Ford 2010 Transit Connect

Ford Motor Co. plans to unveil today the North American production version of the 2010 Transit Connect, a commercial van, at the Chicago Auto Show, and to announce its intent to produce an electric version.

This is the first time Ford has said which of its products will feature a battery-electric powered counterpart. The auto maker intends to introduce a battery-electric powered small car in 2011 followed by a plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2012. Ford is showing off the gas-powered Transit Connect, starting at $21, 475, at the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday.

The electric van is to be powered by a lithium-ion battery and offer an expected maximum range of 100 miles from a fully charged battery.

Ford's Transit Connect is aimed at the small business owner since it is closer to a van - 6-feet,8-inches tall - than a full-sized pickup truck. It has a two- liter, four-cylinder engine and the cargo-space can be fitted with shelving, racks and bins to fit the customer's need. The Transit Connect will be imported from Kocaeli, Turkey.