Ford has a very ambitious agenda to electrify its fleet of vehicles in the coming years, but not only those intended for individuals, but also for professionals who use them especially for last-mile deliveries within cities. That’s why Ford is electrifying its vans and, at the same time, creating a series of services that help professionals in this transition, answering all questions, for example regarding charging processes. All under its division, Ford Pro and with a vehicle as a gateway: Ford E-Transit Custom.
In Hypertextual we have spoken with its CEO, Ted Cannis, about how he sees the present and future of electrification within the professional sector. In the words of Cannis “the percentage of electric vehicles in the fleets of the professional sector is very low, but in the next four years it will increase significantly, even up to 50%”.
To do this, the Ford Pro division (Productivity Pro) goes beyond the sale of electric vehicles. For example, with the help of Ford Pro E-Telematics, we will be able to know with certainty when a possible breakdown of a vehicle is approaching in order to be able to repair it beforehand. Thus, companies in which transport is their main activity avoid one of the biggest problems: leaving a van out of circulation for several days.
Related to the charging processes, perhaps the aspect that generates the most skepticism in professionals when it comes to changing their combustion cars for electric vehicles, Ford Pro also offers you Ford Pro Recharge, with a team of consultants and advisors who will tell you how many charging points they recommend installing, where and the type of load, if it is fast, slow or both. For example, if a driver leaves the van overnight in his home garage, installing a normal charging point can save costs while ensuring the vehicle is ready the next morning. Specifically, using the 11 kW AC three-phase charger included in the E-Transit Custom, the battery can be charged in 7 to 8 hours.
Ford Pro’s goal is therefore to help companies reduce the cost of ownershipwork more efficiently and simplify the transition to electric vehicles.
New Ford E-Transit Custom
The new electric version of Europe’s best-selling van, the Ford Transit, has been designed from the ground up to make the most of its space and performance. For example, incorporates a 400-volt, 74kW battery pack and that offers a autonomy of 380 kilometers. This figure is perfect for all those people who make urban journeys, for example last-mile couriers. It also has a fast charging system of up to 125 kW with which charge from 15 to 80% in 41 minutes.
In terms of power, professionals will be able to choose between two different engines, 100 kW or 160 kW (135 PS or 217 PS), each with a segment-leading torque of 415 Nm.
Among its most important characteristics are the possibility to access the cabin from the load compartment or the flexibility of the elements to adapt to the needs of the workers, for example with a steering wheel that turns into a table, with an ideal 90 degree angle to support the computer or even eat.
Ford E-Transit Custom offers a payload of up to 1,100 kga lower load floor with easier access and a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 kg.
Its manufacture will be carried out in the plant that Ford has in Turkey and is expected to start reach the European market at the end of next year. The price is not yet known but according to Ted Cannis, it will be a very attractive price for the vast majority of professionals.