Ford E-Transit electric van review
Category: Electric Van
Section: Introduction
Introduction
What Car? says...
In the world of vans, this new Ford E-Transit is as big a piece of news as it's possible to get.
You see, the Ford Transit is an icon. It's the model that defined its segment, and has been used by builders, bakers and bank robbers alike for so long that, for many people, it's what they picture when you say the word 'van'.
Keep reading the next few pages of this review to find out how the Ford E-Transit compares with the best electric vans in terms of performance, interior quality, day-to-day usability and, of course, load-lugging ability. We'll also let you know whether it should be on you or your company's shopping list and whether it has what it takes to be the catalyst that gets more people driving electric vans.
And remember, we can help you find the best leasing deals through the free What Car? Leasing section, where you can get a quote for whichever make and model of car or van fits your personal or business needs.
FAQs
According to the official test cycle the Ford E-Transit will travel up to 196 miles on a charge. However, this depends on how the van is driven, how laden it is and the prevailing weather conditions. In everyday use we think 150 miles is a more realistic average. Read more about the Ford E-Transit driving experience
The Ford E-Transit arrived with rave reviews - including winning our coveted Van of the Year title - and large fleet orders, making it nigh-on impossible to get one without sitting at the end of a very long waiting list for months. That situation is easing though, and with the addition of the Ford E-Transit Custom to the range waiting times are easing.
As its name suggests, the Ford E-Transit is fully electric. It is available in three lengths, three roof heights and three models. The highest powered electric motor has 261bhp and the lowest powered 181bhp. Range is officially up to 196 miles. You can read the full Ford E-transit review, or take a look at our verdict on petrol and diesel Ford Transits.
The battery in the Ford E-Transit is covered by a eight-year/100-mile warranty, plus a 12-year anti-perforation warranty. Given the rest of the van is covered for three years or 100,000 miles this gives you an idea of Ford’s confidence. However, it is always worth checking if a battery has lost performance over time is buying secondhand. Read our full Ford E-Transit review verdict.
The Ford E-Transit’s range is officially tested to be up to 196 miles. While this is typically less than you’ll get from a tank of petrol or diesel, it is enough for many users who can charge overnight, and substantially more than some of the opposition, such as the Renault Master E-Tech or Mercedes eSprinter.
Electric vehicle charging costs can vary wildly according to the tariff you pay, which is typically dictated by where you charge (work, home or public space) and the speed of a charger (a slow charger is far cheaper to run than an ultra-fast one). As such, we estimate a full charge can cost anything from £5 to £38 at today’s prices. Read our full Ford E-Transit review verdict for more.
