Perhaps one of the biggest objections to driving an electric vehicle – particularly a van – is the driving range. Many drivers are accustomed to the convenience of being able to stop for petrol at a moment’s notice, but an electric vehicle often requires a little more planning.
When it comes to commercial vehicles, reliability and convenience will often win over environmental credentials. But the recent upgrades to the Ford eTransit could mean that business owners no longer need to choose between these previously competing factors.
Introducing the Ford eTransit
The Ford Transit van is an icon of the commercial vehicle sector. It is beloved by workers in all areas of industry, from florists to builders. The versatility of the vehicle and flexible configurations make it suitable for a wide range of uses. The internal combustion engine was also reliable and economical, making it a smart choice for businesses looking to keep an eye on their overheads.
This is why the introduction of the eTransit was so eagerly anticipated. However, the one factor that let the iconic vehicle down was its range. All electric vehicles are limited in some way by their range.
Business owners that want to make the switch to electric fleets need to think carefully about how they will charge their vehicles and how charging times will impact productivity. So when the Ford eTransit got a big battery upgrade, this was welcome news to many drivers.
Ford eTransit battery upgrade
In the latest model of the Ford eTransit, the all-electric vehicle has been given a much-needed upgrade. The new 89kWh battery offers an impressive driving range of 249 miles, which is an increase of 28% on its previous model.
When you do need to stop and charge up, the long-range van can now be charged fully in just 6 hours thanks to the AC charging increase from 11kW to 22kW. And for the rapid DC charging, an increase from 115kW to 180kW means charging from 10-80% can take as little as 28 minutes. And finally, a 10-minute charge could add up to 72 miles to the range.
This is incredible news for business owners hoping to make the switch to electric vehicles. It means that these vehicles are viable for long distance trips, even while carrying heavy loads. It also means that workers won’t be stranded waiting for their vehicles to charge and potentially increasing their overtime. A 10 minute charge could be all that is needed to get the van back to base.
Why choose the Ford eTransit
Forward-thinking businesses will already be wondering how to future-proof their fleets. With this latest upgrade from Ford, now is the ideal time to make the switch to all-electric vehicles. The pain points of the past are no longer relevant to these modern vehicles. They offer the range to enable you to keep moving forward with your business.
The Ford eTransit is also highly versatile. The powerful battery can also power tools on the go, making it an ideal choice for refrigerated vehicles. With a backup plugin battery, your refrigeration unit will be more reliable than ever before.
You can also customise the vehicle to your needs. It’s available in four different configurations with different wheelbase lengths and vehicle heights to choose from. In short, you’ll be able to find the ideal Ford eTransit for your business. And with 5 more or vehicles in your fleet, you can make the most of the integrated Ford telematics system to help keep track of your vehicles and keep downtime to a minimum.
If you’re interested in the latest Ford eTransit refrigerated vehicle, get in touch with our team today.
