In March, Ford announced it will introduce a slew of EVs by 2024 and followed this up with a teaser of a battery-powered commercial vehicle in late April. The Blue Oval has now lifted the lid on the newcomer, the all-new E-Transit Custom. Following the E-Transit Cargo Van that started rolling off the production line earlier this year, Ford says the new model was designed to set new standards in the fiercely competitive European van segment.
The E-Transit Custom certainly looks the part, with a contemporary-looking front end accentuated by slim headlights, replete with distinctive and dynamic-looking LED lighting. The pair are joined together by a fashionable light bar arrangement. Taking pride of place on the front facia is the detailed grille which lends the van some sporting presence. Sited just beneath the right headlamp is the charging port.
But, at the end of the day, styling is of little importance to the average customer in this segment. Practicality is front of mind and, to that end, Ford hasn't disappointed. The European arm of the company says the electric van has a targeted travel range of approximately 236 miles, making it ideal for city-bound deliveries and transportation. For comparison, the American market E-Transit Cargo Van is only capable of traveling up to 126 miles on a single charge, for low-roof models.
What's more, it can be plugged into a DC fast charger for convenient battery top-ups. The electric powertrain hasn't compromised towing capability, but we're guessing the E-Transit Custom's range is considerably reduced when lugging heavy items around. Business users will revel in the Custom's Ford Pro software, which bundles key services (such as financing, charging, and servicing) into one platform. This, says the Dearborn-based company, will reduce operating costs for companies.
Additionally, the battery-powered van also boasts the ProPower Onboard generator system, providing power to any devices or tools required by tradespeople. The new arrival is set to enter production in the second half of next year, at the company's Kocaeli site in Turkey. Details surrounding the powertrain and trim choices will follow in September this year.
Unlikely to ever reach the United States, this is still a massively important vehicle for the company - the van segment is massively competitive in other markets. "Europe's best-selling van just went all-electric and - supported by our unique Ford Pro one-stop-shop of productivity-boosting services - the operating benefits this will bring to business across Europe cannot be overstated," said Hans Schep, General Manager of Ford Pro Europe. The Mercedes-Benz e-Sprinter should be worried.