09.02.2009

Tanfield collaborates with Ford

Tanfield, owner of UpRight and Snorkel aerial work platforms and SEV electric vehicles, has announced an electric vehicle development collaboration with Ford Motor Company.

Tanfield will work with Ford to introduce a battery-electric light van, the first vehicle in the Ford's broad electrification strategy for the North American market which was announced at this year's Detroit Auto Show.

The vehicle will be based on the European-designed Ford Transit Connect which goes on sale in North America later this year.

Tanfield will manufacture a limited number of electric Ford Transits in North America during 2010, with future production to ramp up in line with customer demand. The vehicles will be fully branded as a Ford product and sold through selected Ford dealerships.

Tanfield already works with Ford of Europe to produce commercial electric vehicles based on the Ford Transit and Transit Connect chassis.

Darren Kell, chief executive of Tanfield said: "We are proud to be delivering the first vehicle in Ford's new electrification strategy, with the battery-electric Ford Transit Connect. The collaboration with Ford and development of the battery-electric Ford Transit Connect demonstrates that Smith Electric Vehicles is the industry leader in commercial electric vehicles."

The vehicle's performance capabilities are expected to include a range of up to 100 miles on a full charge, without compromising the Connect's driving experience. It will operate very similarly to a conventional light van, but with smoother acceleration, less noise and zero emissions.

Tanfield will be wholly responsible for supplying and integrating the power train, battery pack and control systems into the existing vehicle chassis envelope, with engineering support from Ford.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, product development, said: "Our collaboration with Smith will result in the first battery-electric vehicle in Ford's electrification strategy and positions Ford at the vanguard of the commercial electric vehicle industry. The partnership approach adopted for delivering the battery-electric Ford Transit Connect ensures the most efficient route to market, through shared investment and expertise."