Does the Ford E-Transit Have What it Takes?

Electric vehicles already make up over 25% of new car sales here in California, and their popularity only continues to grow as more drivers realize the benefits of electric propulsion. While the bulk of electric models are aimed at individuals, Ford is aiming to bring electrification to the commercial sector with models like the E-Transit. This all-electric cargo van is designed to deliver the range, capacity, performance, and convenience fleet operators are looking for in their vehicles. If you are interested in finding this electric Ford for sale near Hayward, swing by The Ford Store San Leandro. Our commercial vehicle department will be happy to show you what this efficient new model can do for your business and help you equip your fleet with the vehicles that you need.

Range

The first question most commercial operators ask about an electric model like the E-Transit is how far can it go without recharging. While the real-world range of an electric vehicle will depend on how it is used, all configurations of the Ford E-Transit have an estimated range of over 100 miles. Every E-Transit model uses the same 68 kWh battery pack, but aerodynamics means the taller models cannot offer the same range as the lower models.

• Cargo Van Low Roof: 126 Miles
• Cargo Van Medium Roof: 116 Miles
• Cargo Van High Roof: 108 Miles

These range figures might seem short to some shoppers, but they are the result of careful analysis on the part of Ford. While it would have been easy for Ford to provide a significantly longer range by using the much larger 98 kWh and 131 kWh battery packs offered for the F-150 Lightning, larger batteries are more expensive, and the extra weight eats into the payload of a vehicle. Instead, Ford examined over 30 million miles worth of customer telematics to determine how much range fleet operators actually needed.

Ford discovered that the average commercial van only traveled 74 miles a day. Vehicles in more densely populated areas like Hayward generally use even less range. By providing over 100 miles of range in the E-Transit, Ford guaranteed that commercial operators would have a good safety margin without paying for far more battery capacity than they would use.

Charging

The largest advantage of operating a fleet of electric vehicles is removing the need to pay for gasoline. However, using electricity also brings several less obvious benefits. Among these is the simplicity of charging. While larger fleets may have the convenience of private gas pumps at their depots, many commercial vehicles are fueled at public gas stations, wasting considerable time.

One recent study by Geotab, a telematics company, revealed that fleet drivers in the San Francisco area are taking an average of over 20 minutes at every fuel stop, with roughly three-quarters of that time spent simply driving off-route to find nearby gas stations. That adds up to roughly 40 hours per vehicle annually, plus an extra 400 miles of unnecessary wear and tear. With an electric van, it is much easier to have charging infrastructure installed where the vehicles are parked, eliminating this waste.

The E-Transit is equipped for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging at private and public charging stations. With a Level 2 Ford Connected Charge Station, the E-Transit can be fully charged from zero to 100% in eight hours. Simply have your drivers plug the van in before they get off work, and it will have a full charge when they return the next morning. The E-Transit can also be charged at a driver’s home by plugging the Ford Mobile Power Cord into a 240V power outlet, charging the vehicle to 100% in 12 hours.

Configurations

Other than its all-electric powertrain, the Ford E-Transit offers the same capabilities as any other Ford Transit van. It is available in Cargo Van, Cutaway, and Chassis Cab variants, with all the standard Transit upfits available to customize the vehicle to your requirements. Ford is known for providing commercial vehicles with the flexibility to suit the needs of any fleet, and the E-Transit is no exception.

E-Transit Cargo Van

• GVWR: 9,500 lbs
• Payload: 3,880 lbs

E-Transit Chassis Cab

• GVWR: 9,500 lbs
• Payload: 4,476 lbs

E-Transit Cutaway

• GVWR: 9,500 lbs
• Payload: 4,513 lbs

If you choose the E-Transit Cargo Van, you can choose between three roof heights and three lengths. As mentioned previously, the lower roof heights will provide a longer range because they are more aerodynamic than the taller models. The regular-length models may also be easier to maneuver in the tighter streets around Hayward.

Low Roof Regular

• Wheelbase: 130 inches
• Cargo Length: 126 inches
• Cargo Height: 56.9 inches

Low Roof Long

• Wheelbase: 148 inches
• Cargo Length: 143.7 inches
• Cargo Height: 56.9 inches

Medium Roof Regular

• Wheelbase: 130 inches
• Cargo Length: 126 inches
• Cargo Height: 72 inches

Medium Roof Long

• Wheelbase: 148 inches
• Cargo Length: 143.7 inches
• Cargo Height: 72 inches

High Roof Long

• Wheelbase: 148 inches
• Cargo Length: 143.7 inches
• Cargo Height: 81.5 inches

High Roof Long-EL

• Wheelbase: 148 inches
• Cargo Length: 172.2 inches
• Cargo Height: 81.5 inches

All of the Cargo Van configurations come standard with a sliding door on the passenger side and a pair of swing-out rear doors that open 270 degrees for easy loading and unloading. Fixed glass can be added to the rear doors and passenger side doors, and there is an option for widows all around if desired.

Performance and Technology

The E-Transit is equipped with a single electric motor on the rear axle, providing 266 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. This puts it on par with the 3.5L V6 engine, generating 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque that powers the standard Ford Transit. While the E-Transit is not recommended for towing, it has more than enough power to transport a full load anywhere in the Hayward area. The top speed is governed at 75 mph, which not only improves safety but also helps extend the range of the vehicle, as high speeds consume far more battery power.

Unlike many commercial vehicles, the E-Transit has a very high level of technology. A 12-inch touchscreen display with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 software is standard, which helps drivers monitor the health of the vehicle and navigate to public charging stations if needed. It also reduces the need for drivers to operate their personal phones while on the road, enhancing fleet safety. The SYNC 4 system synergizes with FordPro Telematics, providing greater insight into your vehicles’ operations.

Safety is further enhanced by the inclusion of several driver-assist technologies. Every Ford E-Transit comes with the following standard features:

• Forward Collision Warning
• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Post-Collision Braking
• Lane-Keeping System

In addition, Blind Spot Assist 1.0 and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control can also be added, reducing the chance of accidents on the busy streets and highways of the Hayward area. There is even an available Front Sensing System that simplifies parking a larger vehicle like the E-Transit.

A Compelling Option for Hayward Businesses

There will always be a place for traditional gasoline and diesel engines in commercial vehicles, but electric models like the E-Transit are a compelling alternative for many Hayward businesses looking to cut operating costs and reduce downtime. With more than enough range and performance to handle the San Francisco area and configurations that can be upfitted to meet the needs of nearly any business, the E-Transit proves that electric vehicles are up to the task of taking over many lighter-duty jobs. If you are ready to see this model for yourself, give the commercial vehicles team here at The Ford Store San Leandro a call.