lAUNCH PAD II

Ford Pro - Putting the ‘E’ back in Ford - Electrifying the future of business with E-Transit Custom

*Next generation of Europe’s best-selling van delivers a new level of productivity and customer experience, working handin-hand with the Ford Pro ecosystem of software and services

During a recent visit to Ballinascarthy, County Cork, the home village of Henry Ford, an interesting discovery was made. Inserted into the wall surrounding the beautifully sculptured aluminium sculpture of the famous Ford Model T are a number of inscribed plaques, featuring the original Ford surname spelling, which ended with an ‘e’. The ‘e’ probably went missing on Henry Ford(e) crossing the Atlantic, with his family, to find fame and fortune.

And now, all those centuries later, Ford Pro, the commercial division of the Ford Motor Company, is in a way restoring the ‘e’ in Ford with its electric vehicle products and programmes, undertaken with great energy, enthusiasm and endeavour. Another ‘e’ associated with the Ford Pro electromobility project is engagement – that means ongoing customer intervention through connectivity.

At the heart of Ford Pro’s drive to electromobility are the recently launched new electric Transit models – the E-Transit and E-Transit Custom. With the former already in the marketplace (with 10,000 units sold), the unveiling of the 1-tonne Custom electric model was the cue for the launch of a number of Ford Pro EV initiatives, presented at a special event at a recently established D-Ford Human Centred design facility in Stratford, London.

D-Ford is a global innovative start-up within Ford, researching mobility, autonomy and connectivity, aimed to drive human progress. The start-up’s research and findings has enabled Ford Pro to “deliver a step change for European commercial vehicle fleet productivity with innovative, digital solutions designed to increase uptime and reduce operating costs,” says Ten Caddis, CEO of Ford Pro. “Ford

Pro solutions combine software, charging, service and financing for commercial vehicles, providing customers with one comprehensive platform to operate their fleets as they adopt connected and electrified vehicles across their business,” he added.

E-Transit Custom features advanced electric vehicle technology combined with Ford Pro’s digital ecosystem of software and services to help businesses reduce cost of ownership, work more effectively, and simplify the transition to electric vehicles. Inspired by insights of thousands of small and medium business enterprises, E-Transit Custom owners can interact with cloud connectivity and digital technologies – that include software updates during the vehicle’s life.

“Powered by the Ford Pro digital ecosystem, E-Transit Custom offers a genuinely revolutionary proposition to

European van customers,” added Ted

With a targeted range of 380km and 125kW fast charging ability, E-Transit Custom delivers up to 415Nm of torque from its 74 kWh battery pack while producing up to 217PS. There is no-compromise with its load carrying and capability, it delivers payloads up to 1,100kg, and comes with a lower load floor with easier access, and maximum towing capacity of 2,000kg.

“ETransit Custom’s ground-up new design, unmatched connected ecosystem and innovative customer experiences will redefine productivity for

our customers in the electric, connected era,” said Hans Schep, General Manager, Ford Pro, Europe.

E-Transit Custom owners will benefit from the tailored features of Ford Pro E-Telematics, which use live data to help operators monitor the location, efficiency and health of their vehicles for maximum productivity, thereby minimising downtime. The software also provides ongoing data, such as charging status, state of charge, and remaining range with Low Range alerts. Owners can also pre-programme E-Transit Custom’s battery and cab to be warmed or cooled before starting a journey to conserve energy.

Energy regeneration is through an energy-efficient braking system with one-pedal drive capability which minimises use of the brake pedal. As part of its overall electrification package, Ford can supply charging bays to customers, while its 11kW AC three-phase onboard charger is capable of fully reboosting the battery in 7.8 hours, enabling customers to recharge overnight or after a shift. DC fast charging is possible at speeds of up to 125kW for a 15-80 per cent recharge in 41 minutes.

Regarding downloads, more than 30 separate modules are capable of receiving remote Ford Power-Up updates. These can help improve vehicle performance, deliver quality upgrades, update existing features and add all-new functions and capabilities without having to book the vehicle in for a service. Most updates are completed in under two minutes and can be scheduled to avoid downtime. An eight-year, 100,000 miles warranty covers all high-voltage components, offering peace of mind for outright buyers, and optimum residual values for lease customers and those who de-fleet before eight years of ownership. Drivers such as tradesmen and couriers use their vans’ cabs as offices and canteens every day, and the deep customer engagement through D-Ford has made the E-Transit Custom’s design unique in this regard. It comes with a new tilting steering wheel that turns into a platform for laptops as well as making writing and lunch breaks more convenient.

Another notable feature is that the e-van’s load floor is lower than the previous model, to make loading cargo and accessing the cab easier. E-Transit Custom’s overall height is now under two metres, aiding access to height-restricted areas such as multi-storey car parks, garages, and underground loading bays. Coming with a choice of short or long wheelbase and low or high roof, load volumes stretch from 5.8 to 9.0m3, with payload up to 1,100kg and a maximum load length of 3,450mm.

A more spacious cab with increased secure storage has been created, due to the now column-mounted gear-shift, electronic handbrake and ‘flat-bottom’ steering wheel – all combining to provide good cross-cab access – a valuable feature for drivers who park in tight areas and want to avoid getting out into live traffic. Every model is fitted with a 13inch landscape touchscreen angled towards the driver for ease of use, equipped with Ford’s advanced SYNC 4 communication and infotainment system.

‘Invariably, the whole Ford Pro package ensures continued contact with operators and drivers as the electric era means less maintenance required at garage workshops. In the main, just tyres and brakes will require renewal or repairs and if a tyre company has a monitoring and replacement contract in place, this means fewer visits to the dealerships. Through Ford Liive & Ford Telematics, this business relationship remains’

Ford Pro estimates that the new E-Transit Custom will deliver lower operating costs compared to an equivalent diesel vehicle. The reduction in servicing costs can be as much as 40 per cent cheaper, a key factor, when it comes to equations. As well as lower costs, customers will benefit from maximum uptime via Ford Pro Service’s Ford Liive connected uptime programme. To date around 250,000 Ford van operators are connected to this system, and this figure is expected to reach 1 million during next year. FordLiive results have already reduced customers’ downtime by up to 60 per cent and the system has already enabled 145,000 days of additional vehicle availability this year.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie