles, $10,000 for the next 27 purchased, $8,000 for vehicles 31-65 and $6,000 for vehicles 66-100.



Source: Autoblog Green

Hertz Adds Five Transit Connect Electric Vans to Its Fleet

PRESS RELEASE

The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ), the world's largest general use airport car rental brand, and Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) ("Azure"), a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for light and medium commercial vehicles, today jointly announced the addition of the innovative Ford Transit Connect Electric van into Hertz's fleet, a first for the car rental industry. The five Hertz units will be deployed mid-November at multiple locations as part of Hertz Entertainment Services and Hertz on Demand car sharing.

"Hertz Entertainment Services and Hertz on Demand customers have unique vehicle needs and the Transit Connect Electric is a perfect fit for customers looking for the latest in mobility solutions while also achieving best in class sustainability practices," commented Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We expect to deploy the Transit Connect Electric in our B to B programs for customers who need a light duty van with a high degree of cargo capacity as a part of their fleet solutions."

"Since launching last year, a broad cross-section of businesses including utilities, delivery companies and even law firms have used the Transit Connect Electric to green their fleets," said Nancy Gioia, director of global electrification, Ford Motor Company. "With its new Transit Connect Electric fleet, Hertz will allow even more businesses in a variety of new industries to experience 100 percent electric and zero-emissions driving."

"The value-add of working with a marquee rental company like Hertz is that multiple end-users will get behind the wheel and experience our Transit Connect Electric first hand," said Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO. "Although driving performance and cargo versatility will be familiar compared to the conventional product, our Force Drive(TM) powertrain runs entirely on electricity, producing zero tailpipe emissions, and will likely be the first electric drive experience for many of Hertz customers."

According to independent data, rental car companies collectively operate approximately 1.63 million vehicles in the United States. As the economy gains traction, it is expected that U.S. rental companies will add vehicles to their fleets including fuel efficient 'green' vehicles.

Hertz Entertainment Services rents vehicles to various studios and entertainment companies that often choose to rent vehicles during periods of increased activity. Hertz On Demand is a pay-on-demand car membership club based on hourly rental services. The Transit Connect Electric program is a chance for both divisions to explore opportunities for the van's inclusion in the fleet.

Hertz continues to improve the fuel economy of its vehicles through is Global EV eco-mobility program, which is championing an electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle mobility ecosystem that incorporates transportation options that minimize the impact of its operations on the environment and enables the company to continue consistent sound environmental behavior.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric utilizes Azure's proprietary electric powertrain system and Johnson Controls' advanced lithium-ion battery to achieve a range of 50 to 80 miles depending on auxiliary usage and drive cycle and is rechargeable using either a 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlet. Commercial vans generally return to a central location at the end of each driving cycle making for easy overnight recharging. Use of the Transit Connect Electric vehicles will also reduce fuel and maintenance costs, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

About Azure Dynamics

Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for light and medium commercial vehicles. Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working internationally with a variety of partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions. For more information please visit www.azuredynamics.com.

About Hertz

The Hertz Corporation, a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ), is the world's largest airport general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 8,500 locations in 146 countries worldwide. Hertz also operates one of the world's largest equipment rental businesses, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, through approximately 320 branches in the United States, Canada, France, Spain, China and Italy. For more information please visit www.hertz.com.

Ford Transit Connect to be Incorporated Into NYC and LA Taxi Fleets

If you regularly take cabs in New York City, there’s a change on the horizon: the familiar, bulletproof-but-gas-guzzling Crown Victoria taxicabs are disappearing, and 400 will soon be replaced by Ford Transit Connect Taxis.

New York's Taxi and Limousine Commission approved the Ford Transit Connect Taxi as an intermediary vehicle, for use between the phase out of the Crown Victoria and the implementation of the Nissan NV200 in 2013. The New York City cabs will be equipped with a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine, which should return 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

That's not exactly hybrid fuel economy, but compare it to the outgoing Crown Victoria, which gets an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg highway. Since the average NYC cab racks up around 70,000 miles per year (virtually all of it in city driving), each of the Transit Connect Taxis will save 1,193 gallons of fuel annually.

Multiplied by 400 cabs, that a savings of 477,200 gallons, just from modernizing a small portion of the NYC taxi fleet.

Speaking of hybrids, NYC currently employs hundreds of Escape Hybrid cabs, some of which have racked up over 300,000 miles in "severe duty" service. The Escape Hybrid taxis return up to 34 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, which is noticeably better than the Transit Connect Taxi.

