November 16, 2011 at 6:22pm by Alexander Stoklosa
The 2012 Focus Electric may be Ford’s sexiest EV, but it wasn’t its first. That honor goes to the Transit Connect Electric, an electrified cargo van marketed primarily to fleets beginning late last year. Now, almost a year later, Ford is releasing a people-friendly electric Transit Connect Wagon, basically a TC with more windows and a back seat.
Other than the additional ports and perches—there’s now seating for five—the Wagon is identical to the cargo Connect Electric. That means it’s powered by the same electric motor and liquid-cooled, 28-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Also like the windowless Connect Electric, the Wagon’s batteries-included conversion is handled by Ford’s EV partner, Azure Dynamics.
Ford expects the Wagon to travel up to 80 miles on a single charge, the same as the cargo version’s estimated range. For those who care—and want their range to fall well below 80 miles—the Transit Connect Electric Wagon is capable of a 75-mph top speed. Ford will offer buyers the choice of charging via a 120-volt wall outlet or an optional 240-volt charging station installed wherever the Connect will call home. With the 240-volt charger, the van’s battery will need between six and eight hours for a full charge; on a 120-volt source, charge time is perhaps better measured in days.
Tags: Ford, Ford Transit Connect |