Ford is introducing a van version of its Explorer electric SUV and it says it’s because of popular demand, so you’re welcome everyone. 

Apparently lots of fleet customers want smaller electric vans mainly to get people around the place with some of their stuff, so Ford got its thinking cap on, chucked out the back seats and windows and set to work on sticking a bulkhead in there for safety’s sake. 

The Explorer Van will manage up to 374 miles of range, has seating for two and is rated for up to 650kg of payload in the back. There’s also optional all-wheel drive if you want it – can get a bit slippery on those work sites after all (we’d assume, never been to one). It’ll rapid charge at up to 135kW (10–80% in 25 minutes) and can tow up to 2,500kg in AWD guise (2,000kg in single motor form). 

All the conversion work is being done by Ford at its Dagenham Conversion Centre, which is in Dagenham. Other work includes installing a durable load bay floor with movable dividers and a variety of lashing points.

There are a variety of option packs available for the Explorer van – the Wheel Pack brings some dashingly rugged 19in steel wheels on all-weather tyres, the Welfare Pack has an eye washing and hand sanitiser station (in case you have to use a motorway service station toilet while charging, presumably) as well as a first aid kit, the Utility Pack chucks in a frunk, roof rack and some durable interior add-ons, and the Commercial Pack bags you an orange light bar, rear work lamp and some tailgate beacons. 

Because it’s an official Ford conversion you still get your three-year/60,000-mile warranty – there’s no word on price yet, but the Explorer Van is set to make its debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show in a few weeks so we’ll probably get more details then. Meanwhile it's got us thinking about what the coolest EV to van conversion is – it's this or a Citroen e-C3 Van... tough call.