The Transit EV has a range of 56 miles, a top speed of 75 mph and combined fuel economy of 62 MPGe.

The electric version of Ford’s popular Transit Connect light delivery van, which was developed in partnership with Azure Dynamics, has been a big hit with fleet operators since it went into production in December 2010. 460 units have sold, and the company plans to crank out 2,000 more in 2012. Last week Ford and Azure unveiled a new model, the Ford Transit Connect Electric Wagon, which adds a second row of passenger seats.

According to the latest EPA figures, the Transit EV has a range of 56 miles, a top speed of 75 mph and combined fuel economy of 62 MPGe. Ford assembles the vehicle gliders at a plant in Turkey, then ships them to Michigan, where Azure drops in its Force Drive electric drive train and a 28-kWh Johnson Controls lithium-ion battery pack.

Azure Dynamics CEO Scott Harrison said the new wagon will offer its commercial customers more versatility. “As a derivative of our successful Transit Connect Electric cargo van, the Wagon shares a common electric drive integration and glider helping to keep additional development cost low.”

Ford director of global electrification Nancy Gioia said, “The Transit Connect Electric wagon, with its added passenger seating, opens the doors for even more businesses to green their fleets and experience 100 percent electric and zero-emissions driving.”

Image: Ford