Comments on: Ford Transit Connect Goes Electric

By: Bernie Negrete

Bernie Negrete — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:08:39 +0000

It’s about time! If Ford can build an EV Transit, why not a EV mini-van that could be used for commuting. I drive 60 miles/day, round trip. Throw some more batteries in and increase the range to 100 miles. That way commuters can also make those side trips to and from work. Also, 75 mph is pleny fast. I rarely reach that speed commuting on the SoCal freeways. I want one now!

By: pjkPA

pjkPA — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:46:09 +0000

This is a cool van… really cool with electric…. but how much? That’s the big question. What is the warranty on the battery … etc. I’ve owned 3 FORD vehicles that were all good… the only problem is that they didn’t have galvanized bodies and stainless steel exhausts like the GM products and they don’t have Onstar and activated charcoal cabin filters… all alloy brakes… polarized windshield…etc…etc. I wouldn’t have a problem buying this van if I could buy one for about 25K or less and it was made in the US.

By: Ron Doles

Ron Doles — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:09:37 +0000

The article mentioned a 38 kilowatt battery pack. Here in Columbus Ohio, electric is about 7 cents a kilowatt so the evening recharge would be .07 * 38 or $2.66 per day. About the cost of 1 gallon of gas here.

By: ted parsons

ted parsons — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 01:13:02 +0000

I am proud to say I currently own 8 ford vehicles, our motorhome, and our E250 2003 van are equipted with a W/C lift. Question, we are about to look at new vans. The transit commute USA current version is to small. I researched that in some Europen countries they have much longer wheel base modles. Does Ford offer these longer wheel base modles in the states.

What will the price be on the Transit Connect.

By: Don

Don — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:36:33 +0000

The Ford Transit sold in Mexico has a 4 cyl turbo diesel, a six speed manual tranny. It gets about 45 mpg.

By: Jim Medard

Jim Medard — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:27:43 +0000

Hi, Love the Idea of this in a electric. One comment above mentioned solar and what a great idea especially for us in the South West. What I wanted to suggest was actually three things. One is a gas generator to extend the driving range. Two is ability to tow say a motor cycle camper and three a camper conversion for just the vehicle(not nothing really fancy like most rv’s today) just a pop up top(so you could stand inside) and a swing down rear end(with a tent surround and adjustable support jacks) I believe one model in the ’60’s called it a turtle top and a turtle tail. Having just basics like one burner stove or microwave, a small sink and a small 2 cu.ft. electric refrig. or ice box. and a porta pottie. The tail extension could be for sleeping with air mattress. As I said very basic not a lot of extra weight. Alot of folks live in big cities and have campgrounds within 40 miles of their residence so this would be great for local excursions as big trips are luxaries most can’t afford. Most Campgrounds offer electric hookups for recharge or I say could use a small generator. Oh one ther option I’d like to see is heated seats. JIM

By: SPARKY

SPARKY — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:02:45 +0000

I drive a 30 yr old EV a 1981 Ford Escort, Jet Electra, being an Early Adapter, is a full time proposition, I run into new challanges each day. I run lead acid batterys and hve distance and speed issues. It would be a Blessing not to have to worry about those issues. Sparky

By: Lance Brookner

Lance Brookner — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:20:32 +0000

Hi Joe,
I agree with your idea of a diesel powered generator to ‘fuel’ the electric motor or battery inorder to eliminate overnight charging. Honda’s firt gas/electric vehicles worked great and gas milage was exceptional. Hopefully someone at Ford will listen and 1. offer realistic, functional options 2. build a vehicle that will last 20-years and sell millions of them.
Regards,
Lance Brookner

By: Lance Brookner

Lance Brookner — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:11:47 +0000

We are a dedicated Ford family and my personal vehicle is a E-350 12 person diesel van. My problem is it averages 18.999-miles per gallon since day one and now it has 350,000 miles on it and it won’t quit. Thinking of replacing it with your Transit Connect but at 21 to 25 miles per gallon the operating costs are equal to all other vechicles in the market place.

Our utility company just replaced our house electric meter with a ’smart meter’ which moved us into higher brackets and our utility bill is now up 39% this quarter. I would not purchase an electric vehicle knowing my electric bill will escalate; however, if a diesel version was introduced I would purchase a new one in about 1/10th of a heart beat knowing it would average near 30 MPG.
Regards,
Lance Brookner

By: oldgriz

oldgriz — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:28:32 +0000

you may get away with that for a while,but eventually it will wreck the batteries. and may I add you will be on the lower cycle of the charge so don’t get caught in traffic!