Ford has been a leader in the commercial vehicle market for decades, with its Transit range of vans and trucks being the best-selling in Europe and the US. Now, the company is ready to take the next step in electrifying its fleet with the introduction of the all-new, all-electric E-Transit Custom.
The Ford E-Transit Custom is a medium-sized van that will offer a range of up to 236 miles on a single charge, according to Ford’s estimates. That’s more than enough for most urban and suburban delivery routes, as well as for tradespeople and service providers who need a versatile and reliable vehicle for their work.
The Ford E-Transit Custom electric van will also have a towing capacity of up to 2,800 kg, which is similar to the diesel version of the Transit Custom. This means that it can handle heavy loads and trailers without compromising performance or efficiency.
The E-Transit Custom will be powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that will deliver 181 horsepower and 318 lb-ft of torque. The motor will be connected to a 68 kWh battery pack that will be located under the floor of the cargo area, maximizing space and lowering the center of gravity.
The battery pack will support fast charging at up to 115 kW, allowing it to recharge from 15% to 80% in about 34 minutes. The E-Transit Custom will also feature a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function that will enable it to supply up to 2.3 kW of power to external devices and tools, such as drills, saws, lights, and laptops.
The Ford E-Transit Custom electric van will be not only smart on the road but also in the cabin. It will come with Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, which will feature a 12-inch touchscreen display and wireless connectivity. The system will also integrate with Ford’s Pro Power Onboard app, which will allow drivers to monitor and control the V2L function from their smartphone.
The E-Transit Custom will also have advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking. These features will help improve safety and reduce driver fatigue.
The E-Transit Custom will be available in two wheelbase lengths and two roof heights, offering a cargo volume of up to 6.8 cubic meters. It will also have a payload capacity of up to 1,000 kg, which is comparable to the diesel version.
The Ford E-Transit Custom will go into production in the second half of 2023 at Ford’s Otosan plant in Turkey, where it will share the assembly line with the next-generation Volkswagen Transporter, which will also be electric. The Fotd E-Transit Custom is expected to cost around $60,000 (excluding VAT), which is about $10,000 more than the diesel version.
The E-Transit Custom is part of Ford’s plan to launch five new electric commercial vehicles in Europe by 2024. The company has already unveiled the full-size E-Transit, which will go on sale in late 2022, and the F-150 Lightning, which will be available in the US in spring 2023.
Ford hopes that by offering electric versions of its popular vans and trucks, it will attract more customers who are looking for greener and more cost-effective solutions for their businesses. The company also aims to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
The E-Transit Custom is set to be one of the most advanced and capable electric vans on the market when it arrives in 2023. It will combine Ford’s expertise in commercial vehicles with its innovation in electrification, creating a product that will meet the needs and expectations of modern customers.
However, the Ford E-Transit Custom is not without competition. There are several other electric vans that are either already on sale or coming soon in different segments of the market. Some of them are:
- Citroen e-Berlingo: A small electric van that offers a range of up to 171 miles and up to 4.4 cubic meters of load space. It uses the same platform as Citroen’s e-C4 family hatchback. It costs $33,000 (excluding VAT).
- Fiat E-Ducato: A large electric van that offers a range of up to 223 miles and up to 17 cubic meters of load space. It uses a modular battery system that allows customers to choose between different capacities. It costs $69,500 (excluding VAT).
- Mercedes-Benz eSprinter: A large electric van that offers a range of up to 154 miles and up to 11 cubic meters of load space. It uses the same platform as the diesel Sprinter but with an electric drivetrain. It costs $62,000 (excluding VAT).
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo: A futuristic electric van that is inspired by the iconic VW Microbus. It will offer a range of up to 340 miles and up to 6.6 cubic meters of load space. It will also feature autonomous driving technology and a solar roof. It is expected to go on sale in 2024.
These are just some of the examples of electric vans that are vying for a share of the growing market. As more customers and businesses switch to electric vehicles, the competition will only get fiercer, and the choices will only get wider. The E-Transit Custom electric van will have to prove itself as a worthy contender in this exciting and evolving sector.
If you are interested in learning more about the E-Transit Custom, you can visit Ford’s official website or read some reviews from experts. You can also watch a video of the E-Transit Custom in action.
@via Panorica.
