Nancy Gioia, director, Global Electrification answers questions about our upcoming Transit Connect BEV and overall efforts around electrification.

Q.           Why are we ending our work with Smith Electric on the Transit Connect BEV?

A.            It was a mutual decision to end the contract with the Tanfield Group.  We reached a decision together that means both companies will move forward on their individual strengths.  

Q.            Does this jeopardize our timing or volumes for the Transit Connect BEV?

A.            We remain on track to bring a Transit Connect BEV commercial van to the North American market in late 2010.  We’ll start with low volume production as we get a feel for the market.

Q.            Can you review our overall electric vehicle plan?

A.            The Transit Connect BEV is the first of four electrified Ford vehicles that will be brought to market within the next three years, including a battery electric Ford Focus passenger car in 2011, the next generation hybrid and a plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2012.

Q.       How will this affect the work Smith does in electrifying our full size Transits and Transit Connects in the     U.K./Europe?

A.            We expect Smith will continue to market converted full size Transits (the Smith Edison) in the UK and Europe. These aftermarket conversions are directly marketed and sold by Smith Electric Vehicles to customers in the U.K. and Europe separately from the Ford dealer network. 

Q.            Why did we choose Azure Dynamics? 

A.            We already have a relationship with Azure Dynamics as the company currently upfits Ford’s E 450 commercial van into the Balance Hybrid Electric vehicles for commercial customers such as FedEx and AT&T, Purolator Couriers.  Azure Dynamics is a supplier of hybrid electric and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles, targeted to the delivery-vehicle market. That is the market we’re targeting with the BEV Transit Connect. 

Q.            What battery supplier will Azure Dynamics use?

A.            Azure Dynamics has selected Johnson Controls-Saft Inc. 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.  Ford uses the same cells that will be used for the Transit Connect BEV in its current demonstration fleet of Ford Escape plug-in hybrids.  Azure uses Johnson Controls-Saft for its hybrid commercial trucks. Given that we both already have a relationship with Johnson Controls, this could provide additional synergy for our working relationship with Azure.

Q.            What is the expected range for the vehicle?

A.           We will be targeting a range of around 80 miles.  The number will depend on the final vehicle configuration.