Ford introduces the new E-Transit van, a smart workhorse that will offer customers enhanced productivity enabled by its fully electric powertrain, software solutions, services and Pro Power Onboard options.
While most newcomers in the van business are still building prototypes, developing testing protocols and addressing difficult usage conditions, Ford’s commercial vehicle ecosystem is expanding to include electric vehicle monitoring software and connected solutions for fleets to seamlessly integrate into day-to-day operations.
Driving to go greener
Even as demand for delivery vehicles grows, cities around the world – from London to Los Angeles – are pledging to create emission-free zones, reduce greenhouse gas levels and lower noise pollution.
E-Transit, which starts arriving with European customers in early 2022, is part of Ford’s more than $11.5 billion global investment in electrification through 2022.
Range, charging solutions tailored for business
With a usable battery capacity of 67kWh, E-Transit offers an estimated driving range of up to 217 miles on the combined WLTP cycle, providing enough range to meet daily requirements, but with sufficient additional capacity to account for variations in vehicle load and weather conditions.
This makes E-Transit ideal for urban environments, fixed drive routes and deliveries within geofenced zero-emission driving zones, without requiring fleet owners to pay for excess battery capacity they don’t need.
E-Transit’s drive modes are tailored to its electric powertrain. A special Eco Mode aims to provide up to an 8-10 per cent improvement in energy usage if E-Transit is driven unladen with spirited acceleration or at highway speeds, according to Ford data. Eco Mode limits top speed, regulates acceleration and optimises climate control to help maximise the available driving range.
E-Transit not only helps companies operate more sustainably; it offers clear business advantages. E-Transit can reduce service cost of ownership by approximately 40 per cent compared with internal combustion engine-equipped models, as a result of lower maintenance expenses.
In Europe, customers will benefit from a best-in-class, one-year, unlimited mileage service offering that sits alongside the eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty package for the battery and high-voltage electric components. 3
E-Transit features both AC charging and DC fast-charging. The vehicle’s 11.3kW on-board charger is capable of delivering a 100 per cent charge in up to 8.2 hours. Charging with up to 115kW using a high-power DC fast-charger, E-Transit can top-up the battery from 15 per cent to 80 per cent in around 34 minutes.
More power, connectivity on the go
E-Transit features optional Pro Power Onboard, which enables customers to transform the vehicle into a mobile power source, providing up to 2.3kW for powering tools and equipment on the jobsite and on the go. This is an industry first for light commercial vehicles in Europe.
E-Transit also brings SYNC 4 communications and entertainment technology to commercial vehicles, featuring a standard easy-to-use 12-inch touchscreen, plus enhanced voice recognition and available cloud-enhanced navigation. With SYNC over-the-air updates, E‑Transit’s software and SYNC technology will benefit from the latest new features and quality enhancements.
Additionally, E-Transit features an array of available technologies designed to help fleet customers reduce driver-based insurance claims. These include Pre-Collision Assist, Blind Spot Information System with Lane Change Warning & Aid and a 360-degree camera with Reverse Brake Assist. Along with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, these features can help maintain fleet safety standards and reduce the risk of accidents.
Delivered with the capability Transit customers love
E-Transit for customers in Europe targets up to 1,616kg payload for the van and up to 1,967kg for the chassis cab models. The vehicle’s electric motor has a peak output of 198 kW (269 PS) and 430Nm of torque, making it the most powerful motor of any fully electric cargo van sold in Europe. The rear-wheel drive layout ensures outstanding traction when the vehicle is heavily laden.
In Europe, Ford will offer a generous choice of 25 E-Transit configurations, with van, double-cab-in-van and chassis cab body styles, multiple length and roof-height options, and a range of gross vehicle mass options up to 4.25 tonnes, to support a wide variety of customer needs.
Following the successful city partnerships featuring the Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid, Ford will be undertaking extensive customer fleet trials with E-Transit in key European markets, starting during 2021.
