Chicago Preview: Ford Transit Connect Electric and CNG-powered taxi van

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Ford, Chicago Auto Show, Natural Gas

Ford Transit Connect Electric - Click above for high-res gallery

Ford's electric vehicle (EV) naming scheme is becoming clear: add the word "electric" to a vehicle's standard name and presto, you've got the name of your new EV. Example Number One: the Ford Focus Electric. Example Number Two: the Ford Transit Connect Electric, which will get its official North American debut at the Chicago Auto Show this week. The 2011 Transit Connect Electric will go on sale into production later this year and will offer a range of 80 miles per charge and a top speed of 75 miles per hour. The van's 28 kWh battery recharges in six to eight hours.

Businesses that like the style and practicality of the the Transit Connect but don't necessarily think a plug is the way to go can choose a Transit Connect version that is powered by Ford's engine prep packages that burn compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas). This model, too, will arrive later this year. More details after the jump.

Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Electric