Ford Transit Connect Electric

A zero-emissions compact van built for efficient, sustainable business use

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with the Ford Transit Connect Electric at the forefront of this change. This innovative vehicle represents a leap forward in commercial van technology, combining the reliability of the Ford Transit Connect with cutting-edge electric propulsion. As businesses seek to reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs, the all-new Transit Connect offers a compelling solution for those looking to embrace sustainable transportation. Source

The Ford Transit Connect Electric boasts an impressive range and has been designed to meet the diverse needs of commercial users. Its plug-in hybrid capabilities provide flexibility for long-distance travel, while its all-electric mode is perfect for urban deliveries. This article will explore the key features of the Ford Transit Connect Electric, compare it to traditional vans, and discuss its potential impact on the commercial vehicle sector. We'll also look at its availability and pricing, helping readers understand why this new ford transit connect electric is generating such excitement in the industry. See Ford Transit Connect Electric 2025

Electrifying the Commercial Van Sector

The commercial van sector is undergoing a significant transformation as businesses seek sustainable transport solutions. With over a million electric vehicles on UK roads today, the adoption of electric vans in commercial fleets is gaining momentum. This shift has an influence on both environmental and commercial aspects of fleet management.

Why the Ford Transit Connect Electric is ideal for UK electric van leasing

The transition to electric vans offers numerous benefits for businesses. These include reduced servicing and maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts, lower fuel expenses compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, and less vehicle downtime. Additionally, electric vans provide a quieter driving experience, which has a positive impact on both drivers and the environment by reducing noise pollution. They also enable access to low emission zones (LEZs), ensuring fleets can operate effectively in these areas.

Ford's commitment to electrification

Ford has made a significant commitment to electrification in Europe. The company aims to have its entire commercial vehicle range zero-emissions capable, either all-electric or plug-in hybrid, by 2024. Ford expects two-thirds of its commercial vehicle sales to be all-electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030. To support this goal, Ford is investing $1 billion to modernise its vehicle assembly facility in Cologne, Germany, transforming it into the Ford Cologne Electrification Centre for the manufacture of electric vehicles.

Overview of the Ford Transit Connect Electric

The Ford Transit Connect Electric represents a significant milestone in the evolution of commercial mobility. Developed in conjunction with Ford's electric vehicles partner, Azure Dynamics, it is the first of five electrified Ford models to be made available in Europe. This pure electric-powered version of the award-winning Transit Connect light commercial vehicle features a proprietary Force Drive™ battery electric drivetrain powered by an advanced battery pack from Johnson Controls. It has a range of up to 80 miles with a payload capacity of up to 500kg.
The Transit Connect Electric retains the versatility of the traditional Transit while introducing new design elements to accommodate the electric powertrain. The spacious cargo area remains unchanged, offering ample room for cargo and easy loading and unloading. The absence of an internal combustion engine enhances the available interior space, maximising the van's payload capacity.

Key Features and Specifications

The Ford Transit Connect Electric boasts impressive features that make it a standout choice for businesses seeking efficient and sustainable commercial vehicles. This section delves into the key specifications that set this electric van apart from its competitors.

Battery capacity and range

The Ford Transit Connect Electric offers two battery options to suit various business needs. The standard range battery provides a maximum range of 166 to 196 miles, while the extended range battery offers an impressive 211 to 249 miles. This flexibility allows businesses to choose the most suitable option based on their typical driving distances and delivery routes.

Charging options and times

Charging the Ford Transit Connect Electric is both convenient and efficient. The standard range battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 37 minutes using a 115-kW DC fast charger. For the extended range battery, this time reduces to just 28 minutes with a 180-kW DC fast charger.
Various charging methods are available:

• A 3-pin plug at home takes about 30 hours for a full charge
• A 7kW charger at home or work completes a full charge in 10 hours
• A 22kW charger at work or public locations takes 6 hours for a full charge
• Rapid 50kW public chargers can provide an 80% charge in 50 minutes
• Ultra-rapid 150kW chargers can achieve an 80% charge in just 30 minutes

Payload and cargo space

The Ford Transit Connect Electric maintains the impressive cargo capacity of its conventional counterpart. It offers up to 15.1 cubic metres of secure load space, with a load floor length of up to 4,256 mm in the L4 variant. The van features easy access to the load compartment via a sliding side door and full-height rear doors with a built-in rear bumper step.
The maximum payload capacity varies depending on the battery option chosen. The standard range model can carry up to 1,745 kg, while the extended range version has a slightly reduced maximum payload of 1,484 kg due to the larger battery.

