Ford announced an all-electric version of the Ford Transit that will hit the U.S. market for the 2022 model-year at the Work Truck Show 2020, March 3, 2020. The all-electric transit will be available with a variety of chassis options and is aimed at helping businesses achieve sustainability goals and a lower cost of ownership.
The all-electric Ford Transit chassis options will include cargo van, cutaway and chassis cab, plus three roof heights and three body lengths, Ford said. Customers will also have the backing of the company’s electric vehicle-certified dealer network, more than 730 commercial vehicle centers across the U.S. and Canada, and access to Ford’s charging network – North America’s largest public charging network. The new Transit will also be available in Canada and Europe.
The all-electric Transit will also provide fleet owners with technology solutions like in-vehicle high-speed data architecture and cloud-based services to offer new ways to optimize fleet performance, according to Ford. The smart technology of the all-electric Transit will help to optimize fleet efficiency and reduce waste, as well as improve driver behavior by providing insights into operator performance.
Fleets can leverage data collected through Ford Telematics using an embedded FordPass Connect modem that features a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices. Managers can use Ford Data Services tools like live map GPS tracking, geofencing and vehicle diagnostics to see at-a-glance key performance indicators for vehicles and drivers.
“The world is heading toward electrified products and fleet customers are asking for them now,” said Jim Farley, chief operating officer, Ford Motor Company. “We know their vehicles operate as a connected mobile business and their technology needs are different than retail customers. So Ford is thinking deeply on connectivity relationships that integrate with our in-vehicle high-speed electrical architectures and cloud-based data services to provide these businesses smart vehicles beyond just the electric powertrains.”
A suite of Ford driver-assist technologies will help improve driver confidence and avoid or reduce the severity of a collision. The vehicle includes standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking plus Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Post-Collision Braking, Lane-Keeping System and auto high-beam headlamps.
The all-electric Transit, which will be built in America, is part of Ford’s more than $11.5 billion investment in electrification through 2022. This vision includes the all-electric Transit sold in Europe, Mustang Mach-E coming later this year and the previously announced all-electric F-150.
Electric vehicle fleets may benefit from federal, state and local electric vehicle tax rebates, access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes and free parking, while helping cities improve air quality and reduce noise levels.
According to Ford, further details about the all-electric Ford Transit and its features will be revealed later.
