There has been no shortage of buzz surrounding electric vehicles over the last year – however, most of the headlines and production announcements have focused almost entirely on consumer EVs. But if the world at large is transitioning to a more sustainable, electrified future, what about commercial and business vehicles? Who is leading the charge to push these into the future with cutting-edge, battery-powered technology?
With a goal to not only build vehicles, but to help drive business, Ford Motor Company has created a commercial van that offers an entire ecosystem of products, support, and industry expertise. The Ford E-Transit line-up is not only resourceful and hardworking – it’s an entirely new way of doing business. In fact, it’s changing the game entirely. Here’s how:
1. The Perfect Range
When it came to range, Ford didn’t leave anything to chance. The company leveraged over 48 million kilometres of Ford Pro™ Telematics data to determine the average daily range required by commercial vans across North America. This extensive market research revealed that 119 km adequately accounts for commercial daily use scenarios, which Ford used as a baseline to develop a tailored range for its E-Transit fleet. Adjusting for factors such as cold weather and longer routes, the Ford E-Transit fleet offers targeted range customised to each configuration, with the 2022 low-roof Cargo Van boasting 203 km of range*.
2. Available Pro-Power Onboard™
Built to get the job done, Ford E-Transit vehicles offer available Pro-Power Onboard™◊. This feature provides 2.4kW of power which can be utilised to charge key tools ranging from drills and jackhammers to laptops and tablets. Translation: fleet drivers won’t need to worry about bringing an additional generator along for the ride, and tools can charge while the van is being driven to ensure optimal efficiency.
3. Lower Cost of Ownership
Let’s talk cost – is an electric van more affordable than its gas-powered predecessor? Since all-electric vehicles require no gas and little to no maintenance (such as routine oil changes), the overall cost of ownership is lower for Ford’s E-Transit, compared to a gas-powered van. Considering scheduled maintenance costs alone, the 2023 Ford E-Transit vehicles are estimated to require 45 per cent less maintenance compared to a gas-powered 2022 Transit over five years or 120,700km***. As you can imagine, this can represent significant savings over the long-term for businesses looking to streamline their operations and continue scaling for the future.
4. The SYNC® 4A Infotainment System
Delivered via a 12-inch touchscreen, the SYNC® 4A† Infotainment System is definitely something to write home about, adding a variety of features including (but not limited to) cloud-based traffic navigation assistance, weather, Apple CarPlay™ connectivity^, and advanced speech recognition. When paired with a Ford Pro TelematicsTM subscription▲, drivers can benefit from In-Cab Coaching and can easily locate public charging stations and/or facilitate home charging reimbursement. The software even provides efficiency and performance reports, and Ford Power-Up software is updated wirelessly over the air
5. Flexible Configurations
T-350 E-Transit Cargo Van RWD High Roof Extended Length in Ingot Silver Metallic, T-350 Passenger Van XLT AWD High Roof Long Length in Blue Jeans Metallic and T-350 Chassis Cab AWD Low Roof Extended Length in Oxford White, all shown with available equipment parked near office building
Every business is different – which means every business has different needs when establishing a fleet of commercial vehicles. With this in mind, Ford has steered away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to offer businesses the choice between eight all-electric configurations. This includes three different roof heights and three lengths, as well as Chassis Cab and Cutaway models. For example, the high-roof cargo van model allows a person as tall as 6’9 to stand up straight inside the van, while the low-roof configuration can easily fit through 7-foot garage door openings. Not only that, but by placing the battery underneath the body of the vehicle and designing a highly functional interior, Ford has ensured businesses won’t have to compromise on cargo space and driver comfort**.
Ready to learn more about the Ford E-Transit in Canada? Click here.
Disclaimers:
*Based on full charge. Demonstrated range reflecting current capability based on testing consistent with US EPA MCT drive cycle methodology (www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/pdfs/EPA test procedure for EVs-PHEVs-11-14-2017.pdf) at ALVW (Adjusted Loaded Vehicle Weight) and Government of Canada approved methods. Actual range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, upfits and alterations, vehicle maintenance, lithiumion battery age and state of health.
◊ See Owner’s Manual for important operating instructions.
*** Scheduled maintenance costs based on recommended service schedule as published in the Owner’s Manual. Analysis reflects Ford Motor Company’s standard method for calculating scheduled maintenance cost and reflects data available in 2022.
† Some mobile phones and some digital media players may not be fully compatible. Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear.
^Available feature. Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. Apple CarPlay is available on select models with SYNC 3 or SYNC®4; owners of 2016 models with SYNC 3 are required to perform a software upgrade and purchase a hardware upgrade. Requires phone with compatible version of Apple iOS and active data service. SYNC does not control CarPlay while in use. Apple is solely responsible for their functionality. Message and data rates may apply. iPad®, iPod®, iTunes®, iPhone®, Siri® and Apple CarPlay™ are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions.
▲Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with plug-in device (PID). Requires modem activation. Ford Pro Telematics and Ford Pro Data Services are subscription services subject to terms and conditions. Subscription subject to monthly charge. Subject to OFAC and credit check for subscription eligibility. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on compatible network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features
‡FordPass Connect, (optional on select vehicles), the FordPass App., and complimentary FordPass Connect Service are required for remote features (see FordPass Terms for details). Connected service and features depend on compatible cellular network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. FordPass Connect Service excludes Bell Wi-Fi hotspot. Certain restrictions, 3rd-party terms or message/data rates may apply.
At purchase, the FordPass Connect modem in some models is connected and sending vehicle data (e.g., diagnostics) to Ford. Vehicle data is stored by Ford Motor Company in the United States and may be accessible by US governmental authorities. To disable, or for more information, see in-vehicle connectivity settings. Learn more at www.FordConnected.com.
**Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution.
