Ford, Azure Dynamics partner to deliver pure battery electric commercial van

Ford Motor Company and Azure Dynamics, a Canadian supplier of electric vehicle control and powertrain systems, have teamed up to deliver a pure battery electric Ford Transit Connect van for the US and Canadian markets in 2010.

Ford Motor has said that Azure will integrate its Force Drive battery electric drive train in the Transit Connect van for commercial fleet and retail use.

The collaboration with Azure Dynamics for the Transit Connect battery electric vehicle (BEV) will build on the existing business relationship between Ford and Azure as well as their shared experience with battery supplier, Johnson Controls-Saft.

Azure Dynamics has selected Johnson Controls-Saft as the supplier for lithium-ion battery cells and battery packs for the Transit Connect BEV. Azure Dynamics and Ford both currently utilize Johnson Controls-Saft battery technology for other products.

The Transit Connect BEV will reportedly use the same cell technology that is currently deployed in the Ford Escape plug-in hybrid fleet. In addition, Azure had previously announced it would use Johnson Controls-Saft lithium-ion batteries for its E- 450 Balance Hybrid Electric beginning in the second half of 2010.

The shared supplier business relationship is expected to provide additional synergy between Ford and Azure in the Transit Connect BEV project.

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