But here's the problem: Ford isn't likely to continue production of the Escape Hybrid beyond 2012, and there's no word yet on whether or not its upcoming C-Max Hybrid will be certified for commercial duty.

Los Angeles is embracing Ford's Transit Connect Taxi as well, but in a slightly different version. The Los Angeles metro area's newly-deployed and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis forgo gasoline for cleaner burning and less expensive CNG.

Ten Ford Transit Connect Taxis have been put into service by California Yellow Cab of Orange County, who has 40 more scheduled for delivery in 2012. Yellow Cab of Anaheim has also placed an order for 69 CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis, bringing the fleet total to just over 100 units in 2012.

Los Angeles isn’t the only metro area using CNG-powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis; the city joins Las Vegas, St. Louis and Chicago, which have all seen local taxi fleets embrace the vehicles.

The cost savings is significant: the CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis get the same 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway as their gasoline-powered counterparts, but CNG costs some $2.00 less per gallon equivalent than gasoline. CNG vehicles also produce lower tailpipe emissions, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent compared to petroleum powered Transit Connect models.

Source: Green Car Reports

RøhneSelmer in Norway places early repeat order for 100 more Transit Connect Electric vans

Azure Dynamics Corporation announced that its Norwegian Ford dealership, RøhneSelmer, has signed an order for an additional 100 Transit Connect Electric vans. RøhneSelmer’s original order in March was for 58 units for various clients, among them Norway Post (Posten Norge AS).

We sold 50 Transit Connect Electric vans before the first unit was delivered to us and we’re confident we’ll sell many, many more the remainder of this year and beyond. It’s the right product for today’s Norwegian market.

— Anders Gadsboll, Sales Director of RøhneSelmer

With a 28 kWh battery pack, Transit Connect Electric has a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) and a range of up to 130 km (80 miles) on a full charge. Transit Connect Electric can be recharged using standard European 220-volt outlets in approximately eight hours.

Transit Connect Electric is operating on a global stage and this early repeat order from RøhneSelmer is further validation of the value it brings to customers like Norway Post and others with shorter delivery routes and frequent stop and go driving conditions.

—Scott Harrison, Azure’s CEO

The Transit Connect Electric went into production in Europe in June this year following its production launch in North America in April, 2011.

Source: Green Car Congress

FedEx to double the size of its electric vehicle fleet

With a whopping 19 electric vehicles, FedEx's battery-powered fleet isn't all that big. But, with FedEx Express adding more than 4,000 fuel-efficient vehicles within the next two months – including 24 of the electric-only variety – the package delivery company's fleet of electrics will soon more than double in size to, drumroll, 43 units.

FedEx Express says it will place two dozen electric-only vehicles into service in three cities and, at the same time, will add hybrid-electrics, composite vehicles and upgrade more than ten percent of its existing fleet to more fuel-efficient package-transporting machines.

As for those electric-only vehicles, FedEx Express says they will join the company's fleets in New York City, Chicago, IL, Memphis, TN and Los Angeles, CA. FedEx's mix of electric vehicles includes 15 Navistar eStars (pictured), two Freightliner eCells, two converted Freightliners and five Ford Transit Connect Electric vans.



Source: Autoblog Green

Azure Dynamics logs 27 additional Ford Transit Connect Electric orders

Ford Transit Connect Electric – Click above for high-res image gallery

Azure Dynamics has logged 27 additional Ford Transit Connect Electric sales, including a five-unit sale to returning customer FedEx, a four-unit order from the City of Toronto, a three unit purchase made by DTE Energy and a 15-unit order from various Ford commercial truck dealers.

At FedEx, the five Transit Connect Electrics – ordered through Holman Ford-Lincoln in Pennsauken, NJ – will join one of the world's largest fleets and further FedEx's goal of decreasing the environmental impact of its day-to-day operations.

DTE Energy, headquartered in Michigan, is expanding its use of alternative-fuel vehicles and the three electric vans will be vans among the first pure electric vehicles that the utility company will employ.

An additional 15 Transit Connect Electrics were sold to 14 Ford commercial truck dealers who will use the vehicles as demonstrators to entice potential customers and increase awareness of electric vehicles.


Source: Autoblog Green

Norwegian Post becomes first European customer for Transit Connect Electric van with 20-unit purchase; targeting 30% reduction in CO2 by 2015

Norwegian Post Ford Transit Connect Electric. Copyright: Norwegian Post. Click to enlarge.

