Azure Dynamics and Ford Motor Company have worked together since 2009 to develop fuel-efficient vehicles. This partnership produced the Transit Connect Electric in little more than a year, showing how quickly innovation can occur through collaboration. Another aspect of the Azure-Ford relationship is the Balance Hybrid Electric, a heavy-duty drive system that increases fuel economy by 40% while cutting emissions by 30%. The next phase in this collaboration announced recently is Azure’s commitment to provide plug-in drive systems for the Ford F-550 Super Duty truck. The hybrid version of the Ford F-550 could be available as early as spring 2013.
Engineers with Azure Dynamics will work with Ford officials to install and service Ford F-550 hybrids. Ford dealerships offering Super Duty trucks with Azure drive systems will be trained to handle basic maintenance as well as repairs. The Ford F-550 represents the first of many trucks that could feature hybrid drives as Ford left open the possibility of an Azure makeover for the entire F-Series. This conversion would only feature about a third of Azure parts specially designed for the F-550 as most parts are compatible with existing Ford components.
The F-Series Super Duty line by Ford represents a significant opportunity for Azure Dynamics. Ford notes that this line of pickup trucks represents more than half of all trucks sold in North America. Construction companies and government fleets purchase more than 100,000 F-Series units per year due to vehicle quality. Ford’s reputation has also been boosted as the F-Series expanded through cab and bed customization. The success of the Ford F-550 hybrid could mean an expansion of Azure’s role in Ford vehicle design and a growing reputation for innovative drive systems.
The aforementioned Balance Hybrid Electric shows the promise of hybrid trucks in North America. Representatives from Ford have noted that this drive system represents 60% of the market share for hybrid commercial trucks in the United States and Canada. This market share comes almost entirely from corporate fleets like FedEx Express and AT&T but is promising nonetheless. The partnership between Azure and Ford is positive though the decision to focus on trucks should not be a final step. The auto industry must commit to rethinking vehicle weight and design along with fuel economy to ensure progress in sustainable transportation.
