Four Ford Retail dealers will sell the new Transit Connect electric van which has been developed by Azure Dynamics.

The announcement marks the start of Ford’s electric vehicle programme in the UK and according to Steve Clary, Ford Commercial Vehicles director, the likely price point of £40,000 for the van hasn’t put off fleet interest.

The Transit Connect Electric has is available to order now from Ford Retail’s four dedicated electric vehicle centres; two in London as well as Bristol and Warrington.

Chris Hayden, chairman and CEO of Ford Retail, said: “Most parts of the UK automotive industry are well established and clearly defined.

“However, the battery electric commercial vehicle market is completely new and poised to make significant changes in commercial fleet operations.

“We will be working very proactively with Azure Dynamics to develop the overall business model, systems and processes as this embryonic market grows.”

The Transit Connect Electric has 28 kWh of power with a range of up to 80 miles on a full charge.

With a load space volume 3.8 m3 and a payload of 500kg (plus driver at 75kg), the Transit Connect Electric van is expected to appeal to operators who travel predictable, short-range routes with frequent stop-start driving.