VW and Toshiba collaborate on EV system; Ford and Smith EVs join forces on the Transit Connect
Thu 12 February 2009
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VW and Toshiba have signed a letter of intent to develop electric car drive systems and the accompanying power electronics. These electric drive systems will be used in battery-powered versions of VW's new small family cars.
The chairman of the board of management at Volkswagen AG, Prof. Dr Martin Winterkorn, said: "Volkswagen is forging ahead with the development of future drive technologies in many different areas. In order to strengthen our position further, Volkswagen is investing in the long term and is offering cooperation projects to other companies. One of the important components in this context is the cooperation with Toshiba. I am convinced that this will be a major step forwards towards the development of series production electric vehicles for our customers."
The two companies also plan to develop battery systems for the next generation of electric vehicles. It is also believed that Volkswagen may collaborate with other technology companies for conducting research into lithium-ion battery technology.
In another joint venture, Ford has announced that it will work with the UK's Smith Electric Vehicles to produce the company's first battery electric vehicle. The electric version of Ford's Transit Connect light commercial vehicle will accommodate a payload of 800kg with a maximum range of 160km and is scheduled to go on sale in the second half of 2010.
Ford has indicated that a number of commercial fleet clients have expressed interest in electric vehicles, hence the introduction of this purpose built battery electric vehicle (BEV). The company considers the Transit Connect the perfect vehicle to be outfitted as a BEV because many commercial users drive short predictable routes that consist of a lot of stop and go in urban and suburban traffic.
In the announcement Ford also committed to introducing a new battery electric small car in 2011 and releasing their next generation of hybrid vehicles in 2012, including some with plug-in capability.
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