Since Ford launched the first Transit in 1965, the line-up of this now-legendary van family has continually evolved to help customers deal with all the challenges work throws at them.
Today, those challenges aren’t just about carrying larger and heavier loads. Van operators in cities and towns – part of the van-powered sector worth over €1 trillion to Europe’s GDP 1 – now also need to consider factors such as clean air zones, rising costs and operating restrictions while still delivering for their customers.
Ford Pro saw a way to help cost-conscious firms who need the right tool for work in increasingly electric-only cities. With the right battery, load area and equipment levels, they could offer a super-simple vehicle that still ticks every box – to the point that you wouldn’t need a single optional extra.
A fresh- thinking and bold approach was needed – and this has led to a new member of the iconic Transit family being developed, with a laser-sharp focus on maximising efficiency and minimising cost.
Ford are very excited to reveal the all-new Transit City 2 – the answer that those hard-pressed, hard-working urban firms have been waiting for.
To reveal the all-new Transit City 2, Ford Pro held a special preview launch event at Dunton in England and Export & Freight were invited along to see – and test drive – the new van for ourselves.
Cargo & conversions
The business end of any commercial vehicle is the load area. With the Transit City 2 Ford are offering three body styles, specifically targeted to meet the needs of urban customers:
- L1H1 Van: A compact configuration ideal for tight streets and congested loading bays. Capable of carrying three Euro pallets and payloads up to 1,085 kg 3
- L2H2 Van: A high-capacity variant with 8.5 m3 of load volume, payload up to 1,275 kg and over 3,000 mm load length 3
- Chassis Cab: Ideal for conversions such as delivery vans, or dropsides for municipal operators and utilities firms
Regardless of body style, Ford offer a single, comprehensive specification to help keep costs and complexity down.
Cost-efficient electrification
In an electric vehicle, the battery is what determines your cost, weight and range. Transit City delivers a competitive payload and enough range to comfortably cover a day’s work – all at an attractive price point.
Data from thousands of connected Ford Pro electric vehicles revealed 90 per cent of vans in Transit City’s segment drive under 110 kilometres a day on average.
The battery’s 56 kWh useable capacity and lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry help maximise cost-effectiveness and durability while targeting a range of up to 254 km – 2 more than double the distance the majority of urban customers typically need. An LFP battery is also more suited to regular DC fast charging, so is a practical choice for city businesses that need dependable performance and minimal downtime.
Focused on reduced cost of ownership
The efficiency benefits of a right-sized battery extend to charging. Ford Pro Charging can help customers connect with providers of home and depot charging hardware and software to help maximise the benefits of going electric. Customers may benefit from significant potential savings on energy compared to diesel vans when charging using cheaper off-peak tariffs.
Going electric can also yield financial benefits beyond saving on energy. Fewer moving parts and service items mean it is expected maintenance costs will be reduced by around 40% compared to an equivalent diesel vehicle; the service interval on Transit City is two years or 40,000 km.
