Chicago, Illinois – The Ford Transit Connect Electric will make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, a fully electric version of Ford’s compact van. The conventional Transit Connect was named the 2010 North American Truck of the Year in January.

The vehicle is converted by Azure Dynamics, which is providing its patented Force Drive battery electric powertrain to replace the gasoline engine.

“The Transit Connect Electric is an ideal vehicle for our Force Drive technology,” said Scott Harrison, CEO of Azure Dynamics. “Force Drive is especially effective for fleets with predictable short-range routes and frequent stop-and-go urban driving conditions that Transit Connect Electric vehicles are likely to encounter. We’ll be able to offer owners lower operating and maintenance costs and zero emissions in a vehicle that can go up to 80 miles on a charge.”

“Fleet owners are demanding greater operating efficiency in cleaner vehicles,” said Gerry Koss, fleet marketing manager for Ford. “The Transit Connect Electric delivers on both fronts. As the first product in our aggressive electrified vehicle plan, we expect the Transit Connect Electric to be an immediate hit and keep Ford squarely on track to leadership in the electric vehicle market.”