Norway Post has signed a contract to purchase 20 Transit Connect Electric vehicles, with an option to order more vehicles in the future. Norwegian Post is the largest provider of mail and logistics services and the biggest employer in Norway; the organization is targeting a 30% reduction in its CO₂ emissions by 2015.

With a 28 kWh battery pack from Johnson Controls-Saft, Transit Connect Electric has a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) and a range of up to 130 km (80 miles) on a full charge. Ford and Azure are introducing the Transit Connect Electric in summer 2011.

The Norwegian Post will be an environmental leader in the mail and logistics industry by taking advantage of the latest technology available. In signing a contract for delivery of the new Ford Transit Connect Electric, the Norwegian Post is taking an important step towards its goal of reducing 150.000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

—Dag Mejdell, CEO Norwegian Post

Transit Connect Electric offers a cargo volume of 3.8 m³ and a payload of 500 kg. It can be recharged using standard European 220/240-volt outlets in approximately eight hours.

The Azure Force Drive system includes a liquid-cooled Siemens 3-phase AC induction motor, 300V nominal, that delivers 158 N·m continuous and 235 N·m (peak); a Borg-Warner 31-03 single speed transmission with gear ratio of 8.28:1; an Azure Dynamics inverter; and a 3.3 kW charger. The 28 kWh battery pack comprises 16 modules (192 cells).

Transit Connect Electric builds on an existing relationship between Ford and Azure Dynamics and battery supplier Johnson Controls-Saft. Glider units are shipped from the Ford Otosan manufacturing facility in Kocaeli, Turkey, directly to an Azure-contracted up-fitter for final assembly. The completed Transit Connect Electric vehicles are then sold by Azure Dynamics through a specially-created network of dealerships. The European Transit Connect Electric will be badged with both the Ford Blue Oval and Azure’s Force Drive logo.

Norwegian Post. With its plan to reduce CO₂ emissions by 30% by the end of 2015, Norwegian Post will meet the targets set in the Norwegian parliament’s Climate Settlement.

Norwegian Post has identified 10 specific areas in which CO₂ cuts can be made. These measures cover a wide range, from the use of electric cars to the optimization of driving routes.

80% of the mail distributed in Norway is sent by train when possible. In Trondheim city center, Norwegian Post is introducing mail distribution with alternative vehicles such as bicycles and trolleys.

By 2015, Norway Post aims to replace 1,300 fossil-fuel cars with electric cars and other alternative vehicles.

Source: Green Car Congress

Ford Electric Vehicle Education Animation - VIDEO

This is a well done albeit simplistic video explaining the different propulsion mechanisms Ford has chosen for their stable of alternate energy vehicles.

Ford Focus Electric Car To be Delayed Until 2012

Ford Motor Co. said today it plans a gradual rollout of its all-electric Ford Focus — with most of the initial production occurring in 2012, not 2011.

"We had always said 2011, which we'll still do, but I think you'll see more of the concentrated volume in 2012," said Sue Cischke, Ford's group vice president for sustainability, environment and safety engineering. "Right now, we're getting ready to provide a little bit slower entry."

She declined to reveal how many would be on the roads in 2011, saying only "some" fully electric vehicles would be on the roads next year.

Cischke spoke to reporters on the sidelines of an electric vehicle event in Washington.

Cischke predicted the initial volume of the electric Ford Focus would be in the range of General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet Volt — which will be 10,000 to 15,000 in the first year — and Nissan all-electric Leaf, which plans 20,000 U.S. sales in the first year.

"I think it's going to be somewhere between the two when we first start out," said Cischke, adding that Ford can boost production if demand warrants. "Certainly, if it was very popular, we'd be able to get more batteries and do what we need to do."

The all-electric Focus will have a range of 100 miles on a single charge.

The 100 mile-range electric Focus range is necessary because battery life degrades over time and because that range is shorter under certain circumstances, especially in colder weather.

"You need to have some margin there," Cischke said.

She predicted initially more electric vehicle sales would take place in Southern and warm weather states like California — along with college towns across the country.

"The Northern states are going to be more of a challenge — just because of the cold weather," she said.

She also took note of the recent controversy in which some have labeled the Volt — a vehicle that can get up to 25 to 50 miles on battery power — a plug-in hybrid because at certain speeds the gasoline motor provides some forward momentum to the wheels.

Most times when in use, the gas engine recharges the battery to run the vehicle on electricity.

Cischke said the Volt "is basically a plug-in hybrid."

Ford will be closely watching Nissan and GM's experience with electric vehicles.

"We'll learn from what they are doing and how they are marketing it," Cischke said.

