The Ford Transit is a good old friend. Introduced in 1965, there were four main generations, each undergoing various technical and visual updates. It is available in different body styles and sizes, from low loaders to motorhomes, so that it is suitable for most areas of application of this type of commercial vehicle.
The Transit is available with a 2.0 diesel engine from 105 to 170 hp, which has a micro-hybrid drive in the 130 and 170 hp versions, and with a 126 hp plug-in hybrid. However, with internal combustion engines becoming more and more restricted in city centers now and in the future, it was necessary to offer an electric version. And that’s where the Ford E-Transit comes in.
The Ford E-Transit, like its colleagues with combustion engines, is available in many variants. A total of 25 combinations are possible, including three different wheelbases, two roof heights, three different bodies (van, double cab and platform truck) and three permitted total weights. However, four-wheel drive is not available. As a panel van, the E-Transit swallows up to 15.1 m3 Freight.
Our test model has a 198 kW (269 hp) motor powered by a 75 kWh battery with a usable capacity of 68 kWh. Ford also offers a 135 kW (183 hp) engine with the same battery. In theory, a range of 317 km is specified. In practice we will cover about 250-260 km on average. Given the aerodynamics of a Freiburg wardrobe, driving on the highway is unfavorable for the range.
Fast charging is no problem, because 80% of the battery capacity is restored within 30 to 45 minutes.
Nothing on board the E-Transit is reminiscent of the spartan, bare world of commercial vehicles. It is not luxurious, but the most important features are present, the build quality is excellent and especially the ergonomics have been well thought out. Via a touchscreen in the middle you can select the different driving modes of the E-Transit and access the navigation and audio system. The driving position is excellent, despite the heavily padded seats, and forward visibility is good, despite the massive windscreen pillars.
After we select the “D” mode, our “box” glides along almost silently – aside from electrical background noise. Nothing vibrates, the sounds and vibrations of the engine are not perceived as amplified, as is usual with empty vans with internal combustion engines. The most surprising was the sturdy engine. In addition to the 269 hp, our version has a torque of 430 Nm. It’s fun and surprises many other road users who look after the van when the traffic light turns green.
You also feel that a lot has been done for the comfort of the driver while driving. Unlike the internal combustion engine models, the E-Transit’s rear axle has independent suspension and coil springs that soak up bumps and bumps with the composure of a sedan. Amazing how efficient this is!
This electric version offers a level of comfort and driving pleasure that is unrivaled in this segment and sets itself apart from the competition without compromising on the strengths that have made Transit such a success from the start. The electric version is sure to become the favorite of all delivery services based on their CO2– Balance. The price is between CHF 70,295 and CHF 82,960.
