Azure Dynamics, the electric powertrain developer and producer that Ford chose to develop the Transit Connect Electric, has announced that it has selected AM General to perform the upfitting of the electric powertrain to the Transit Connect chassis.

AM General, a long-established contract vehicle manufacturer and services provider, will be responsible for final assembly of the Transit Connect Electric for the North American market from its Engineering and Product Development Center in Livonia, Michigan.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack that can travel as far as 80 miles on a single charge, and can be recharged six to eight hours with a 240 volt outlet. The Transit Connect Electric will allow for 100 percent tailpipe emissions-free operation, and reduce maintenance and fuel usage costs compared to traditional vehicles.

AM General will receive Transit Connect gliders from the Ford manufacturing location in Turkey, and Force Drive electric components from Azure and supplier facilities in North America. The current production plan includes an initial quantity of vehicles to be built in late 2010 with full production scheduled to begin in April 2011.

"AM General is excited to be part of this new 'green' solution for the commercial truck market by leveraging our extensive vehicle manufacturing capabilities and our experience in alternative powertrain integration," said Rick Smith, President AM General Commercial Business.