The electrified successor to the UK’s best-selling van has been announced by Ford Pro - the all-new Ford E-Transit Custom. This is set to be the benchmark in the enormous one tonne commercial van segment of the market, and its focus will be to help businesses and individuals easily make the change to full electric … and to stick with Ford.
The new E-Transit Custom boasts bold new looks after a total redesign and a range of up to 236 miles on one full charge (impressive). However, there may be a bit of a wait for keen European buyers as production isn’t on the cards until 2023, at an upgraded Ford Otosan facility in Turkey.
“This is a watershed moment for commercial vehicle operators in Europe, and another hugely significant realisation of our Ford Pro ambitions,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “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.”
So, what’s looking different? The front aspect has been brought more in line with other new Fords such as the Fiesta, Focus and the Tourneo Connect, with the same hexagonal patterned grille, angular LED lights and a rather cool full bonnet wraparound daytime-running light. Overall, it’s more balanced, giving a capable but sporty vibe that should please all types of users. Run by Ford’s sophisticated Pro software, this will streamline the vehicle’s charging, servicing and financing into one hub for superior customer service.
But what’s going to make or break this sharp-looking new Ford is the battery power – can it deliver the business? According to Ford, the E-Transit Custom’s set up will give up to 236 miles/380 km per charge – and it will certainly be a fast-charging battery – with the capacity for full towing functions. No details have been released as yet about the exact battery type, but if it’s the same as the E-Transit, it will certainly do the job … and do 0 – 62mph in just under 7 seconds.
A new feature which will prove extremely handy when on site is the 2.3kW vehicle-to-tool power supply, to harness some of that battery strength to run external appliances. This is the ‘Pro-Power Onboard’ system feature … it effectively turns the E-Transit into a portable generator. Out already in the US in the new F-150 pickup, the Pro-Power Onboard has been described by users as “the best feature Ford have introduced in decades.”
More specs and details for the no-compromise all electric E-Transit Custom will be out later in the year, so watch this space for more news.
Vanimal will of course be supplying numerous accessories and racking systems for the new E-Transit Custom when it arrives!
