Ford is highlighting the strides it’s making in electrifying its light commercial vehicle range at this month’s IAA Transportation show in Hanover, showcasing a comprehensive lineup of electric and hybrid LCVs alongside new digital tools.
Electrified Range on Show
Ford’s latest vehicles highlight the brand’s push for a fully electric and hybrid lineup catering to diverse commercial needs. The new E-Transit Courier compact van is leading the charge and is now available to order. This small electric van boasts a usable battery capacity of 43kWh that offers up to 186 miles of range, with a payload capacity of 700kg. Production begins in late 2024, with first customer deliveries expected in 2025.
The large E-Transit receives some updates, and is now available in a high-range 89kWh version that provides up to 249 miles of range, according to WLTP testing. This large van is suited for businesses needing longer range or higher power and is set for production in early 2025.
The E-Transit Custom — the electric version of the UK’s best-selling van — is now in production, with deliveries underway in selected European markets. The Transit Custom PHEV offers a plug-in hybrid solution for businesses with more specific needs and is also now in full production.
Ford’s Transit Connect PHEV is making its European debut at the show, offering an EV-only range of 73 miles alongside the security of a petrol engine. This plug-in hybrid is now available to order, with the first customer deliveries expected later this autumn.
Finally, the new Ranger PHEV is making its global debut at IAA, marking Ford’s first foray into the electrified pickup market.
Enhanced Digital Tools for Streamlined Operations
A key highlight of Ford Pro’s presence at IAA is its suite of integrated software solutions to streamline business operations and reduce costs. The Ford Pro Telematics team is introducing a new digital Logbook feature, allowing customers to separate personal and business mileage for more accurate reporting. The new tool simplifies record-keeping, helping companies better manage fuel and electricity costs while ensuring compliance with tax and finance regulations.
The updated Ford Pro Telematics system can also provide vehicle health alerts via the FORDLiive uptime system, which aims to reduce downtime for business vehicles. By connecting to Ford Pro’s Liive Centres — and Ford will have a small centre set up at the IAA show — businesses can receive real-time diagnostics and maintenance alerts, significantly minimising downtime. One UK-based fleet reported cutting downtime from three days to just two hours for certain tasks using these connected services.
Supporting Electrification with E-Switch Assist and Charging Solutions
Ford E-Switch Assist is an online tool that assesses the EV readiness of a business’s fleet. This tool analyses driving patterns and fleet needs to recommend the best-suited electric models, streamlining the switch to EVs for companies unsure about the transition. E-Switch Assist provides vehicle-specific recommendations for businesses already connected to the Ford Pro ecosystem, including daily charging requirements.
Ford is also advancing charging infrastructure for commercial operators to complement its electric vehicle range. The Ford Pro Charging solution enables businesses to set up depot charging stations, allowing for significant cost savings compared to traditional diesel operations. One customer using the E-Transit and depot charging reported reducing operating costs to around €3 per 100 km (around £4 per 100 miles), saving more than 80% compared to their diesel fleet costs.
Production and Availability
With new electric and hybrid models for every segment, Ford is broadening its electrified range, bringing practical solutions to European businesses. Production for the new E-Transit Courier is expected to start in late 2024, while the high-range E-Transit and other Transit models are scheduled for early 2025. The Ranger PHEV and Transit Connect PHEV are also entering production, providing European customers with a growing set of options for sustainable, connected commercial vehicles.
