Prototype E-Transit vehicles will be joining customer fleets to operate in challenging real-world conditions with major businesses in the supermarket, home delivery, postal services and utilities sectors across Germany, Norway and the UK.
"Real-world trials are an important step on our journey to deliver the all-electric E‑Transit and will give us an even better understanding of how to help customers across different industries enhance their productivity using zero-emission power," said Andrew Mottram, E-Transit chief programme engineer, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe.
Ford's European customer trials form part of an extensive development programme for E‑Transit ahead of its launch in spring 2022. Beginning late summer this year, they have been designed to confirm that the all-electric van can comfortably meet the demands of a wide range of operating scenarios.
Ford engineers will use data from the trials to help refine E‑Transit's next-level connected vehicle technology and range management features to offer an optimised operating experience for customers.
The all-electric powertrain delivers up to 200kW of power for a targeted WLTP range of up to 217 miles, 2supported by range-boosting technologies including Eco Mode and Scheduled Pre-Conditioning.
Ford expects service cost of ownership to be approximately 40 per cent lower compared with internal combustion engine-equipped models, as a result of lower maintenance expenses.
Source: Ford