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BorgWarner eGearDrive Propels 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:39:50 +0000

BorgWarner will supply its 31-03 eGearDrive(TM) transmission for Ford’s first all-electric production vehicle, the 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric, a 100% electric version of the 2010 North American Truck of the Year.

2011 Transit Connect Electric van will reach a top speed of 75 miles per hour and offers a range of up to 80 miles on a full charge.

Ford’s Transit Connect Electric will be upfitted to an all-electric model by Azure Dynamics, which will install its electric propulsion system driving the front wheels through BorgWarner’s eGearDrive single-speed transmission.

Adapted in collaboration with Azure Dynamics, the eGearDrive transmission delivers high torque capacity, high efficiency, and low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in a compact package.

BorgWarner’s eGearDrive transmission incorporates patented and proprietary technology as well as over 100 years of powertrain know-how.

The BorgWarner eGearDrive transmission contributes to extended battery-powered driving range which in turn reduces the required amount of battery capacity needed. The transmission also achieves high torque capacity in a compact package with greater than 97% efficiency, while providing smooth, quiet operation. Approximately 99% of the materials used in the eGearDrive transmission are recyclable.

AT&T Becomes Lead Customer for Ford Transit Connect Electric Vans

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:26:55 +0000

AT&T has agreed to purchase two of the first Ford Transit Connect Electric vans, becoming the vehicle’s lead customer with an order for two units.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric is powered by Azure Dynamics’ Force Drive electric drivetrain with a lithium-ion battery pack from Johnson Controls-Saft.

The vehicle, which goes on sale later this year, has a range of up to 80 miles on a single charge and will be rechargeable using either 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlets. It has a top speed of 75 miles per hour.

“Cleaner, alternative-fuel vehicles are the future of our corporate fleet, and the Transit Connect Electric represents a real breakthrough and will be a strong addition to our range of alternative-fuel vehicles,” said Jerome Webber, vice president of fleet operations at AT&T. “It’s exactly the kind of vehicle we envisioned when we mapped our long-term vision to invest up to $565 million to deploy more than 15,000 alternative-fuel vehicles through 2018.” AT&T currently operates more than 77,000 vehicles in its corporate fleet, including 15 gasoline-powered Ford Transit Connect vehicles AT&T began piloting in 2009.

Scott T. Harrison, CEO of Azure Dynamics, said Transit Connect Electric project is in line with his company’s mission.