Ford and UK-based Smith Electric Vehicles have launched two vehicles based on a Ford chassis. A zero-emissions light-duty van and medium-duty truck are expected to begin U.S. manufacturing by the end of 2008.
Lisajoyce Vergara・Former Assistant Editor
November 1, 2008
2 min to read
Ford Motor Company and UK-based Smith Electric Vehicles have launched two new all-electric vehicles (EVs): the Ampere, based on Ford’s Transit chassis and the Faraday Mark II, built on the Ford F-650 chassis cab. Expected to begin production in North America this year, the vehicles were introduced to the European market last spring.
Smith, a trading division of the Tanfield Group, has been manufacturing all-electric vehicles since 1920. The company’s U.S. operations are headquartered in Glendale, Ariz.
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Ampere: First Light Van EV
According to Smith, the Ampere is the first EV in the light-duty van segment and is targeted for urban applications including delivery, utilities, and telecommunications.
The Ampere offers an operating range of 100-plus miles on a single battery charge and a top speed of 70 mph. Its 50-kW electric motor and iron phosphate lithium ion battery pack were designed specifically for the Ampere.
The zero-emissions Ampere features a 5,159 lb. GVW and a maximum 1,764-lb. payload. The van can be recharged from a conventional main electric source, but benefits from a greatly reduced charge time when supplied with a three-phase power supply.
Ford launched a conventionally powered Transit Connect in the U.S. earlier this year.
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Faraday Mark II Aimed at North American market
The Faraday Mark II is specifically aimed at the North American market, according to Smith officials. The all-electric truck is expected to feature specifications similar to Smith’s Newton truck, sold in the UK and Europe. The Newton features GVW ranges of 16,535-26,455 lbs. With a top speed of 50 mph, the truck can be driven in excess of 100 miles on one battery charge.
The Faraday Mark II requires a three-phased power supply and can be charged fully overnight or eight to 10 hours. The battery also can be "topped-up" on the road with onboard charges.
Future Collaborations Planned
Tanfield and Ford have reached a broad agreement to collaborate on future zero-emissions vehicle projects.
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"Our relationship with Ford in North America will provide Smith a high-quality chassis that will be recognizable to and readily accepted by American customers," said Darren Kell, Tanfield CEO. WT
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