Ford’s dominance of the light commercial vehicle market in the UK ensures that the launch of a new Transit model will generate a great deal of interest. Ford first released information about the E-Transit well over a year ago, so it’s final unveiling has been much anticipated.
When it arrives in the UK later this year, the E-Transit will be more than a new van. It will also be the first new Ford light CV sold under the new ‘Ford Pro’ branding.
What is Ford Pro?
All new Ford commercial vehicles in the UK will be sold through the Ford Pro network, which will include more than simply selling vehicles. Software, vehicle charging, service and financing will all be available under the Ford Pro label.
“We are entering the always-on digital age, and running a fleet has never been more complex,” said Ted Cannis, CEO of Ford Pro. “Ford Pro makes it easy for businesses to boost their productivity, with a one-stop-shop solution delivered by a brand they can trust.”
Ford Pro is not just pitched at big fleet operators – it is aimed at all light CV operators no matter how large or small, with packages tailored accordingly. Ford’s research suggests that operators want a single integrated offering that covers all aspects of fleet management, rather than a number of individual service providers that need time and resources to manage.
Connected vehicles will be key to the Ford Pro offering. Ford Pro Software will provide the necessary connected digital ecosystem using live data to integrate vehicles, telematics, charging and servicing.
There will be a dedicated telematics option for electric vehicles – complimentary for one year to E-Transit customers. The live data resulting from it can support the use of Ford Pro Charging, offering a range of features from current charge status to cab and vehicle pre-conditioning, to warm or cool as appropriate. There is a multi-make telematics option for operators with mixed fleets.
Owner-operators and managers of fleets of five vehicles or fewer can benefit from the complimentary FordPass Pro smartphone app, designed to help businesses without full-time fleet managers get the best from their vehicles.
Ford Pro Charging can offer an integrated charging system for fleets, helping to determine appropriate charging strategies. Ford can also supply charging consultants to help operators make the electric transition for both depot and home charging.
Ford Pro Service will use live vehicle data to keep tabs on routine servicing schedules and unscheduled needs triggered by fault codes from the vehicle, using FORDLiive, the company’s connected vehicle uptime system. There are already more than 620,000 connected commercial vehicles using the system since its launch last year. The system can deliver vehicle ‘health alerts’ direct to the customer and to Ford workshops to speed diagnosis and repair. The system is live across Europe.
Ford will soon launch Ford Pro FinSimple which will offer a flexible financing plan for small and medium customers. Ford Fleet Management, a joint venture with ALD Automotive can provide a range of services for fleet customers too.

Ford E-Transit
The E-Transit is Ford’s first battery electric van, due to be followed by the E-Transit Custom in 2024. Although the E-Transit looks very similar to other “2-Tonne” Transits on the market, the vehicle has been extensively modified to accommodate the battery pack and electric drive system under the floor.
This involves fitting a heavy-duty cross member to carry the rear suspension and e-axle incorporating the motor and final drive on the vehicle. All E-Transits will use rear-wheel-drive and it will be the first rear-wheel-drive Transit to feature independent rear suspension by coil springs. The same drive system will be used in the E-Transit Custom when the model is launched in 2024, which will make it the first Transit Custom with rear-wheel-drive.
There will be two power options for the drive motor, either 135kW or 198kW, both producing 430Nm of torque. Both will be powered from a 68kWh battery pack, providing an official range of up to 197 miles (as always, your mileage may vary and will probably be less). Ford will offer its ProPower Onboard system with the battery. Using software, the system partitions the battery, reserving up to 2.3kW to power electric tools, or conversions such as refrigerated bodywork.
Van versions will offer payloads of up to 1,758kg. Ford will offer a broad range of body and chassis options, including 25 variants of the van, double cab in van and chassis cab, with gross weights between 3,500kg and 4,250kg.
Inside the cabin
Customers will be able to choose between Leader and Trend trim specifications. Ford says that all models will feature significantly higher specification than equivalent diesel models. Leader variants will be equipped with Electronic Air Temperature Control, Keyless Start, heated seats, Quickclear Windscreen, and electric and heated door mirrors.
E-Transit will introduce the SYNC 4 communications and information system to Ford’s CV range in Europe. The company claims it offers twice the computing power of the previous SYNC3 system. It is operated from a 12-inch touchscreen in the cab. The FordPass Connect modem will be standard equipment on all E-Transit models.
Trend specification includes Ford Connected Navigation, which includes vehicle charging information, live parking availability and Intelligent Range to provide accurate estimate of remaining range. Ford also provides a range of options including driver assistance systems from adaptive cruise control to Reverse Brake Assist.



E-Transit on the road
Ford provided a range of E-Transit Trend van models to drive on the launch in Barcelona, all featuring generous levels of equipment, including ProPower Onboard, alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, Reverse Brake Assist and other driver assistance systems. Apart from the large touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, the Transit cab would be a familiar place to anyone used to the latest 2-Tonne Transit diesel-powered model.
The most obvious difference is the lack of gear lever in the lower dashboard, replaced by a rotary drive selector. Driving off, it was simply a matter of pressing the steering column start button with the drive selector in “P” then selecting D or R to move away. It was very much like driving an automatic Transit without the background noise of the diesel engine.
In fact, the level of refinement was the most noticeable thing, with noises such as rattles and squeaks and electric whine, which often stand out in electric vehicles because of the lack of engine noise, virtually absent.
We were offered a variety of 135kW and 198kW models to drive and, because maximum torque is available instantly as you pull away, there’s less to choose between the two motors than the difference in power outputs suggest. Like most rivals, regenerative braking can be adjusted to provide more or less as required. Ford has set this up to operate in two ways, though.
You can either press an ‘L’ button in the centre of the gear selector to permanently provide enhanced regenerative braking or you can use the brake pedal. If you use the brake pedal, Ford offers two levels of regenerative braking. Tap the pedal once and it will provide lighter retardation. Tap it twice and you will temporarily get the same level of braking as pressing the L button. Once you have come to a halt having tapped the pedal once or twice and then braked conventionally, the system will automatically revert to no regenerative braking, so drivers can take advantage of downhill momentum for instance and just bring in regen braking when they want it.
Verdict
Based on a short launch drive of highly kitted-out vehicles around Barcelona, our initial impression is that Ford is about to launch one of the most refined and well-thought-out electric vans on the market. It is likely to further enhance the Transit’s already strong reputation in the LCV market.
We look forward to conducting a full review when the E-Transit arrives in the UK.
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