Overview
Michigan based, Ford Motor Company, the US automotive manufacturer, stepped firmly into the fast evolving electric vehicle (EV) race with the unveiling of its ‘new breed of Mustang’, the all-electric Mustang Mach-e sport utility vehicle (SUV), ahead of the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Mustang Mach-e is part of the US$11.5 billion Ford investment into electrification by 2022. The company aims to become a leader in clean transportation and become carbon-neutral by 2030. Ford is committed to the development of passenger and commercial electric vehicles (EVs).
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The All-Electric Ford E-Transit Panel Van
The family of Ford Transit commercial vehicles have been manufactured since 1965. The vehicle is now in its fourth-generation. The battery-electric vehicle (BEV) variant was announced in 2021, with production commencing at the Kansas City plant later that year.
The E-Transit is available in a number of configurations, to include: a panel van, double cab-in-van and single chassis. The panel van is available in 3 GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) options (3.5, 3.9 and 4.25 tonne). It is also available in three length (L2, L3, L4) and two height (H2, H3). The L2 is the medium wheelbase, the L3 is the long wheelbase, and the L4 is the long wheelbase extended length. H2 is the medium roof and the H3 is the high roof. The EV is available in 25 different configurations!
The pure electric E-Transit panel van is available in one EV battery size: 68 kWh. The e-van has an emission-free electric range up to 196 miles (WLTP) on a full battery charge (depending on the variant). Of course, the real-world electric range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: payload, driving profile, weather conditions, onboard services used etc.
Expect a real-world e-range closer to 165 miles. For last mile deliveries this range is certainly more than adequate. Like in electric cars, the onboard EV battery is placed below the floor of the van, increasing available space and of course lowering the centre of gravity. It is also worth noting that the range is further impacted by the increased weight of the onboard EV battery. The gross vehicle weight of the EV is up to 2,710 kgs.
The manufacturer offers DC charging up to 115 kW DC, which is a faster DC charging capability, compared to some of the other electric vans currently on the market. Charging the electric van at 115 kW DC, the EV battery can achieve 80% charge in 34 minutes.
Ford has incorporated a three-phase (11 kW) onboard AC charger with the EV. This is indeed good, as commercial electric vehicles can take advantage of three-phase EV charging at the business premise. Using a dedicated three-phase EV charger, the EV battery can be fully charged in 8 hours. Single-phase (7.4 kW) EV charging will take up to 12 hours.
In any case, we at e-zoomed encourage a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric vehicle. This is beneficial for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery and of course, EV charging times are shorter. Ford offers a 8 years or 100,000 miles warranty.
In terms of performance, the rear-wheel drive (RWD) Ford E-Transit delivers a maximum power up to 269 PS and 430 Nm torque. The Ford electric van also incorporates regenerative braking to improve the efficiency of the EV and increase electric range. The e-van has an ‘Eco Mode’ to extend the range. While in Eco mode, the acceleration rate and top speed are limited. It also reduces the power for climate control. The Eco mode improves energy use by up to 10%.
The electric van offers decent cargo volume (up to 15.1 m3) and payload (up to 1,035 kg). The EV offers 3 seats. The manufacturer offers a host of technology and features with the e-van, to include: Pro Power Onboard (vehicle-to-device charging. An on-board socket provides up to 2.3 kW of power for your tools without carrying a generator), lane-Keeping alert, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, pre-collision assist with intelligent emergency brake assist, keyless start and more.
The Ford E-Transit is eligible for the UK government plug-in van grant for the ‘large vans’ category. These vehicles are between 2,500kg and 4,250kg gross vehicle weight, have CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and can travel at least 96km (60 miles) without any emissions at all. The grant will pay for 35% of the purchase price for these vehicles, up to a maximum of £5,000.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Practical electric range | V2D not standard |
Up to 115 kW DC Charging | Only available in one battery size |
Three-phase (11 kW AC) onboard charger | Not cheap |
The All-Electric Ford E-Transit Panel Van (credit: Ford)
At A Glance | |
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EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Panel Van |
Plug-In Van Grant (PiVG): | Available |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In UK: | Yes |
Variants (Multiple) |
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Ford E-Transit Van (from £44,945 + VAT) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 68 kWh |
Charging: | 115 kW DC rapid charging (15%-80%: 34 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
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Height (mm): | 2447 – 2778 |
Width (mm): | 2474 |
Length (mm): | 5531 – 6704 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 3300 – 3750 |
Turning Circle (m): | 12.23 – 13.69 |
Cargo Volume (m3): | 9.5 – 15.1 |
Payload (kg): | 790 – 1035 |
E-Transit | |
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EV Battery Capacity: | 68 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 196 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100 miles): | 49.4 – 62.8 |
Charging: | 115 kW DC rapid charging (15%-80%: 34 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs) |
Top Speed: | N/A |
0-62 mph: | N/A |
Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
Max Power (PS): | 184 – 269 |
Torque (Nm): | 430 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 3 |
Towing Capacity (kg): | N/A |
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg): | 2,465 – 2,710 |
Colours: | 8 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
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