Spotlight EV Fleet: Ford E-Transit

While the concept of electric fleets may have seemed futuristic a few years ago, there is no denying that technology is rapidly transforming our industry. Forecasts show that the adoption of electric vans will be widespread over the next two decades. As this transformation continues, fleet managers must adapt and find ways to maximize efficiencies across their entire operation. One of the latest electric vehicles in the category to hit the market is the Ford E-Transit.

About The Ford E-Transit

The Ford E-Transit, an electric version of one of the best-selling commercial van brands in North America, has taken the market by storm! Ford offers the E-Transit in a range of sizes and configurations, with prices starting at approximately $44,000 USD.

Market research and analysis from Ford shows that the average daily range for commercial vans in the US is about 74 miles. Depending on the model and configuration, the Ford E-Transit sports a 108-to-126-mile range, making it a great fit for diverse fleet needs. All Ford E-Transit models have 68 kWh of usable battery storage.

Ford offers its customers a tailored charging plan complete with an ecosystem of charging solutions to facilitate charging at depots, on the road, or at home. The E-Transit boasts of 115 kW DC charging, allowing for approximately 30 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The Ford Mobile Charger included with the purchase of the van is capable of up to 10 miles per charging hour when plugged into a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet. Regardless of the charging method, the E-Transit easily recharges to its full capacity while parked overnight. 

The payload of the E-Transit depends on the configuration. The regular length, low-roof E-Transit offers a maximum payload of 3,880 pounds, while the cutaway version offers a maximum payload of 4,428 pounds. E-Transit vans have a powerful electric motor that provides 266 horsepower/198 kilowatts of power and peak torque of 317 lb.-ft.

Advantages of the E-Transit

• Long electric range: Ford claims that the E-Transit is a smart workhorse for North American cities, with the targeted range designed to adequately meet fleet needs. The range of the low roofline E-Transit is 126 miles, while the medium roof van has a range of 116 miles, and the high roofed E-Transit has a range of 108 miles.
• Extensive configuration options: The E-Transit is available in three roof heights, three body lengths, and three models- Chassis Cab, Cutaway and Cargo Van. This extensive range of options means that the E-Transit can be configured in eight different ways, allowing fleet managers to customize their vans based on their needs.
• Equipped with the latest technology: The E-transit comes equipped with a 12-inch touch screen configured with Ford’s ‘Sync4’  communication and entertainment software that offers cloud-based navigation and enhanced voice recognition. It also offers driver assistance technology such as adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system and reverse brake assist.
• Charging benefits: The E-Transit includes an optional feature called Pro Power Onboard, which turns the van into a mobile power source by providing up to 2.4 kilowatts to charge or power tools and equipment on the road and at job sites. This is enough to charge tools like saws, drills, jackhammers, etc., as well as label scanners, tablets, and laptops, thus eliminating the need for a generator.

Optimize Your Ford E-Transit with the Right (Light) Upfit

Combining efficient vehicles with state-of-the-art technology is the latest trend for staying competitive A great way to optimize your E-Transit is to choose a premium quality lightweight upfit to help reclaim your van’s range. Using an upfit built from a lighter material like aluminum, instead of steel, may help increase your van’s payload without compromising on functionality. Additionally, optimizing the space in your E-Transit with the right shelving, partitions, storage bins and flooring will enhance efficiency!

Ranger Design can help you transform your fleet with the right upfit. Contact our EV Fleet Experts today to learn more!

Sources:

https://www.ford.com/commercial-trucks/e-transit/

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/products/evs/e-transit/2022-ford-e-transit.html

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/commercial-trucks/all-electric-transit/2022/E-Transit_Charging.pdf

https://www.inverse.com/innovation/ford-e-transit-range-price-specs-electric-cargo-van