Ford has begun limited production of its electric Transit Connect van with an 80-mile range. The automaker also plans a plug-in hybrid in 2012 — along with two new hybrids in 2012.

Cischke said by the end of this year Ford will have "a few" electric Transit Connect vans on the roads. She said production of the van will ramp up in the first half of 2012.

"We have a portfolio of solutions, so we're not wedded to one technology. We have all those technologies, so we'll be able to understand what the public really needs and what do they want," Cischke said.

Source: Detroit News

FORD ELECTRIC VEHICLES PLAN ON TRACK: NEW C-MAX PLUG-IN HYBRID TO USE ACCLAIMED POWERSPLIT SYSTEM

The hits keep coming!

PRESS RELEASE:

• Ford is on track to produce five hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and battery electric vehicles for the North American market by 2012 and European markets by 2013
• Ford’s first hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for Europe will be based on the new Ford C-MAX and be launched in 2013
• C-MAX plug-in hybrid will use the company’s critically acclaimed powersplit architecture with a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle engine in combination with a high-voltage electric motor generator and a lithium-ion battery system
• New C-MAX hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles will be built in Valencia, Spain and join Transit Connect Electric and Focus Electric and a yet to be announced CD-segment vehicle in a suite of electrified vehicles across the compact, midsize and light commercial van segments

The drive toward broad commercialisation of low-emission, fuel-efficient electrified vehicles is gaining ground as Ford Motor Company confirmed today it is on track to deliver five electrified vehicles for launch in North America by 2012 and European markets by 2013.

Ford’s commitment to extend its global electrified vehicles strategy will see the introduction of a full battery-electric Ford Transit Connect in 2011, and a battery-electric derivative of the next-generation Ford Focus, due in 2012.

Ford’s Valencia Plant in Spain will build the company’s first hybrid models for European customers with two advanced technology derivatives of the all-new five-seat Ford C-MAX compact multi-activity model to be launched in 2013 – a full hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The fifth vehicle will also be a next-generation hybrid-electric model and will be announced at a later time.

“Our plan to deliver five electrified Ford vehicles as promised is well underway, which is great news for our customers both here in Europe and in North America,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe today at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. “The new advanced powertrain technologies we are applying progressively across our entire portfolio further strengthen Ford’s commitment to delivering significant fuel economy improvements and reduced CO2 emissions to meet our customers’ functional needs without compromising their driving experience.”

While North America continues to be the dominant market for hybrid sales, European interest in the segment is rising. According to R.L. Polk & Company, a leading auto industry market research firm, European hybrid vehicle sales are projected to double between 2010 and 2012. Other researchers project worldwide hybrid sales to top 6 million units per year by 2020, with the volume leaders being the U.S., Europe and China.

“Due to the increasing customer interest in Europe for electrified versions of our vehicles, we are stepping up our efforts to bring these models to market alongside our latest-generation, fuel-efficient EcoBoost petrol and Duratorq diesel models,” Odell added. “European consumers soon will have an even greater range of electric alternatives from Ford.”

New C-MAX HEV and PHEV: The powersplit and plug-in advantages
The upcoming new Ford C-MAX PHEV and HEV models, like the company’s next-generation hybrids, will use the company’s critically acclaimed powersplit architecture with a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle engine in combination with a high-voltage electric traction motor generator and a lithium-ion battery system.

In a powersplit hybrid, the electric motor and petrol-powered engine can work together or separately to maximise efficiency. The engine also can operate independently of vehicle speed, charging the batteries or providing power to the wheels as needed. The motor alone can provide sufficient power to the wheels in low-speed, low-load conditions, and work with the engine at higher speeds. As a result, the current-generation Fusion Hybrid can operate in petrol-saving electric mode up to 47 mph under certain conditions for short distances.

Comparatively, Ford’s future plug-in hybrid is being designed to operate in electric mode at even higher speeds than the current generation. The plug-in hybrid will stretch its fuel efficiency further than a hybrid by enabling the user to recharge the lithium-ion battery by plugging the vehicle into the electrical grid. As a result, plug-in hybrids have more battery energy to draw upon and can go further without using the petrol-powered engine.

Plug-in hybrid users will want to recharge their vehicles overnight, because the cost of electricity is typically lower during off-peak hours. While a plug-in hybrid does not need to be plugged in to operate due to its petrol engine backup, it is designed to operate most efficiently when the battery has been fully charged.

On startup, Ford’s future plug-in hybrid will operate in charge-depletion mode. When the battery has been depleted or certain conditions are met, it switches to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for continued optimal fuel efficiency. After the battery is depleted, the vehicle will drive like a regular hybrid electric vehicle.

