Ford launched an‘in-house’ electric van at the Commercial Vehicle Show, with a converted Transit Connect.

The 80-mile (laden) maximum range compact van will go on sale in June, and has a load space of 3.8 cubic metres and a payload of 500kg.

Pricing is still to be confirmed, but is expected to retail at about £40,000 excluding VAT. The electric conversion has been carried out by Azure Dynamics.

Ricardo Espinosa, managing director of Azure Dynamics’ European operation, said: “This is a momentous first step in delivering alternative fuel vehicles into the UK market. We have chosen Ford Retail as they offer our customers a consistently high level of support across a number of key cities in the UK.

“They are a dealer partner that has the vision and experience that is vital to help develop the right sales and aftermarket structure, as well as deliver the very best levels of customer service possible.”