With the E-Transit Custom, Ford is electrifying its light commercial vehicles. (Photo: © Ford)
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Ford is expanding its Transit Custom lineup with three all-electric variants and a plug-in hybrid. We took the new models for a spin.
Among the light commercial vehicles, the Cologne a constant: For years, the Ford Transit Custom like the glazed car offshoot Custom Tourneo To the best-selling one-tonners in the segmentThe current generation was launched in mid-2023 with conventional diesel engines. Now, after the large E-Transit, the Cologne-based company is also electrifying the smaller offshoots, which are aimed primarily at medium-sized commercial customers and companies.
The extended program for the Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom includes three purely battery-electric versions and one plug-in hybridThe performance spectrum of the three electric vehicles is 100 kW (136 PS) and 160 kW (218 PS)The sporty E-model with its taut 210 kW (286 PS) marks the upper end of the portfolio. The latter may be particularly appealing to hurried craftsmen, but is only Panel van available in length L1 with a loading volume of 5,3 cubic metres. The other variants are alternatively also available as L2 with a volume of 6,8 cubic meters available.
The cheapest E-Transit Custom starts at in length L1 and with 100 kW electric motor at 48.700 euros, the more powerful version with 160 kW starts at 50.700 Euro and for that 210 kW top model with the designation MS-RT The people of Cologne call no less strenuously 66.950 euros (all prices net). The powerful electric car also comes with a number of modifications. These include, among other things, plenty of Spoilers in the front and rear areas and flared side skirts. As standard, the electric hotshot rolls on exclusive 19-inch aluminum wheels and inside there is a Sport steering wheel and special seats in a mix of synthetic and suede with an embroidered MS-RT logo.
But back to the basics, because here too no dull van dreariness in the interiorOn the contrary, it is more like a car. The driver is greeted by a modern workplace with a digital instrument cluster including a 13-inch touchscreen. In addition, there is a brisk 5G modem and Wi-Fi hotspot and Alexa as an online voice assistantThe virtual lady is available to provide advice and assistance on call. And if urgently needed materials are missing from the construction site, they can be ordered online directly via Alexa.
Operations management
Operations management
Operations management
Unique and really smart: The steering wheel can be raised to a horizontal position at the push of a button, to then be used as Work table for a laptop to serve or as Sideboard for the well-deserved lunch breakThe Cologne-based company is particularly proud of its innovative tilt adjustment, as no other manufacturer offers it yet.
The quality impression is also convincing. Although the materials used are robust, they are easy to clean and quite attractive. Space in the cabin is decent and there is a safety issue for the colleagues who are travelling with them, even with Three-seater seating still provides enough freedom of movement. Also practical Storage compartments and shelves From the cockpit, through the glove compartment to the door pockets. There are more than enough of these in the Ford, and there are plenty of Charging ports ready, partly over USB-C, or even inductively. Mobile phones can also be connected wirelessly to the multimedia system.
The base engine is perfectly adequate for most conditions. Photo: © FordWhen driving, you already like the Entry-level electric car with its 100 kW electric motor on the rear axleWhen we step on the accelerator, the E-Transit Custom moves along quickly, unfazed by the 400 kilograms of payload we're carrying on our tour.
Speaking of payload: The maximum payload is 994 kgThanks to its low cargo floor, the Cologne-based model is quite easy to load. Its towing capacity of up to 2,3 tons is also impressive. This is best in its class.
The Cologne-based car's mid-range power output is noticeably more powerful. The 160 kW electric motor is more spontaneous in the start and has more pulling powerAnother advantage: Compared to the basic version, the top speed is not 110 km/h, but 130 km/h and can optionally unlocked to 150 km/h What happens in a Use with a higher proportion of motorway is pleasantly relaxing, but as the speed increases, the range naturally decreases.
The ones with their tight 210 kW (286 hp) provides a lot of driving pleasureHowever, the high base price of €66.950 and the fact that the speedy E-Transit is only available in the smallest body length are likely to deter many tradesmen. exclusive fun vehicle The maximum torque, however, is the same for all three variants at 415 Nm. The usable Battery capacity is 64 kWh net each, the Reach Ford offers versions for all versions with a maximum of 327 kilometers
The Ford can supply power to construction equipment via the power outlets on the right. Photo: © FordTo extend the range, Ford’s electric vehicles have a Eco mode driving program and a Heat pump as standard on boardIf the batteries installed flat in the vehicle floor are exhausted, the Cologne-based company charges a fast charger with 125 kW and takes 39 minutesto that Storage depot from 10 to 80 percent With alternating current, for example at night in the house, the E-Transit Custom almost seven hours to fully charge its batteries.
Ford wants to make its E-Transit Custom attractive to customers and is talking about up to 40 percent lower maintenance costs compared to the diesel engines that are still available. Another advantage: The Cologne-based company offers Cargo area sockets These can be Construction equipment can be connectedso that craftsmen themselves in remote places and independent of the power grid arbeiten
The Cologne-based company also offers an integrated charging solution for companies. It includes the Installation of a networked wallbox, Charging management software and the Maintenance of the systemsAnd they offer a mobile on-site service for the maintenance of customer vehicles.
For business people who are still not comfortable with the idea of pure electric mobility, Ford has launched the Plug-in hybrid another alternative in the programThe part-time electrician starts at EUR 44.600 and has a System output of 233 hp. The van can travel up to 56 kilometers purely electricallyOnce the energy from the 11,8 kWh battery is used up, the four-cylinder 2,5-liter petrol engine starts up. Power is transmitted via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The feared rubber band effect of the CVT automatic transmission is limited in everyday driving. During more powerful acceleration, the engine's revs remain at a consistently high level, but the engine rarely sounds strained and loud. Plug-in hybrid has power and shows strong pulling power when overtaking. The specified WLTP consumption However, we did not manage to reach an average of only 1,4 to 1,7 litersOn our moderately driven lap, Ford's plug-in hybrid around 5,5 liters.
This means the Ford, like most of its plug-in competitors, fell significantly short of the factory specification. However, the figure is still respectable for a light commercial vehicle.
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