Ford’s trophy from Detroit, where the Transit Connect was named North American Truck of the Year, is hardly collecting dust as the company is at it again. If you think the little van is as cool as a florist’s back room, check out the electric and Taxi versions coming later this year.
Developed in partnership with Azure Dynamics, which has been designing drive systems for over 20 years, the Transit Connect EV runs on a 192-cell, fluid-cooled lithium ion battery pack located under the floor. Ford claims the van will zip emissions-free from 0-60 mph in 12 seconds, continue to a top speed of 75 mph, and keep buzzing along for about 80 miles before a recharge. Weight goes up and payload goes down slightly from gasoline-powered vehicles, but the van is ideal for businesses with defined routes. Owners can charge with 120V or 240V outlets, the later enabling a full re-juice in 6-8 hours.
Given the Crown Victoria has at least three wheels in the ditch, Ford is hoping to entice Taxi operators with their own special version of the Transit Connect. It is ideal for taxi service with its large cargo hold, low step-in height and sliding doors for passengers, upright seating, and rear controls for heat and A/C.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that can be converted to run on CNG (compressed natural gas) or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Natural gasses are not only more efficient and burn cleaner than gasoline, but 87% of it is produced in the U.S.
To make a dream taxi, Ford is collaborating with Creative Mobile Technologies to integrate credit car payment devices, 8.4-inch infotainment and navigation screens, and up-to-the-minute news, weather, and fare information. The touch screen also lets passengers choose their own programming, track their journey on a map, or learn more about local points of interest.
The Transit Connect is becoming Ford’s little van that could. It delivers flowers, caters food, hauls band instruments, and soon will move passengers around cities and run routes without burning a drop of gasoline. It could become the next cultural phenomenon, doing everything while looking good. Move over London, America is getting its own signature taxi.

Here are our picks for the Top Five new models from the show. Click on a photo below.