WE previewed the unveil of the Ford E-Transit at the end of October – and now Ford has given us the full unveil.
OK, so you’ll have to wait until spring 2022 before you can start selling leases on the electric ‘Backbone of Britain’ but here are the key points you need to know now.
Range – how far?
The all-electric Transit has a 67kWh battery powering a 198 kW / 430Nm electric motor providing a range of 217 miles.
Charging time for a full charge will be around 8 to 9.5 hours (on a 7kWh charger), while the E-Transit can be fast-charged in just half an hour for some 80% charge.
Styles – how many?
Ford says the E-Transit will provide a significant choice of body, length, roof height and Gross Vehicle Mass options. In all there will be 25 possible variants.
Payload – how much?
The E-Transit will offer payloads up to 1,616kg (panel van) and up to 1,967kg (chassis cab). Cargo space is up to 15.1 cubic metres.
Power for your power tools
There’s not only electricity that drives the van but for your power tools or specialist lighting, too. Optional Pro Power Onboard offers a mobile power source, providing up to 2.3kW for powering tools and equipment. Ford says this is an industry first for European LCVs.
What does Ford say?
Ford’s press material says: The E-Transit is ideal for urban environments, fixed drive routes and deliveries within geofenced zero-emission driving zones. Its drive modes are tailored to its electric powertrain. A special Eco Mode aims to provide up to an 8-10% improvement in energy usage if E-Transit is driven unladen with spirited acceleration or at highway speeds. Eco Mode limits top speed, regulates acceleration and optimises climate control to help maximise the available driving range.
The vehicle also supports Scheduled Pre-Conditioning, enabling the climate control system to be programmed to adjust the cabin to the preferred temperature while the vehicle is still on charge, ensuring that the maximum driving range is available.
Where will E-Transit be built?
For Europe E‑Transits will be built at the Ford Otosan Kocaeli plant in Turkey on a dedicated line alongside the Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid. In North America the van will be made at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.
The final word from Ford boss Jim Farley
Ford is North America and Europe’s commercial vehicle leader, so the transition of fleet vehicles to zero emissions, especially for the fast-growing last-mile delivery segment, is critical to achieve our carbon neutral goal by 2050. Ford is ready to lead the charge that started with its award-winning Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid and EcoBlue Hybrid. It’s good for the planet and a huge advantage for customers with lower operating costs and new connected technologies that will help their businesses.
Jim Farley, president and CEO, Ford
Ralph Morton is the leading journalist in the leasing broker sector and editor of Broker News, the website which provides information and news for BVRLA-registered leasing brokers. He also writes extensively on the fleet and leasing market in both the UK and Europe.
