Ford and Azure Dynamics Corporation have confirmed their first European customer for the zero-emission Ford Transit Connect Electric van.
Norwegian Post today signed a contract to purchase 20 Transit Connect Electric vehicles, with an option to order more vehicles in the future. Norwegian Post is the largest provider of mail and logistics services and the biggest employer in Norway.
“The Norwegian Post will be an environmental leader in the mail and logistics industry by taking advantage of the latest technology available,” said Dag Mejdell, CEO, Norwegian Post. “In signing a contract for delivery of the new Ford Transit Connect Electric, the Norwegian Post is taking an important step towards its goal of reducing 150.000 tonnes of CO2 annually.”
Ford and Azure are introducing the Transit Connect Electric in summer 2011, as increasing numbers of fleet operators are demanding the benefits of efficient, clean alternative power for their vehicles.
With 28 kWh of power to call on, Transit Connect Electric has a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) and a range of up to 130 km (80 miles) on a full charge.
Transit Connect Electric is the first of five new electrified vehicles Ford is bringing to market in Europe by 2013, including the Ford Focus Electric debuting next year.
The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, will be offered in 2013, together with another hybrid model. The Transit Connect EV began shipping in the U.S. in December.
