- The Ford E-Transit retains the classic Transit design and practicality while offering electric benefits.
- This EV provides a smooth, quiet ride with plenty of power and a decent range (up to 196 miles).
- The “Pro Power Onboard” feature turns the E-Transit into a mobile power source for tools and equipment.
E-Transit: the quiet revolution in commercial vans
Ford is now offering 72-hour test drives of the E-Transit! This got me thinking about my own test drive experience at EV LIVE at Blenheim Palace earlier this year. As a fan of Ford vans (I own a Transit Custom!), I was eager to see how this electric version measured up.
While I admire the ingenuity and imaginative design that comes with purpose-built EVs, I must admit it was comforting to find myself in the familiar and functional environment of a Ford Transit. With its many cup holders, comfortable seats, and overall practicality, it’s no wonder it’s been a best-selling van for over 40 years! I appreciate that Ford kept the van’s essence while adding electric enhancements, such as:
- A 400-volt, 68 kWh battery providing up to 197 miles of range.
- Fast charging from 10-80% in approx. 37 minutes.
- Different driving modes (Normal, Eco, Slippery).
- 25 configurations to suit various needs.
- An integrated mobile power source (more on this below!).
Driving the E-Transit: The quiet, comfortable, and effortless drive
Driving the E-Transit around Oxfordshire was a joy! It offered a quiet, smooth ride with plenty of power. The regenerative braking was easy to alter and impressively intuitive. Driving this big vehicle was very smooth thanks to the one-pedal driving capability and manoeuvring was easy thanks to well-placed cameras and sensors.
What can the Ford E-Transit offer you?
The E-Transit boasts a WLTP range of up to 196 miles, more than enough for many businesses. With a powerful 269 PS or 184 PS RWD powertrain, it is able to handle most demanding tasks with ease. Charging is also flexible, with AC (approximately 8 hours) and rapid DC options (15-80% in just over 30 minutes at 115 kW).
It’s more than just a van…
Interestingly, the E-Transit is more than just an electric van; it’s a mobile power source! Ford’s “Pro Power Onboard” system provides up to 2.3 kW of power from the vehicle’s battery to run tools and equipment at job sites, a valuable asset for tradespeople. This feature is also available on the E-Transit Custom.
Plus, the E-Transit offers connected services through Ford Telematics, allowing fleet managers to optimise efficiency and reduce costs. With over 400 Ford Pro service centres across Europe, businesses can rely on a comprehensive support network.
Overall, I’m really excited by this electric van. With its decent range, powerful performance, and smart features like Pro Power Onboard, the Ford E-Transit could be a game-changer for businesses looking to electrify their fleets.
