Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012. This electric van was an interesting venture by Ford, aimed at providing a zero-emission commercial vehicle option. If you're looking for a comprehensive overview, you've come to the right place. We'll cover everything from its performance and range to its charging capabilities and overall practicality. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Overview of the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012

The Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 marked Ford's foray into the electric commercial vehicle market. Introduced as a collaboration with Azure Dynamics, this van aimed to offer a sustainable transportation solution for businesses. It combined the practicality of the standard Transit Connect with an electric powertrain, targeting urban environments where reducing emissions was a priority. The vehicle promised a blend of utility and eco-friendliness, designed to appeal to businesses looking to lower their carbon footprint and operational costs. It was specifically marketed towards companies involved in delivery services, maintenance, and other urban-based operations.

The concept behind the Transit Connect Electric was straightforward: replace the gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery pack. This conversion allowed businesses to perform their daily tasks with zero tailpipe emissions. Ford partnered with Azure Dynamics, an experienced player in the electric vehicle conversion space, to ensure the integration was seamless and reliable. Azure Dynamics provided the Force Drive electric powertrain, which was integrated into the existing Transit Connect platform. The goal was to maintain the van's cargo capacity and functionality while offering a green alternative. The Transit Connect Electric was seen as a stepping stone towards more widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the commercial sector. Ford envisioned it as a way to test the waters, gather data, and refine their electric vehicle technology for future models. Despite its limited range and higher initial cost, the Transit Connect Electric represented a bold move towards sustainable transportation.

The introduction of the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 was met with considerable interest from various sectors. Businesses, government agencies, and environmental organizations were keen to explore the potential of electric commercial vehicles. Pilot programs were launched in several cities to evaluate the van's performance in real-world conditions. These trials provided valuable feedback on the vehicle's range, charging infrastructure needs, and overall suitability for different applications. The Transit Connect Electric also garnered attention from the media, highlighting Ford's commitment to innovation and sustainability. While it wasn't a mass-market vehicle, it played a significant role in raising awareness about the viability of electric vehicles for commercial use. Its presence on the road served as a visible example of how businesses could reduce their environmental impact and contribute to cleaner urban environments. The Transit Connect Electric paved the way for future electric commercial vehicles, demonstrating the potential of electric powertrains in the transportation industry.

Performance and Range

When we talk about the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012, its performance and range are critical aspects to consider. The electric powertrain delivered adequate power for city driving, but it wasn't designed for long-haul journeys. The van was equipped with a 28 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which provided a claimed range of around 50-80 miles on a full charge. However, real-world range often varied depending on factors like driving style, load weight, and weather conditions. Acceleration was modest, but the instant torque from the electric motor made it suitable for navigating urban traffic. Overall, the performance was geared towards efficiency and practicality rather than outright speed or power.

The electric motor in the Transit Connect Electric produced around 70 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. While these figures might seem low compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, the electric motor's instant torque delivery made the van feel responsive in city driving. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was estimated to be around 12 seconds, which was acceptable for a commercial vehicle of its size. The top speed was limited to 75 mph to conserve battery energy and extend the range. In terms of handling, the Transit Connect Electric was similar to the standard gasoline model. The added weight of the battery pack contributed to a slightly lower center of gravity, which improved stability. The regenerative braking system also helped to recover energy and extend the range, although it took some getting used to in terms of braking feel.

Range was a significant consideration for potential buyers of the Transit Connect Electric. The EPA-rated range was 56 miles, but real-world range often fell between 50 and 80 miles, depending on driving conditions. Factors such as ambient temperature, driving speed, and cargo weight could significantly impact the range. For example, using the heater or air conditioner could reduce the range by as much as 20%. Driving at higher speeds on the highway also consumed more energy and decreased the range. To maximize range, drivers had to adopt efficient driving habits, such as avoiding sudden acceleration and braking, and maintaining a steady speed. The Transit Connect Electric was best suited for urban environments where trips were shorter and charging infrastructure was readily available. Businesses that operated within a limited geographic area found the range to be sufficient for their needs. However, for companies that required longer-distance travel, the Transit Connect Electric was not a practical option.