Comparing Electric vs Traditional Vans

Total cost of ownership

The total cost of ownership for electric vans is becoming increasingly competitive with traditional petrol and diesel models. Over a five-year ownership period, a battery electric van with a range of 100 to 400 miles costs between £69,000 and £92,000, compared to £71,000 for a petrol van and £82,000 for a diesel van. This cost advantage is expected to improve further as battery prices decrease and regulations on conventional vehicles tighten.
Electric vans offer significant savings in fuel and maintenance costs. With fewer moving parts, service expenses are reduced, and there's no need for oil changes or exhaust replacements. While the initial purchase price of an electric van is higher, businesses can benefit from lower running costs over time. Additionally, many manufacturers offer extended warranties on high-voltage batteries, typically around eight years.

Environmental impact

Electric vans produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner alternative to traditional vans. This has a positive impact on air quality, particularly in urban areas. The overall environmental benefit depends on the source of electricity used for charging. In regions with low-polluting energy sources, electric vans demonstrate a significant life cycle emissions advantage over conventional vehicles.
The UK government has banned the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035, highlighting the importance of transitioning to electric vehicles. Electric vans can be charged using renewable energy, further reducing their environmental footprint. Additionally, technologies like regenerative braking help improve energy efficiency by recovering energy during deceleration.

Performance and driving experience

Electric vans offer a unique driving experience compared to their traditional counterparts. They provide instant torque, resulting in smooth and quick acceleration. For example, the Ford E-Transit generates 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, delivering performance comparable to its petrol and diesel counterparts.
Electric vans are generally quieter and more refined, offering a more comfortable driving experience. The reduced centre of gravity, due to the battery pack's position, contributes to improved handling and stability. However, businesses need to consider factors such as charging infrastructure and range limitations when transitioning to electric vans.

Conclusion

The Ford Transit Connect Electric represents a significant step forward in commercial vehicle technology, combining the reliability of the traditional Transit Connect with the benefits of electric propulsion. Its impressive range, flexible charging options, and substantial payload capacity make it a compelling choice for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs. The van's ability to maintain the spacious cargo area of its conventional counterpart while introducing new design elements for the electric powertrain showcases Ford's commitment to practical innovation.
As the automotive industry continues its shift towards electrification, the Ford Transit Connect Electric is well-positioned to play a crucial role in shaping the future of commercial transport. Its competitive total cost of ownership, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced driving experience offer tangible advantages over traditional petrol and diesel vans. With government regulations increasingly favouring zero-emission vehicles, the Transit Connect Electric not only meets current needs but also prepares businesses for a sustainable future in commercial mobility.

FAQs

Will there be an electric version of the Ford Transit Connect?
The latest Ford Transit Connect is available as a plug-in hybrid van, offering an electric-only range of 68 miles. In 2021, Ford introduced the Tourneo Connect, a vehicle similar to the Volkswagen Caddy Life, following a partnership agreement with Volkswagen to share commercial vehicle components.
Why has Ford decided to stop producing the Transit Connect?
Ford has cited the need to reduce global manufacturing costs and complexity as the main reasons for discontinuing the Transit Connect. Additionally, there has been a decrease in demand within the compact van segment, a market niche that was not heavily promoted by Ford.
Is there a 2024 model of the Ford Transit Connect planned?
The production of the Transit Connect is set to commence in spring 2024. The initial rollout will feature the diesel van, expected to be delivered in the summer of the same year. This will be followed by the introduction of the Transit Connect PHEV later in the year, with all-wheel drive and Kombi models slated to join the lineup in early 2025.
Does the Transit Connect qualify as a commercial vehicle?
Yes, the Transit Connect is designed as a commercial vehicle. It utilises a dedicated commercial vehicle platform known as C170, which is similar to the platform used by the international Ford Focus and the first generation of the North American Ford Focus, despite sharing only a few components with the larger Ford Transit.