The new fully electric commercial vehicle: Ford E-Transit

The new fully electric Ford E-Transit had its European public debut at the commercial vehicle exhibition in Birmingham, England. Ford’s first battery-electric commercial vehicle combines maximum productivity with cutting-edge technology, such as enhanced driver assistance systems and the cutting-edge communication and entertainment system SYNC 4, which features a cloud-based connection. The new Ford E-Transit will be available for order in the fourth quarter, with the first electric vans arriving in spring 2022. The prices will be published in due course. Ford will also be demonstrating the FORDLiive service, which is offered free of charge for maximizing uptime in connected Ford commercial vehicles equipped with a FordPass Connect modem, at its exhibit. Visitors to the Birmingham trade show may also learn more about Ford Service Pro. It is a service that allows dealers to better assist their commercial vehicle clients, such as by utilizing Ford specialists to diagnose complicated vehicle problems and design efficient solutions, saving time and money.

Ford E-Transit

The E-Transit, the first fully electric version of the global bestseller in the light commercial vehicle segment, offers unlimited loading volume. Its combined range is expected to be up to 317 kilometers according to the WLTP driving cycle. Supplied by a 67 kWh battery, the electric motor of the E-Transit mobilizes an output of 198 kW (269 hp) and a torque of 430 Newton meters. Furthermore, the onboard power supply converts the E-Transit into a transportable 2.3 kWh power source, allowing customers to use electrical equipment and charging gadgets on building sites, for example.

“The new E-Transit system will be a game-changer. When users move to completely electric fleets, connected services, and innovative technology will streamline their companies and boost their productivity, “Hans Schep, Ford of Europe’s general manager, Commercial Vehicles, stated. “The E-Transit is an all-around persuasive proposition for European enterprises due to its reasonable cost, which should erase any economic worries.”

From the chassis to the panel van: the new E-Transit can be ordered in a variety of configuration options with different wheelbases and roof heights and a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 to 4.25 tons. Its standard FordPass Connect modem allows a high level of connectivity. Over-The-Air Updates (OTA) update the navigation system and other functions.

The Ford E-Transit is offered in the equipment series “Basis” and “Trend.” Both variations impress with much more equipment than the respective diesel counterparts. The “Basic” model already has electronic temperature control, SYNC 4 with a 12-inch touchscreen display, keyless Ford power start, heated seats, heated windshield, and heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, as well as connection via FordPass Connect -Modem.

The Ford Trend equipment variation is distinguished by crucial standard extra capabilities such as a networked Ford navigation system, cruise control, Pre Collision Assist with pedestrian recognition, lane warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and a Park Pilot system.

The new Ford E-Transit introduces the new Ford SYNC 4 communication and entertainment system into Ford’s European range of commercial vehicles. For users, this means twice the computing power compared to the previous generation Ford SYNC 3. It is controlled via an easy-to-use 12-inch touchscreen. The new, cloud-connected navigation function1 of Ford SYNC 4 can plan efficient routes considering the traffic situation, the location of charging stations, and other parameters. In addition, an intelligent range preview considers real-time data on driving habits, weather, and road conditions for the most precise possible indication of the remaining battery capacity. Extended voice control and a connection2 to Amazon Alexa are also available.

Ford E-Transit

Battery charging is one of the most pressing issues for electric cars. Ford provides a comprehensive package to assist customers with charging operations, whether at the office location or on the road in daily work. This service is overseen by a team of Ford Pro professionals who will be accessible to consumers in Ford’s key European markets beginning in October. Companies may plan and improve their loading times using both hardware and software solutions.

Ford Telematics is another service that allows fleet clients to smoothly handle payments at public charging stations via the Ford charging network, as well as compensation for employees who charge vehicles at home. Drivers can also organize charging on the go with the Ford Charge Assist app, which is integrated into the SYNC 4 system of the Ford E-Transit and accessible via the 12-inch touchscreen. The E-Transit can be charged from 15 percent to 80 percent in around 35 minutes using a 115 kW fast charger. On a regular 230-volt AC power source, a complete overnight charge takes little more than eight hours.

Ford Pro recently announced the purchase of Electriphi, a prominent provider of electric car charging management and fleet software. In the future, the digital Electriphi platform will expand the number of charging applications available to European clients.

For businesses wanting to transition to electric cars, the new Ford E-Transit offers some tempting purchasing incentives. Aside from considerable fuel savings, Ford expects that vehicle service maintenance and repair costs will be 40% cheaper than equivalent diesel vehicles. According to Ford data, the sum of all E-Transit expenses in Great Britain and Germany is lower overall than for corresponding competitor products with diesel engines.

Ford provides a one-year service interval with no mileage limits for the new E-Transit, as well as an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty on all electrical high-voltage (HV) components. A one-year breakdown support plan for electric vehicles is also available, which includes emergency vehicle charging when the battery runs out. When it is released, the Europe-wide Ford service network, which includes 1,500 e-vehicle-certified dealers and over 4,500 approved workshops, will have all of the essential servicing capacity.

The new Ford E-Transit service is completely integrated with FORDLiive. It is a no-cost productivity service aimed at increasing the uptime of connected Ford commercial vehicles. The option, which will be available by the end of 2021, would minimize service-related downtime and downtime in Ford commercial vehicles connected with a FordPass Connect modem by implementing more intelligent and efficient maintenance and repair work management. This implies fewer preventable breakdowns, fewer visits to the workshop, and speedier repairs for these clients, increasing their production. The technology employs real-time vehicle data and connects merchants and fleet clients to the Transit Center network and the automotive manufacturer itself.

The new, all-electric Ford E-Transit is already in use in several European countries.

Depending on the location, different e-transit variants with a permissible total weight between 3.5 and 4.25 tons are used as test vehicles, including chassis with refrigerated and box bodies, tippers, and flatbed vehicles. The partially specialized conversions reflect the complex requirements Ford Transit commercial vehicles have always had to meet in everyday work. @via Ford.