Just a month after the first E-Transit van rolled off the production line in Turkey, Ford has revealed its next all-electric commercial vehicle; the E-Transit Custom van.
The second of five all-electric commercial vehicles Ford will reveal by 2024, Ford promises that the E-Transit Custom will ‘set a new benchmark in Europe’s one-tonne van segment’ as it encourages businesses to make the switch to electric vans.
Developed as part of a joint venture with Volkswagen that will also see the forthcoming Ranger and Amarok pickups share running gear, the E-Transit Custom wears a distinctive style amongst a range of ageing rival vans.
There are rebalanced proportions, a confident stance and full LED lighting, suggesting that the new model will refresh the one-tonne segment - where it outsells its rivals three to one - if not quite redefine it.
The new model joining the electrified Ford commercial vehicle line-up plays a key part in the manufacturer’s commitment to switching all Ford vehicle sales in Europe to zero-emission models, and being carbon neutral across Europe, by 2035.
Specifications are being kept under wraps for now, but it’s expected that the E-Transit Custom will be driven by a 180hp electric motor, powered by a 67kWh battery pack.
Ford is targeting a driving range of 236 miles, more than three times the distance the average European fleet driver covers each day. DC fast-charging will ensure that downtime is kept to a minimum when topping up the vehicle’s battery.
It's important to know what to do when you need to charge on the go, so make sure to take a look at our guide on what to do when you can't charge at home.
Practical touches will abound, including the van retaining full towing capability. Electrification allows for other benefits too, such as ProPower Onboard technology that will provide exportable power for tools, lights and devices while on site.
Built to replace the UK’s best-selling van, the E-Transit Custom is designed to fit into the Ford Pro ecosystem of software, management, financing and charging solutions. E-Transit Custom will be supported by Ford Pro via one comprehensive platform to help increase uptime and reduce operating costs, using sophisticated connectivity to enable an always-on relationship.
Hans Schep, general manager for Ford Pro, Europe said:
“This is a watershed moment for commercial vehicle operators in Europe and another hugely significant realisation of our Ford Pro ambitions. Europe’s best-selling van just went all-electric and – supported by our unique Ford Pro one-stop-shop of productivity-boosting services – the operating benefits this will bring to business across Europe cannot be overstated.”
Following the two-tonne E-Transit and the one-tonne E-Transit Custom, Ford will present a further three electric commercial vehicles by 2024. Next will be the Transit Courier, with Tourneo people-mover versions of both Custom and Courier arriving soon after.
If you’re keen to lease the new Ford E-Transit Custom then you’ll have to wait a while. More specific details of the new all-electric van will be revealed in September, with production not slated to start until the second half of 2023.
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