Ford: E-Transit goes on sale - starting at 53,145 euros

Ford is accelerating the electrification of its portfolio and has initiated the sale of the purely electric E-Transit as a commercial vehicle version. With the market launch in May, the electric van will be available as a panel van single-cab truck, a panel van double-cab truck, and as a single-cab chassis. The panel van, which VM was able to drive as part of the "International Van of the Year" already, starts as a single cab from 55,845 euros net (approx. 66,456 euros incl. VAT) in the "Basic" variant, while the panel van with a double cab, generally offered in the higher-quality "Trend" trim, starts at 60,940 euros net (approx. 72,519 euros gross), and the E-Transit chassis with a single cab costs from 53,145 euros net (approx. 63,243 euros gross).

The model is embedded in the new Ford Pro sales and service program, which aims to optimize the productivity of commercial vehicle customers. Specifically, every E-Transit is integrated into the so-called "FORDLiive," the productivity offer for uptime optimization of the brand's connected commercial vehicles. The free service aims to reduce service-related downtime and idle times, which are equipped with a FordPass Connect modem integrated into the vehicle, through more intelligent and efficient management of necessary maintenance and repair work, according to the promise.

Economical: 40 percent less maintenance

The manufacturer also claims economic advantages for the model. For instance, the maintenance and repair effort for the E-Transit is expected to be 40 percent lower than for comparable diesel models, partly due to the lower maintenance requirements of electric motors. This comparison is based on a 3-year period (180,000 kilometers) and refers to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance costs for an electric panel van compared to its diesel counterpart. Additionally, there are "significant" savings in energy costs, which are said to be the lowest in the competition.

A well-sized battery should achieve 317 km

The core of the emission-free E-Transit during operation is the lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of 77 kWh, of which 68 kWh are usable. This should be sufficient for a range of up to 317 kilometers in the combined WLTP driving cycle. The rear-axle electric motor, coupled with a continuously variable 1-speed automatic transmission, is available in two power levels: 135 kW (184 PS), intended for all standard applications, and 198 kW (269 PS), for heavy-duty users and higher payloads. In each case, like the most powerful diesel, there is a torque of 430 Newton meters available, but here it’s almost from a standstill.

Unchanged Cargo Volume

The battery of the E-Transit is installed under the floor, maintaining a cargo volume of up to 15.1 cubic meters for the van versions, the maximum value of the diesel counterpart with rear-wheel drive and a higher load floor. To achieve this, the rear axle suspension has been revised, which is also said to improve steering precision, handling, and traction—both empty and loaded. Additionally, the manufacturer promotes a total of 25 configuration options, based on:

• the van truck variants with a single cab (for up to three people), van truck with a double cab (for up to six people), and chassis with a single cab (as a base vehicle for superstructures and conversions)
• two trim lines (Base and Trend)
• three wheelbases: medium wheelbase L2 (3,300 millimeters); long wheelbase L3 (3,750 millimeters); and long wheelbase with extended frame L4 (also 3,750 millimeters)
• two roof heights: H2, and optionally, an H3 high roof for the L2 and L3 wheelbases. In combination with the L4 wheelbase, the high roof is part of the standard equipment.

Overall, the E-Transit (van) is available in seven payload classes from 0.7 tons (350 L4) to 1.6 tons (425 L3) (up to 1.9 tons for the chassis models). The maximum permissible gross vehicle weight (van) ranges between 3.5 and 4.25 tons.

Fast charging function up to 115 kW enables shift operation

The manufacturer also aims to impress with a variety of charging solutions for the E-Transit, for home, the company premises, or on the road. Charging can be done via AC or DC. The former is done on three phases with a charging power of up to 11.3 kW, which should fully charge the vehicle battery within 8.2 hours. DC charging, with a power of up to 115 kW, allows charging the battery pack from 15% to 80% in about 34 minutes.

Optionally, the manufacturer implements hardware and software solutions that enable companies to plan and optimize their charging times. With specialized telematics, fleet customers can organize payment at public charging stations via Ford's charging network as well as reimburse employees who charge the E-Transit at home. Drivers charge on the go with the Ford Charge Assist app, which is integrated into the E-Transit's Ford SYNC 4 system and available via the 12-inch touchscreen.

When the Van Becomes a Power Bank

An onboard generator is optionally available, tapping into the drive battery and delivering a maximum of 2.3 kW. The system can also be used for cooling cargo or for operating devices on construction sites as a replacement for a power generator. The manufacturer grants an eight-year warranty with a one-year service interval, although without a mileage limit, an eight-year warranty or 160,000 kilometers for all electrical high-voltage (HV) components (whichever comes first). Additionally, there is a one-year roadside assistance package for electric vehicles, including emergency charging if the battery is depleted. The Europe-wide service network with 1,500 E-vehicle certified dealers and over 4,500 authorized workshops will have all the necessary service capacities at market launch, they promise.

Connectivity with Sync 4 as Standard

This base version already comes standard - unlike its non-electric Transit counterparts - with the SYNC 4 infotainment system, including cloud-based connectivity via the FordPass Connect modem, a first in a commercial vehicle. The user interface is provided by a 12.0-inch multifunction display. Over-the-air updates (OTA) update the navigation system and other functions. Smartphones can be wirelessly connected via AppLink and through the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces.