With the new E-Transit, Ford is leading the electric charge in the large sized light commercial vehicle segment, with a broad model line-up that aims to offer customers enhanced productivity enabled by its fully electric powertrain, software solutions, and additional services.
In presenting its latest electric mobility for the commercial sector, Ford’s President & CEO Jim Farley said on the web based premiere: “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. 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.”
In addition, 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. “We are doubling down on the software and digital services to help our fleet customers grow and more efficiently run their businesses,” added Jim.
With a usable battery capacity of 67 kWh, E-Transit offers an estimated driving range of up to 350 km 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 modules are tailored to its electric powertrain. A special Eco Mode aims to provide up to an 8-10 per cent improvement in energy usage. 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.
“Our clear mission to make our customers’ businesses thrive has helped to make Ford the leading commercial vehicle brand in Europe,” added Hans Schep, General Manager Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe, during the launch. “Electrification brings new ways for customers to manage their businesses and fleets more efficiently. With E-Transit this is delivered with more than 55 years of Transit expertise, a network of expert dealers and converters, and an ecosystem of digital tools that will help translate the potential of electrification into a business reality – all that, and the benefits of zero-emission transportation.”
Ford also will offer a variety of charging solutions to fit fleet and driver needs, whether at home, at a place of business or on the road. E-Transit features both AC charging and DC fast-charging. The vehicle’s 11.3 kW on-board charger is capable of delivering a 100 per cent charge in up to 8.2 hours. Charging with up to 115 kW 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.
Among the added features on E-Transit include the optional Pro Power Onboard, which enables European customers to transform the vehicle into a mobile power source, providing up to 2.3 kW for powering tools and equipment on the jobsite and on the go. In addition, the standard FordPass Connect modem delivers seamless connectivity to help commercial vehicle customers manage and optimise fleet efficiency, with a range of dedicated electric vehicle services available through the Ford Telematics fleet solution.
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.
As E-Transit’s battery packs are located underneath the body, providing up to 15.1 cubic meters of cargo space, the same as a rear-wheel drive diesel Transit, cargo volume capacity is unaffected. Up to 1,616 kg payload is offered for for the panel van version and up to 1,967 kg for the chassis cab models. The vehicle’s electric motor has a peak output of 198 kW (269 PS) and 430 Nm 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.
Ford will build E‑Transits for European customers at the Ford Otosan Kocaeli plant in Turkey on a dedicated line alongside the award-winning Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid. The vehicle will be produced for North American customers at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri. E-Transit, which starts arriving with European customers in early 2022.
