The Ford Transit Connect Electric debuted at the Chicago Motor Show last month, and should be available in late 2010

Michigan company BorgWarner is to provide the transmission system for Ford’s first all-electric production vehicle.

The company will supply its 31-03 eGearDrive system for Ford’s 2011 Transit Connect Electric, it announced last week.

The vehicle will be targeted at urban delivery fleets, offering a 75mph top speed and a range of up to 80 miles on a single charging.

Ford is developing the all-electric version of its 2010 Transit Connect in partnership with Detroit-based electric commercial vehicle specialists Azure Dynamics, after original partner Smith Electric Vehicles pulled out last year to focus on its own vehicles.

BorgWarner said its system would give the 2011 Transit Connect Electric a high torque capacity, high efficiency and low levels of noise and vibration.

Adaptability

John Sanderson, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems, said: “With this latest application, BorgWarner’s eGearDrive™ transmission is proving its broad adaptability to a variety of electric propulsion vehicles, from high-performance roadsters to sedans to commercial vans.”

BorgWarner, which has its global HQ in Auburn Hills, MI, operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 59 locations in 18 countries.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric made its debut at the Chicago Motor Show last month, and is expected to be first available in limited numbers in late 2010.

The vehicle will have lithium-ion batteries provided by Johnson Controls-Saft, and will be rechargeable using either 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlets.

The vehicle is expected to have an identical passenger and cargo space to the existing gas-powered Transit Connect.