Ottawa, ON – Canada Post today became the recipient of the first Transit Connect Electric commercial delivery vehicle in Canada. The all-electric commercial van, built on the Ford Transit Connect vehicle body and equipped with Azure Dynamics’ patented Force DriveTM battery electric powertrain is the first of ten zero-emission pure battery-powered vehicles the corporation has committed to purchasing. The remaining nine Ford Transit Connect electric vans will begin delivering mail in 2011.
“It is important for companies such as Canada Post to show leadership and explore ways to reduce their overall carbon footprint,” says the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport). “Canadians should be pleased that their postal service will deliver mail in a more environmentally friendly manner.”
“We have the largest delivery fleet in the country and we are committed to improving our environmental record,” says Doug Jones, senior vice-president, Operations, at Canada Post. “Developing partnerships with companies like Ford and Azure allows us to implement new technologies that meet our delivery needs.”
“The purpose built Ford Transit Connect is a versatile and capable vehicle for fleet customers,” said Scott Cauvel, vice-president of Sales, Ford of Canada. “We are pleased that the Ford Transit Connect Electric will help to bring Canada Post further along the path of environmental sustainability.”
Transit Connect Electric is a significant technological achievement that can meet the challenge with quiet, clean and lower-cost operations.” These vehicles will be equipped with the Azure Dynamics pure battery-electric power train. The Ford Transit Connect Electric utilizes an advanced lithium-ion battery from Johnson Controls-Saft to achieve a range of up to 130 Kilometres (80 miles) on a single charge and zero tailpipe emissions.
