The Ford Transit Goes Electric

One-ton van, the best-selling in Europe, the Transit becomes E-Transit Custom within a completely electrified range.

The launch of the all-new Ford E-Transit Custom comes at a key moment in the shift of small businesses to electric commercial vehicles. A report from the Center for Economics and Business Research reveals that the proportion of electric vehicles in new van registrations in major markets has increased fivefold between 2018 and 2023. The report also details the growing number of low-emission zones, which now exceed 350 and affect more than 80 million people, including all capital cities of the European Union.

Equipped with a 64 kWh battery for a maximum range of 337 km, the E-Transit Custom uses new steam injection heat pump technology, standard on all versions, to heat and cool the cabin. This new system is designed to enhance energy efficiency and optimize range. Also contributing to efficiency is regenerative braking that allows driving using just the accelerator pedal.

100% Electric Architecture

The motor is mounted directly on the rear floor and rotated 90 degrees to maximize loading space and reduce weight. The battery is integrated into the loading floor, above the threshold edge, eliminating the need for separate collision structures. For optimal efficiency in terms of space and weight, other underbody components are “recessed” around the battery.

Customers can choose between outputs of 100 kW or 160 kW (135 or 217 hp), each offering a torque of 415 Nm, the best in its class. A more powerful 210 kW block is also offered for the model E-Transit Custom MS-RT. Like the larger E-Transit, customers can opt for the built-in Pro Power system of 2.3 kW to recharge electrical tools and accessories necessary for their work.

Within the most comprehensive Transit Custom range ever offered, E-Transit Custom operators can specify vehicle lengths, L1 or L2, and a wide variety of body styles:

• Van: loading volumes of up to 6.8 m³ and payloads of up to 1,011 kg ⁴
• Double cab van: second row of three seats and fixed bulkhead.
• Kombi: maximum flexibility of loading space and up to eight passenger seats
• MultiCab: second row of two seats, loading space running the full length, and solid bulkhead.

A choice of four trim levels:

• Trend combines functional and robust capabilities with sophisticated technologies.
• Limited adds 16-inch alloy wheels, body-colored exterior elements, and full lining of the loading area.
• Sport features unique decorative stripes, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a luxurious cabin.
• MS-RT adopts styling reminiscent of Ford’s rally performance, including spoilers, skirts, a diffuser, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

A plug-in hybrid version

For small businesses looking to electrify but whose use cases do not lend themselves to total electrification, Ford Pro offers the Transit Custom PHEV, with a hybrid or gasoline electric driving capability for extended highway journeys. The new powertrain taken from the Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with an 11.8 kWh battery to deliver 233 hp. The range in 100% electric mode reaches up to 56 km.

ALSO READ: We finally know the price of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally!