Ford launches all-electric E-Transit

Say hello to the new all-electric Ford E-Transit.

It's the first step in the European launch of Ford Pro, which aims to improve customers' productivity with a suite of services and products. More than 5000 customer orders have been received for the Turkey-built vehicle before production started.

The van uses a 68kWh battery that's good for a range of it up to197 miles, while the motor offers 430Nm in either 135kW or 198KW form. The maximum payload is 1758kg on the van model, though you can choose from 25 variants of van, double-cab-in-van and chassis cab body styles with multiple lengths and roof heights, as well as GVMs (Gross Vehicle Mass) from 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes. They also come with ProPower Onboard, a Ford-unique system that provides 2.3kW to the cab and load area to power conversions and equipment.

Bits and pieces

There are two trims to choose from – Leader and Trend, and all vehicles offer significantly higher specifications than the equivalent diesel model. The Base series includes electronic air temperature control, keyless start, heated seats, Quickclear windscreen and heated power mirrors. E-Transit introduces the SYNC 4 communications and information system to Ford's commercial vehicle range in Europe, which is said to offer twice the computing power of SYNC 3 and is controlled via a 12-inch wipe-clean, glare-resistant touchscreen.

The Trend series adds Ford Connected Navigation System which can plan the most efficient route and update drivers on charging, traffic, live parking availability, as well as Intelligent Range to display a more accurate distance-to-empty. Available enhanced voice control and embedded Amazon Alexa are also included.

All versions use a standard FordPass Connect modem to enable always-on connectivity with the Ford Pro and Ford Power-Up software updates. There's also a lifetime subscription to FordPass Pro or Ford Pro Telematics Essential and access to the Blue Oval Charging Network for a year. Fleet customers also receive a year of complimentary access to Ford Pro E‑Telematics.

All the assistance

The E-Transit has been given a Gold Award from independent vehicle safety authority Euro NCAP for its driver assistance systems. These include Pre‑Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Information System with Lane Change Warning and Aid, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keeping Aid, and Junction Assist.

There's also Reverse Brake Assist, which uses a camera and sensors to detect pedestrians, cyclists and static obstacles when reversing and delivers a warning before automatically stopping the vehicle if the driver does not react. There's also a new 360-degree camera, which provides a top-down view of the E‑Transit's surroundings on the 12‑inch dashboard screen.

Counting the cost - or lack thereof

Ford says the E-Transit will not only provide significant fuel savings, but that service maintenance and repair cost of ownership will be 40% lower than equivalent diesel-powered models, and the lowest costs compared to its rivals.

The Ford Pro system offers a one‑year, unlimited mileage service interval and eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty for all high-voltage electric components, including cover for excessive degradation, and as a one-year electric vehicle roadside assistance package including rescue charging. The pan-European Ford Pro Service has 1500 EV Certified Dealers across Europe, and more than 4500 Authorised Repairers.