The Ford E-Transit Custom is the electric successor to the UK's best-selling vehicle, the Ford Transit Custom. It's a mid-sized van that offers a range of up to 236 miles, a bold new design, and a host of smart features that make it a game-changer for electric vans.
The E-Transit Custom is part of Ford's ambitious plan to launch five all-electric commercial vehicles in Europe by 2024 under the new Ford Pro division. It follows the full-sized Ford E-Transit, which is already available to order and will start deliveries in early 2023.
The Ford E-Transit Custom is also the result of a collaboration between Ford and Volkswagen as part of an agreement that sees Volkswagen commercial vehicles use Ford underpinnings and gives Ford access to VW's MEB platform for passenger EVs. The E-Transit Custom will be built alongside an electric version of the next-generation Volkswagen Transporter at the Ford Otosan plant, starting in the second half of 2023.
But what makes the E-Transit Custom stand out from the crowd of electric vans? Here are some key features and benefits that set it apart from its rivals.
A distinctive new design
The E-Transit Custom looks completely different from the existing, combustion-powered Ford Transit Custom. It features a prominent hexagonal 'grille' panel that integrates the charging point on the front right-hand side, flanked by slim, angular LED lights and topped by a wraparound daytime-running light. The overall treatment aligns the E-Transit Custom with the latest Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, and Ford Tourneo Connect.
The Ford E-Transit Custom also has "rebalanced proportions" that give it "a confident stance" and "set a distinctive new design benchmark in the one-tonne segment," according to Ford. The electric van retains the same dimensions and load space as the diesel version, with a choice of three lengths and two heights and a bare chassis cab for customized applications. It also offers a crew cab version for moving up to six people and their gear.
A powerful and efficient electric drivetrain
The E-Transit Custom is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that delivers either 181bhp or 265bhp, depending on the configuration. Both versions produce 318 lb-ft of torque, which means they can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than 7.0 sec and reach a top speed of around 85mph. The electric motor is paired with a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack that has a capacity of 68kWh, which is enough to provide a range of up to 236 miles on the WLTP cycle.
The battery pack is located under the floor, which means it doesn't compromise the load space or the payload capacity of the van. The E-Transit Custom can carry up to 1,450kg of cargo or tow up to 1,000kg of trailer weight. The battery pack can also be fast-charged at speeds of up to 115kW, which means it can be replenished from 15% to 80% in around 34 minutes at a public charging station. Alternatively, it can be fully charged overnight using a standard 11kW wallbox at home or work.
A smart and connected cabin
The Ford E-Transit Custom is an electric van and a smart and connected one. It features a large 12.0-inch touchscreen that runs Ford's latest Sync 4 infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as over-the-air updates and cloud-based navigation. The touchscreen also displays various information and settings related to the electric drivetrain, such as battery status, range estimation, charging options, and energy consumption.
The E-Transit Custom also comes with a range of advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist, and intelligent speed assist. It also offers a 360-degree camera system that provides a bird's-eye view of the surroundings, which can be useful for parking or maneuvering in tight spaces.
Additionally, the E-Transit Custom is equipped with Ford's Pro Power Onboard system, which allows users to access up to 2.3kW of power from various outlets in the cabin and the load area. This can be handy for powering tools or equipment on-site without needing a generator or an external power source.
A competitive price and cost of ownership
One of the main barriers to adopting electric vehicles is their high initial cost compared to their combustion counterparts. However, Ford claims that the Ford E-Transit Custom will have a competitive price comparable to that of a diesel van with an automatic transmission. Moreover, Ford says that the E-Transit Custom will have a lower total cost of ownership than a diesel van, thanks to its lower maintenance and fuel costs and its eligibility for various incentives and tax benefits.
The E-Transit Custom is expected to go on sale in the UK and other European markets in 2023, with first deliveries scheduled for later that year.
The E-Transit Custom clearly shows Ford's commitment to electrifying its commercial vehicle range and meeting the growing demand for zero-emission delivery and mobility solutions. With its distinctive design, powerful and efficient electric drivetrain, smart and connected cabin, and competitive price and cost of ownership, the Ford E-Transit Custom is set to change the game for electric vans and challenge the dominance of the diesel-powered Ford Transit Custom. @via Panorica.
