Ford releases details of all-new E-Transit Custom

Ford has announced more details and pictures of its new E-Transit Custom, the all-electric version of Europe’s best-selling van.

The Custom, which is the smaller version of the E-Transit launched earlier this year, has a ‘targeted’ range of 236 miles and 125kW fast charging ability. Buyers will be able to choose from either 133bhp or 215bhp motor power outputs.

To maximise productivity during the working day, E-Transit Custom offers tech to help couriers making multi-drop deliveries. The cab also has 5G connectivity and a flexible workspace including smart features like a steering wheel that folds to become an ergonomic holder for laptops and tablets.

The E-Transit Custom can carry payloads up to 1,100kg, 126kg less than arch rival Vauxhall’s Vivaro-e. The Ford fights back with a higher towing capacity of 2,000kg.

The Custom has a smaller load capacity than Vauxhall's Vivaro-e

E-Transit Custom’s 74kWh battery pack uses cells shared with the Ford F-150 Lightning to deliver 12 per cent more energy density than the E Transit. The range of 236 mile is over four times the average one-tonne van driver’s daily mileage, according to Ford Pro customer data.

E-Transit Custom is the first-ever electric vehicle to use vapour-injected heat pump technology to heat and cool the cabin, fitted as standard to all vehicles. This new system is designed to deliver improved energy efficiency for optimum driving range. As van drivers often occupy the cabin alone, the heating and ventilation system has a new Driver Focus Mode option that uses sensors to direct airflow only to occupied seats.

An intelligent windscreen, first introduced on the Ford Kuga SUV, monitors temperature and humidity, and automatically makes small heat and airflow changes to proactively keep the windscreen clear for improved efficiency and ease of use.

The cabin has intelligent heating and a steering wheel which turns into a desk

The E-Transit Custom also features an energy-efficient braking system with one-pedal drive capability. The system blends friction braking with regenerative braking that harvests energy during deceleration to top up the battery for extra driving range. Drivers can stop the van without using the brake pedal when in one-pedal drive mode.

The 11kW AC three-phase onboard charger is capable of fully recharging the battery in 7.8 hours, so customers will be able recharge overnight after a shift. The DC fast charging at a maximum of 125kW allows a 15-80 per cent recharge in 41 minutes. In lab testing, Ford says the system delivered almost 24 miles of range in just five minutes using a 125kW charger.

A Delivery Assist system helps streamline life for couriers by automating some of the process to help save time and improve security. When enabled, Delivery Assist activates when the driver shifts into park. E-Transit Custom will automatically switch on its hazard lights, close any open windows, and lock the door once the driver leaves the van. When returning, the driver can keylessly enter and start the vehicle. The hazard lights will switch off and the windows will return to their previous position.

11kW AC three-phase recharges take 7.8 hours

Just as on E-Transit, ProPower Onboard is available to deliver up to 2.3kW through sockets in the cab and load area to power tools, lights and devices using the vehicle’s high-voltage battery while driving or at a work site.

As a panel van, E-Transit Custom offers load volumes from 5.8 to 9.0m³ and a maximum load length of 3,450mm. Double-cab-in-van and kombi body styles are also available, all with a choice of short or long wheelbase and low or high roof.

Owners who want to carry up to five occupants as well as longer items like pipe, planks or kayaks can specify the new L-Shaped Bulkhead, with a two-seat second row as well as a full-length cargo area with composite bulkhead.

“Ford Pro and the E-Transit Custom are redefining what a commercial vehicle can do – powering working people and businesses into a new digital age,” said Jim Farley, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “Our customers made Transit Custom the most popular commercial vehicle in Europe, and we’ve listened to those customers for well over 50 years. The new E-Transit Custom was designed and engineered to meet their needs – a Transit for the new era, but one that can still get its hands dirty when a job needs doing.”