FIRSt DRIVE

Just a thought, wonder if Ford Motor Company will change the colour of its trademark Blue Oval to green, now that its electro-mobility programme is taking off in earnest with the imminent launch of the E-Transit? while Ford’s green journey started with the development of the EcoBlue Transit and Transit Custom Hybrids a few years ago, its strategic plan to go fully electric is now in place. Spearheading this plan is the all-new electric 2-tonne Transit which will be at Transit Centres from this Spring, ready to take customers on a zero-emission journey into the future.

E-Transit’s arrival follows the introduction of the Ford Pro nameplate for its business transactions going forward, (going further, even, as the brand’s own marketing slogan says!). Full details of the latest model in the Ford Global portfolio, co-developed between Ford Europe, Ford Otosan (Turkey) and Ford in North America, were revealed at a special briefing and test drive opportunity for the IVOTY jury at Kocelli, near Istanbul.

Helmut Reder, the then Global Programme Director, Commercial Vehicles (he has since retired), said the brand’s focus “is making customers’ businesses thrive with a full range of products and services.” Having secured Europe’s number 1 best-selling van brand spot for the seventh year in succession, Ford has strength in numbers, commanding 22.7% market share with the Transit Custom, for example, and near 40% domination of the pick-up sector with the Ranger.

Through valuable feedback from its broad selection of customers, Ford Design engineers digested all the information regarding how and where its future with electric mobility should take the brand. Apart from a sustainable electric powertrain, they needed to

Ford crosses the electric bridge with new E-Transit

address aspects such as charging infrastructure, telematics, education and real time back-up. All of which were taken on board, provided for and offered through Ford Pro FINSimple, a hassle free bundled

financing package for vehicles, services and electric vehicle charging.

Now that the prototypes have evolved into pre-production models, field trials with fleet operators are ongoing to discover more from an operational perspective.

Nick Wyman, Ford Europe Brand Product Manager Electric explained that clients’ carbon neutrality needs will be met, and that the E-Transit is the most competent large electric van in the marketplace. During the factory tour at Kocelli, where the new E-Transit is manufactured, Nick explained about the technology and specification decided upon.

“The Ford E-Transit is designed to satisfy a wide range of customer use-cases, with a 68 kWh usable battery capacity as standard, providing a bestin-class targeted driving range of up to 317 km WLTP. True Transit capability is delivered by the most powerful motor offering in the segment with 430 Nm of torque (with a choice of 135 kW or 198 kW maximum output). A payload of up to 1,758 kg and 15.1 cu.m of load volume on the panel van model is offered, while there is a comprehensive range of 25 variants available, including van, crew-cab and chassis cab body styles with multiple lengths and roof heights and GVMs from 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes.” As the elongated battery pack and electric motor are placed underneath the now strengthened but slightly higher ladder frame chassis, a new rear suspension design was developed. It also comes with side impact protection. The rear wheel drive system provides better balance, traction and less tyre wear.

Nick concurred with Helmut that vehicle charging is a critical element for

businesses adopting electric vehicles, and Ford is providing a comprehensive package to support customers with their needs for depot, home and public charging. “The E-Transit can charge from 15 percent to 80 percent in 34 minutes from a 115 kW DC fast charger. An overnight full charge from a Ford Wallbox with a 230-volt 16A 3-phase AC supply takes just over 8 hours.”

For added convenience the charging plug point is positioned at the front grille. Compared to its diesel counterpart, the overall weight of the electric Transit is about 200kg heavier, which is not much considering the weight of the battery pack and motor.

E-Transit is offered in two series – Base and Trend – and all vehicles offer equipment levels that are significantly higher than the equivalent diesel model.

Depending on individual market strategy, the Base series is equipped with standard features including Electronic Air Temperature Control, SYNC 4 with 12-inch touchscreen display, Keyless Start, Heated Seats, Quickclear Windscreen and Heated Power Mirrors. Also included is always-on connectivity with a FordPass Connect modem, a lifetime subscription to FordPass Pro or Ford Telematics Essentials, access to the FordPass charging network for a year, and a one-year subscription to Ford Telematics for fleet customers.

The Trend series builds on this with valuable extra features to increase productivity and reduce operating costs, including the Ford Connected Navigation System, Cruise Control, PreCollision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keeping Aid, and front and rear parking distance sensors. Pricing will be competitive and affordable, according to Nick.

E-Transit introduces the new SYNC 4 communications and information system controlled with an easy-to-use 12-inch touchscreen. Its new cloud-connected navigation can plan the most efficient route and update drivers on charging, traffic, live parking availability, as well as finding points of interest. Key new driver assistance systems that help minimise repair costs include Reverse Brake Assist, which uses a camera and sensors to detect pedestrians, cyclists and static obstacles when reversing and can deliver a warning before automatically stopping the vehicle if the driver does not react. Drivers also benefit from a new 360 Camera, giving a birds-eye view of E-Transit’s surroundings on the 12inch dashboard screen to help avoid obstacles when manoeuvring in tight spaces with a limited view.

Ford offers a class-leading, one-year,

unlimited mileage service interval and eight-year, 160,000 km warranty for all high-voltage electric components, as well as a one-year electric vehicle roadside assistance package including rescue charging. The pan-European service network is EV-ready with 1500 EV Certified Dealers across Europe, and over 4,500 Authorised Repairers which will all have service capability for launch.

As expected the test-drive experience in Turkey was seamlessly smooth, with the three driving modes (Eco, Normal & Slippery, engaged through the touchscreen) highlighting the differing battery regeneration strengths available to the driver depending on conditions. Remarkably, although electric, it still has the characteristic Ford driving feel. The inclusion of an electronic parking brake, keyless start and a rotary switch for the gear selection are notable additions.

‘For maximum on-site productivity, operators can specify exportable power via the unique ProPower Onboard feature, which delivers up to 2.3 kW from standard plug sockets in the cab and load area, to power tools, lights, laptops and conversions such as refrigeration units.’

Ford Otosan, jointly owned by Ford Motor Company and the Koç Group together with some independent shareholders, is the biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in Europe, producing 440,000 units per year between vans and trucks. Over 13,000 employees generate $7billion annual turnover, with almost $5b is directed to exports. One of the biggest research and development centres in Turkey is located its headquarters in Sancaktere. Ford Trucks is another major player for Ford Otosan as it continues to spread its sales and service wings across Europe, with its award winning F-Max tractor unit and other heavy duty vehicles. Investment in establishing a new Electric Vehicle hub has begun which will see the assembly of battery packs and a wider range of emission-free vans as the brand heads towards carbon neutrality by 2040. Collaboration with other design centres in the UK and the USA ensure the new vehicles are fine-tuned as they head towards production and that goes as well for the development of new engines and transmissions. Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie