Ford Pro introduced the van small businesses across Europe have been waiting for. The new E-Transit Custom, the all-electric version of Europe’s best-selling van, is claimed to be designed from the ground up to deliver new levels of productivity to customers in the one-tonne van segment with two tonnes towing capacity.
Ford brought the global power of its research, engineering and software capabilities to bear on E‑Transit Custom, combining advanced electric vehicle technology 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 from small and medium businesses, the E-Transit Custom claims to offer innovative customer experiences based on cloud connectivity and digital technologies – that can all evolve through Ford Power-Up software updates during the vehicle’s life.
“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.”
Next-generation battery technology enables a targeted range of 380 km and 125 kW fast charging ability. E-Transit Custom will deliver outstanding performance for a range of customer needs, all supported by Ford Pro’s end-to-end solutions to manage and optimise charging.
To maximise productivity during the working day, E-Transit Custom offers new digital solutions for multi-drop deliveries, and cab and load compartment access. The cab is also a business hub, with 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 digital innovation is combined with no-compromise load carrying and capability. E-Transit Custom delivers payloads up to 1,100 kg, a lower load floor with easier access, and maximum towing capacity of 2,000 kg. Independent rear suspension and class-leading motor power help deliver a new level of driving experience for customers.
“Powered by the Ford Pro digital ecosystem, E-Transit Custom offers a genuinely revolutionary proposition to European van customers,” said Ted Cannis, CEO, Ford Pro. “These vital businesses contribute €786 billion to Europe’s economy, 5 and E-Transit Custom will give them a much-needed productivity boost as they transition to EVs.”
Ford Pro has also introduced the all-electric E-Transit, which has now sold more than 8,300 units, and E-Transit Custom is one of four new Ford Pro electric commercial vehicles coming to Europe by 2024. E-Transit Custom will be built by Ford Otosan in Kocaeli, Turkey, and is due to start production in autumn 2023.
