At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Ford’s Tourneo Connect BEV concept shows how commercial BEV technology could be applied to a passenger model.
Extending its aggressive global electric vehicle plan to Europe, Ford developed the fully operational BEV powertrain in collaboration with Smith Electric Vehicles. Ford’s established electrification partner is the European market’s leading battery electric specialist converter of commercial vehicles, which is part of the UK-based Tanfield Group of companies.
In the UK and select European markets, Tanfield already offers battery electric versions of the Ford Transit medium commercial vehicle to fleet customers, and expects to deliver its first Transit Connect small commercial BEVs later this year. It is this technology that has been adapted for the Tourneo Connect BEV concept.
Ford will also work with Tanfield to deliver a Transit Connect van as a full BEV in North America in 2010. The use of the now global Transit/Tourneo Connect vehicle platform showcases Ford’s ability to deliver products with worldwide marketing opportunities.
The Tourneo Connect BEV Concept features the latest level battery electric technology. Here are some vehicle highlights:
- A 21 kWh Lithium-Ion Phosphate battery pack accumulates the energy to drive a 50 kW permanent magnet motor, while the drive torque is transmitted to the driveshafts by a single-speed transmission.
- Using this set-up, Smith Electric Vehicles is targeting a range of up to 160 km (100 miles), and a top speed of 113 km/h (70 mph).
- The onboard battery charger can be plugged directly into a standard mains socket.
- A full battery charge is accomplished in 6 to 8 hours.
Quotes
“The Tourneo Connect BEV concept shows how Ford’s collaboration with Tanfield is extending the company’s global electric vehicle plan to Europe. The technology is already available for commercial vehicle applications, and at the 2009 Chicago Show we confirmed that we will launch, with Tanfield as our partner, the Transit Connect van as a full BEV in North America in 2010. Although conceptual for now, if there is sufficient interest, this silent, zero emission technology could be applied to the Tourneo Connect quite quickly. We think it would be an ideal solution for taxi use, as a hotel shuttle vehicle or similar inner city application.”
- John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe
“Offering the Ford Connect vehicle family with battery electric power represents the next logical step in our pursuit of even greater fuel economy and sustainability. We know a growing number of our fleet clients have expressed interest in electrification as a sustainable mobility solution. By leveraging our global team and asset portfolio, we’re able to bring this environmentally friendly, strong ‘silent type’ quickly to market as a van, and we believe there are enormous possibilities for a Tourneo Connect passenger model as well.”
- Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s Group Vice President of Global Product Development
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