Ford's first production electric vehicle has been shown off to potential customers in Ireland during this week, and has a pleasant and capable personality along with urban delivery practicality, writes Brian Byrne.
The Transit Connect Electric van is based on the Elite grade with two side sliding doors and apart from its power train it is just like any other Transit Connect. Except quieter.
The 28kWh electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack which is under the rear cargo floor and doesn't intrude into the loadspace. The package provides a range of up to 80 miles with a full load, and it can be charged from a standard 13A socket.
With a GVW of 2.34 tonnes, the payload of 500kgs is around 20 percent less than a standard Transit Connect, largely because of the extra weight of the battery.The power train is provided by a specialist company called Azure Dynamics, who are provided with 'glider' Connect Transits off Ford's assembly lines and finish the vehicles.
The EV variant of the van meets all European Type Approval requirements and has been fully crash tested as an electric vehicle.
Ford offers its standard warranty on the vehicle, while the electric components of the power train are guaranteed for five years. A further three-year guarantee will be available for a charge. AZD says the battery will last at least 10 years, and by that time will still be capable of 80 percent of its original range.
On sale in Ireland from November, the Transit Connect Electric will cost €43,000 plus VAT and will benefit from a €5,000 rebate under current Irish regulations.
Ford say the break-even point is four years, after which the much lower power and service costs will represent substantial savings to the owners. A trend towards longer-length leasing will help with acceptance of the variant.
The vehicle is being targeted at fleet users with short-cycle daily requirements, including local authority and state companies. The ESB were among potential customers who were shown the Transit Connect Electric this week.
IC+T PODCAST: Transit Connect Electric: Ger Canty of Ford Ireland's LCV division talks to Brian Byrne about the market positioning of the Transit Connect Electric van. 
(Audio: 2'01")