“A plug-in hybrid owner will make fewer trips to the pump to refuel, because of its all-electric mode capability,” said Lisa Drake, chief engineer for Ford’s Global Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicle programs. “They’ll be able to conveniently recharge their plug-in hybrid at home overnight. And they’ll never have to think about the vehicle’s electric range, because the plug-in hybrid seamlessly shifts to petrol when needed.”

The eco-friendly alternatives: All-electric Focus and Transit Connect models
Ford’s future all-electric vehicles – Transit Connect Electric and Focus Electric – offer yet another means for eco-friendly driving, this time without a fuel tank.

Vehicle users will have the option of recharging Transit Connect Electric and Focus Electric with either a standard 240V or 120V charge station for optimal recharging. The vehicles will come with a transportable cord for remote recharging.

A battery electric vehicle’s onboard lithium-ion battery pack is charged by connecting the charge port to a power outlet. Inside the vehicle, an onboard charger converts the AC power from the electric grid to DC power to charge the battery pack.

Ford’s battery electric vehicles are expected to offer fleet customers lower cost of operation, because recharging with electricity is generally less expensive than refuelling with petrol. Users may also benefit from much lower maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle.

The development of Ford’s battery electric and plug-in hybrid technologies leverages nearly 200,000 miles of road testing conducted in collaboration with a coalition of 10 utilities, the U.S. Department of Energy, the New York State Energy Research and Development Administration and the Electric Power Research Institute.

In the United Kingdom, Ford is working with Scottish and Southern Energy and Strathclyde University on the UK Low Carbon Vehicle Fleet program to demonstrate a fleet of 21 prototype electric vehicles and collect data on their performance.

In Germany, Ford is working with RheinEnergie AG, the city of Cologne and the University of Duisburg-Essen on the ColognE-mobile program, using a fleet of 25 electric vehicles to conduct road testing. The program is part of a much larger research effort in several cities in Germany involving multiple automakers, utility companies, universities and technology partners.

Proven performance
Ford’s next-generation hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles will build on its considerable success in North America with the Fusion Hybrid and Escape Hybrid – America’s most fuel-efficient midsize car and most fuel-efficient SUV, respectively.

Ford has more than 140,000 hybrid vehicles on the road to date, including hybrid versions of Mercury Milan and Mariner. The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid joins the North American line-up this fall and is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America.

“We know that one technology does not work for all customers – hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles each offer distinctly different advantages,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “By leveraging our global platforms, we are able to offer our customer a range of solutions as part of a strong product line-up.”

Ford is designing its hybrid and electric vehicles to provide outstanding fuel efficiency with no-compromise driving enjoyment. Smooth regenerative braking, confident acceleration, a comfortable interior and smart driver information features have helped earn the North American Ford Fusion Hybrid the 2010 MOTOR TREND Car of the Year® award and a place on numerous best “green” car lists.

“We expect our upcoming plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles to drive like real cars because they’re based on real cars,” said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification. “They share many of the same quality components as their petrol- and diesel-powered counterparts, while delivering superior fuel economy and no-compromise driving enjoyment.”

Ford Tests Li-Ion Batteries With Help From Internet and Wireless Technologies

Ford Motor Company is leveraging the Internet and wireless technology to accelerate testing and refinement of the advanced lithium-ion battery systems that will power its upcoming plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.

Engineers collect real-time performance data from batteries in the lab and on vehicles in the field via a secure Internet server, and wirelessly update system software to manage thermal load and maximize power capability, energy capacity and lifecycle durability. These proprietary methods have significantly reduced test-fleet downtime and allowed Ford to more than double its battery lab-testing capability.

System-specific engineers are notified via email whenever these software update opportunities occur, based on adaptive event monitoring that can detect conditions of interest and automatically collect relevant data. This method has already led to at least 20 major design improvements for Ford’s future plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles.

Ford will launch two zero-emission all-electric vehicles—the Transit Connect Electric light commercial van in North America in late 2010 and in Europe in 2011, followed by the Focus Electric passenger car in North America in 2011 and Europe in 2012. Two next-generation hybrid electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle follow in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.