Charging and Battery

Discussing the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012, we can't miss out on the charging and battery aspects. Charging the Transit Connect Electric was a straightforward process, but it required access to a suitable charging station. The van came with a 120V charging cable for standard household outlets, but this method was slow, taking around 12-14 hours for a full charge. A 240V Level 2 charging station significantly reduced charging time to approximately 6-8 hours. Public charging stations were also an option, providing a convenient way to top up the battery while on the go. The battery pack was designed to last for several years, but its capacity would gradually degrade over time, affecting the vehicle's range.

The battery pack in the Transit Connect Electric was a 28 kWh lithium-ion unit, supplied by Johnson Controls-Saft. It was located under the floor of the cargo area, which helped to maintain the van's cargo capacity. The battery pack was designed to be durable and reliable, but like all batteries, it was subject to degradation over time. Factors such as temperature, charging habits, and usage patterns could affect the battery's lifespan. Ford offered an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery pack, which provided peace of mind for owners. Over time, the battery's capacity would gradually decrease, resulting in a reduction in range. However, this degradation was typically gradual and predictable, allowing owners to plan accordingly.

Charging the Transit Connect Electric required careful planning and access to suitable charging infrastructure. The van came with a 120V charging cable, which could be used to plug into any standard household outlet. However, this method was very slow, taking around 12-14 hours to fully charge the battery. A 240V Level 2 charging station was a much faster option, reducing charging time to approximately 6-8 hours. Many businesses and public charging stations offered Level 2 charging, making it more convenient to recharge the van. Some public charging stations also offered DC fast charging, but the Transit Connect Electric was not equipped to utilize this technology. To maximize battery life and efficiency, it was recommended to avoid fully depleting the battery and to charge it regularly. Drivers could also use the van's regenerative braking system to recover energy and extend the range. Proper charging habits were essential for maintaining the battery's health and ensuring the long-term performance of the Transit Connect Electric.

Practicality and Utility

When considering the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012, practicality and utility are key factors. The Transit Connect Electric retained the same cargo capacity and functionality as the standard gasoline model. It offered a spacious cargo area, making it suitable for a variety of commercial applications. The low floor height and wide-opening rear doors made loading and unloading cargo easy and convenient. However, the added weight of the battery pack reduced the van's payload capacity, which was a trade-off for its electric powertrain. Despite this limitation, the Transit Connect Electric provided a practical and versatile solution for businesses looking to reduce their emissions.

The cargo area of the Transit Connect Electric was one of its key selling points. It offered 135 cubic feet of cargo space, which was comparable to many larger vans. The low floor height and wide-opening rear doors made it easy to load and unload cargo, even bulky items. The van also featured a number of tie-down points to secure cargo during transit. The added weight of the battery pack, which was located under the floor of the cargo area, reduced the van's payload capacity by several hundred pounds. However, the Transit Connect Electric still offered a respectable payload capacity for its size. It was well-suited for businesses that needed to transport goods or equipment within a city or urban area.

Utility was another important consideration for potential buyers of the Transit Connect Electric. The van was available in a variety of configurations, including cargo van and passenger wagon models. The cargo van model was designed for commercial use, while the passenger wagon model was geared towards families and shuttle services. The van also offered a number of optional features, such as a navigation system, rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. These features enhanced the van's usability and made it more appealing to a wider range of customers. The Transit Connect Electric was a versatile vehicle that could be adapted to meet the needs of different businesses and individuals. Its combination of cargo capacity, fuel efficiency, and electric powertrain made it a unique and practical option in the commercial vehicle market. For businesses prioritizing sustainability and operational efficiency, the Transit Connect Electric presented a compelling choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 was an innovative but somewhat limited electric commercial van. It offered a zero-emission solution for urban transportation, but its range and charging time posed challenges for some users. While it may not have been a perfect vehicle, it represented an important step towards electrification in the commercial sector. If you're considering a used Transit Connect Electric, be sure to carefully evaluate its battery condition and range to ensure it meets your needs. Despite its limitations, it remains an interesting piece of automotive history.

So there you have it, folks! A thorough look at the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012. Hopefully, this has given you a better understanding of what this electric van was all about. Happy driving, or should I say, happy electric driving!