Ford says it is targeting a real-world range of almost 240-miles with its newest medium-size commercial vehicle.
Called the E-Transit Custom, production of the “no compromise” vehicle begins at the company’s Otosan facility in Turkey next year.
It is being built alongside a battery-powered version of the next-generation Volkswagen Transporter as part of an agreement between the two automotive giants.
Bosses at the Blue Oval have confirmed the E-Transit Custom will have DC fast-charging and full towing capability on top of a fresh, eye-catching design that brings it into line with other cars in the Ford portfolio.
Exclusive to the E-Transit Custom are DRLs that extend beyond the angular LED headlights and flow across the top of the hexagonal ‘grille’. Charging the EV is done via a port that is positioned on the right-hand side of the front bumper.
“This is a watershed moment for commercial vehicle operators in Europe, and another hugely significant realisation of our Ford Pro ambitions,” said Ford of Europe’s general manager, Hans Schep.
“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.”
‘ProPower’ onboard technology is said to provide “exportable power for tools, lights and devices”, with further information on the vehicle’s features expected to be confirmed at the end of the summer.
Even at this early stage, the expectation is the E-Transit Custom will be sold with a choice of two motors – 181bhp and 256bhp – with these both positioned over the rear axle.
In either state, a 0-62mph time of 7 seconds and a top speed of 85mph should be achievable. Despite the added weight the battery pack introduces, the zero-emission van should still have a payload that closely mirrors the combustion-powered equivalent.
Earlier this year Ford announced that by 2024, four further new all-electric vehicles will join the E-Transit two-tonne van as part of the Transit family. This includes the Transit Custom and Transit Courier vans, as well as the Tourneo Custom and Tourneo Courier people movers.
