At a press conference we attended today Ford revealed its E-Transit. The all-electric version of the world’s best-selling cargo van features Ford’s next-level connected vehicle technology and services yet maintains Transit’s 55-year legendary capability. As an EV the E-Transit has an estimated WLTP driving range of up to 350 km from its liquid-cooled 67kWh battery. Ford says this is roughly three times the distance the average EU fleet driver covers daily. The electric motor drives the rear wheels through an auto gearbox and has a peak output of 269hp and 430nm of torque, which at the moment would make it the most powerful motor of any fully electric cargo van in Europe. The rear-wheel drive layout should ensure outstanding traction when the vehicle is heavily loaded.
The E-Transit has a 11.3kW on-board charger and is capable of delivering a 100% 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 15-80% in circa 34 minutes. The van apart from producing zero emissions when in use is now ‘FordPass connected’ with an onboard data modem that also enhances fleet optimisation. Charging for example can be paid for over the air while other updates can also be carried out such as navigation and other data activities. The E-Transit also brings SYNC 4 communications and entertainment technology to commercial vehicles, featuring a standard 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. On the road with navigation enabled, fleet operators can benefit from advanced driver assistance technologies including Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Assist, which together identify speed restrictions and allow fleet managers to set vehicle speed limits. 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. A cool new feature: The E-Transit features ‘Pro Power Onboard’ and this turns it into a mobile power source with up to 2.3kW available (taken from the main battery) to help users use their tools and recharge equipment at job sites. This is an industry first for light commercial vehicles in Europe. The E-Transit promises lower maintenance costs at roughly -40% versus diesel models. Ford also says the E-Transit offers best-in-class, one-year, unlimited mileage service intervals.
“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,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s president and CEO. “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.” The E-Transit has selectable drive modes. The 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. 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.
“More construction, emergency vehicles and utility services choose Ford commercial trucks and vans over any other manufacturer – and we’re committed to helping customers make the transition to zero-emission technology,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s chief product platform operations officer. “E-Transit is a data rich, connected platform that will help our fleet customers unlock greater productivity. The value for our commercial customers grows over time as more connected vehicles join the network.”
The 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. The all-new, all-electric Mustang Mach-E will be in European dealerships from early next year and the fully electric F‑150 starts hitting North American dealers in mid-2022. Payload is quoted at up to 1,616kg for the van and up to 1,967kg for the chassis cab models. In Europe, Ford will offer a 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. The battery cells come from Poland and the motor from the US. The E-Transit will be assembled in Turkey at Ford’s Otosan Kocaeli plant alongside the award-winning Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid.