Source: Green Car Congress

California Yellow Cab Adds 25 CNG-Powered Transit Taxis

PRESS RELEASE

CALIFORNIA TAXI FLEET OPERATOR TAPS INTO FORD TRANSIT CONNECT’S NATURAL GAS CAPABILITY

• Ford Transit Connect Taxi’s new compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas) engine prep package a winner for Orange County taxi company
• Transit Connect is built on a dedicated commercial vehicle platform and is tested to Ford’s toughest truck standards. It offers a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and is designed to meet the extreme demands of taxi service
• Transit Connect Taxi’s roomy, easy-to-access interior provides passenger comfort and ample luggage storage space, even after modification to contain CNG/LPG fuel tanks
  

DEARBORN, Mich., June 4, 2010 – When Tim Conlon, president of California Yellow Cab, first laid eyes on the new Ford Transit Connect, he wondered if it had a future in taxi service. Now, having seen the award-winning small commercial van in person, he says it has potential to be “the iconic taxi of the future.”

In fact, Conlon is so confident of the Transit Connect Taxi package – which goes into production and arrives in dealerships later this year – he’s already put in an order for 25 units.

What drove Conlon’s decision – and is driving interest among other taxi companies – is the Transit Connect’s alternative fuel engine prep package, which enables conversion to efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas).

Both CNG and LPG are popular among taxi operators because of their low cost of ownership. California Yellow Cab of Santa Ana will convert its Transit Connects to CNG, to take advantage of the availability of natural gas fueling stations in Orange County. With the acquisition, Conlon expects California Yellow Cab to become the first taxi company in the Southern California to operate half of its 220-vehicle fleet on natural gas.

“California Yellow Cab started to use natural gas in 2002 before there were many refueling stations,” Conlon said. “Now that the infrastructure has built up, we’ll be able to help protect Orange County’s air quality even more with the Transit Connect. It’s a perfect fit for our drivers, and its roomy, easy-to-access interior will appeal to our customers as well.”

The flexible interior of the Transit Connect is well suited for both taxi service and conversion to CNG and LPG. The vehicle’s 135 cubic feet of cargo space accommodates a compressed gas tank while leaving ample passenger legroom and cargo capacity.

To serve taxi operators, Ford will provide calibration guidance for the CNG or LPG conversion. By properly following Ford’s recommendations, the conversion can be completed without voiding the engine’s warranty.

Wooing customers and winning fans
Conlon was one of many taxi operators to place orders for the Transit Connect after seeing the vehicle at the recent Taxicab Paratransit Association’s (TPAC) annual convention in California.

“Everyone wanted to see the Transit Connect – it was the hit of the show,” said Steve Wood, co-owner of South Bay Ford in Los Angeles, one of the largest service dealerships in the U.S. “Once they hit the streets, every taxi operator is going to want them.”

Driving interest in Transit Connect Taxi in California is the mandate of many of its municipalities adopting standards for fleet operators to use cleaner, low-carbon fuels. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CNG is less expensive and burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in 30 percent to 40 percent less greenhouse gas emissions. Propane also burns cleaner than gasoline.

“Compressed natural gas and propane offer more than sufficient power for vehicles because they are high-energy fuels,” said Rob Stevens, Transit Connect chief engineer. “Another natural benefit for these fuels is they provide overall lower emissions of greenhouse gases compared to gasoline. Additionally, using CNG or LPG provides operators lower fuel/operating costs for their fleet.”

Nearly 87 percent of natural gas used in the United States is domestically produced, contributing to a greater desire for energy independence. There also are government tax credit incentives for fleets to convert to alternative fuels.

Transit Connect is just one of several Ford vehicles that offer CNG/LPG conversion capability. Ford has shipped more than 3,000 CNG/LPG-prepped engines for its E-Series vans with 5.4-liter and 6.8-liter gas engines. A similar package will be introduced for F-Series Super Duty trucks this year.

A conversion-ready interior
Transit Connect Taxi offers an outstanding interior package for people and cargo. With its open architecture, the taxi provides excellent interior headroom and passenger visibility. The vehicle’s rear seat has been moved back 3 inches to maximize passenger comfort. The 6.5 inches of ground clearance allows passengers to step easily through the dual sliding doors. Additional climate control ventilation has been added for rear seat passengers.

The Transit Connect Taxi also features a wiring upfit package with a hole in the roof for signage, vinyl front and rear seats, vinyl flooring and standard third-row windows – all factory installed. Additional installation of taxi modifications such as roof signage and the optional seating partition are handled by taxi upfitters in local markets.

“Transit Connect already has proven it offers tremendous versatility for commercial fleet use,” said Gerry Koss, Ford fleet marketing manager. “The Transit Connect Taxi, combined with the capability for CNG/LPG conversion, further demonstrates its flexibility.”

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.