Ford has been a leader in the commercial vehicle market for decades with its iconic Transit range of vans and trucks. But as the world shifts to a more sustainable and electrified future, Ford is not resting on its laurels. The company has recently unveiled the all-new, all-electric E-Transit Custom, a one-tonne van that promises to deliver outstanding performance, efficiency, and versatility for businesses and fleets.
The Ford E-Transit Custom is based on the popular Transit Custom, which is the best-selling vehicle of any kind in the UK. But unlike its diesel-powered sibling, the E-Transit Custom is powered by a 400-volt, 74kWh battery pack that offers a targeted range of up to 236 miles. That’s more than enough for most urban and suburban delivery routes, according to Ford Pro customer data.
The battery pack uses advanced pouch cells that provide 12% more energy density than the larger E-Transit. It also features a direct-to-body mounting system that improves durability and reduces weight for optimum range. The battery pack is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.
The Ford E-Transit Custom comes with two electric motor options: a 136PS version that delivers 415Nm of torque and a 218PS version that offers the same torque but with more power and acceleration. Both motors are mounted directly to the vehicle’s rear floor, eliminating the need for a dedicated subframe and saving space and complexity.
The electric drivetrain also enables the E-Transit Custom to have a class-leading towing capacity of up to 2,000kg, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The E-Transit Custom also has a payload capacity of up to 1,200kg, depending on the body style and configuration.
The E-Transit Custom is available in two wheelbase lengths (L1 and L2) and two roof heights (H1 and H2), offering a choice of load volumes from 6.0 to 8.3 cubic meters. The load area is identical to the diesel Transit Custom, meaning that existing racking and storage systems can be easily transferred. The load area also features LED lighting, tie-down points, and side access doors for convenience.
One of the most innovative features of the E-Transit Custom is the ProPower Onboard technology, which allows users to plug in power tools, lights, and devices while off-grid. The E-Transit Custom can provide up to 2.3kW of power from three 230-volt sockets located in the cabin and the load area. This can be useful for tradespeople, mobile workshops, or outdoor events.
The Ford E-Transit Custom also comes with a range of smart technologies that enhance safety, connectivity, and productivity. For example, it has a SYNC 4 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a FordPass Connect modem that enables remote vehicle monitoring, pre-conditioning, charging schedules, and over-the-air updates.
The Ford E-Transit Custom also features advanced driver-assistance systems such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, and Active Park Assist. These systems help to reduce driver fatigue and stress, as well as prevent accidents.
The Ford E-Transit Custom is not only designed to be efficient and versatile but also affordable and cost-effective. According to Ford, the E-Transit Custom can save up to 40% in service cost of ownership compared to diesel vans over eight years or 100,000 miles. This is due to lower maintenance costs for the electric drivetrain, as well as lower fuel costs and tax benefits.
The E-Transit Custom also benefits from Ford’s extensive network of dealers and service centers, which are trained and equipped to handle electric vehicles. Ford also offers a range of financing and leasing options for customers who want to switch to electric vans.
The Ford E-Transit Custom is expected to go into production in Turkey later this year and will be available in Europe in early 2023. It will be one of four all-electric commercial vehicles that Ford plans to introduce by 2024 as part of its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Ford E-Transit Custom is a game-changer for the commercial vehicle market. It combines the proven reliability and practicality of the Transit Custom with the zero-emission performance and efficiency of an electric vehicle. It also offers a range of features and technologies that make it a smart and connected van for the modern world. The Ford E-Transit Custom is the electric van that can do it all.
The Ford E-Transit Custom has some advantages over its competitors, such as:
- It has a longer range than most electric vans, with a targeted 236 miles on a single charge. This is more than the Volkswagen e-Transporter (82 miles), the Renault Kangoo Z.E. (143 miles), and the Opel Vivaro-e (205 miles).
- It has a higher towing capacity than any other electric van, with up to 2,000kg. This is more than the Volkswagen e-Transporter (750kg), the Renault Kangoo Z.E. (375kg), and the Opel Vivaro-e (1,000kg).
- It has a ProPower Onboard system that allows users to plug in power tools and devices while off-grid. This can be useful for tradespeople, mobile workshops, or outdoor events. None of its competitors offer this feature.
- It has a SYNC 4 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is larger and more advanced than the systems in the Volkswagen e-Transporter (6.5-inch), the Renault Kangoo Z.E. (7-inch), and the Opel Vivaro-e (7-inch).
However, the E-Transit Custom also has some drawbacks compared to its competitors, such as:
- It is not yet available for sale, as production will start in 2023. Meanwhile, its competitors are already on the market or will be soon.
- It is likely to be more expensive than its competitors, as Ford has not announced the pricing yet. The Volkswagen e-Transporter starts from $51,000, the Renault Kangoo Z.E. from $32,000, and the Opel Vivaro-e from $40,000.
- It has a lower payload capacity than some of its competitors, with up to 1,200kg. This is less than the Volkswagen e-Transporter (1,186kg), the Renault Kangoo Z.E. (640kg), and the Opel Vivaro-e (1,226kg).
Overall, the E-Transit Custom is a promising electric van that can offer superior performance, efficiency, and versatility for businesses and fleets. However, it also faces strong competition from other electric vans that have different strengths and weaknesses. The final verdict will depend on the pricing, availability, and customer preferences. @via Panorica.
