F-150 Lightning, E-Transit, and Mustang Mach-E.
A full-electric version of the popular Ford Transit van is on its way to customers. The new model, dubbed the E-Transit, follows the Ford Mustang Mach-E to the market and precedes the Ford F-150 Lightning by a few months. Ford claims 10,000 orders for the E-Transit and is negotiating with public interests to build more.
Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant (KCAP) builds the E-Transit. It is the company’s first U.S. plant where the battery and electric vehicle assembly are accomplished under the same roof. Located in Claymoco, Missouri, the Kansas City plant has produced the Transit since 2014 and the F-Series since 1957. Opened in 1951, KCAP produces more vehicles annually than any other vehicle manufacturing plant in the country.
“E-Transit is a testament to the fact that an electric commercial fleet is no longer a vision of tomorrow, but a productivity-boosting modern reality,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of The Americas & International Markets Group, Ford Motor Company.
Expanded Production, Customer Demand
The Ford Motor Company is investing more than $30 billion in electrification through 2025. By year-end, Ford’s electric vehicle capacity will reach 600,000 units. Ford says it is allocating at least 200,000 units for the Mustang Mach-E and another 150,000 for the F-150 Lightning. Add in at least 10,000 units of the E-Transit and Ford still has room for growth.
As for the E-Transit, Ford counts more than 300 customers among its first orders. These include small business owners receiving their first electric vehicle to giant retailers such as Walmart.
Varying Sizes and Configurations
Ford says that the E-Transit is available in eight separate configurations. These include a choice of three roof heights as well as three body lengths. Moreover, the electric van is available in cutaway and chassis cab versions to allow for further customization. For example, the van may be used as ladder racks and for interior bulkhead and storage solutions.
Besides the numerous exterior configurations, the E-Transit offers identical interior cargo measurements and the majority of the similar mounting points as the standard Transit. Furthermore, the E-Transit can be requested with a selection of work-ready fittings such as bulkheads and shelving right from the plant, so the van is ready to go. Owners can also work with any of the 300+ skilled upfitters throughout the United States. This includes 13 situated within 30 miles of the assembly plant.
Power Connectivity
Among the other business-dedicated features on the electric van is the optional Pro Power Onboard. This unit supplies up to 2.4 kilowatts of power for customers, effectively converting the van into a mobile generator for charging equipment and powers tools while on the go or at work sites. This means tools such as belt sanders and circular saws may be operated from the back of the van.
In recognition of the time that commercial drivers spend in their vehicles, the automaker created a highly practical cabin. Ample headroom, legroom, and the interior walk-through room are the result, with small details such as the center console with an integrated rotary shifter spelling the difference.
Tech and Safety Features
On the tech front, the E-Transit welcomes the latest edition of Ford’s SYNC infotainment technology. This model features a standard 12-inch touchscreen, enhanced voice recognition, and available navigation. Over-the-air updates will keep the E-Transit current, enabling customers to avoid dealer service departments without losing work time. Also, via the standard 4G LTE modem, a host of subscription services may be accessed.
On the safety front, the E-Transit comes with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies. This bundle includes a lane-keeping system along with pre-collision assist and automatic emergency braking. Among the upgrades are blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, reverse brake assist, and a surround-view camera system.
2022 Ford E-Transit
Ford prices the Cutaway model from $43,295 and charges $43,825 for the Chassis Cab. Choose the standard E-Transit Cargo Van and prices start at $47,185. The $1,695 destination charge is not included.
Will the E-Transit succeed? It may, at least for contractors who do not have to drive far to their destination. After all, with a range of 126 miles for the base cargo van, that’s far less range than the typical electric crossover or car.
See Also — A Ford Mustang by Another Name is a Mach-E
Photos copyright the Ford Motor Company. All rights reserved.
