Ford E-Transit review: Electric van tested

What is it:

This is the electric version of the large Ford Transit van. While it has better performance and a similar payload compared to the diesel equivalent, driving range remains a factor.

But despite some people having reservations, there is definitely a use for a vehicle like this.

Price:

When it went on sale locally mid 2023, the Ford E-Transit cost from $104,990 plus on-road costs.

However, in May 2024 Ford slashed $15,000 off the RRP because of slower than expected demand.

Today the price is listed at $89,990 plus on-road costs – which is about $25,000 dearer than the equivalent diesel version.

The $89,990 price is for the mid-roof long-wheelbase model. Add $1000 for dual sliding doors, $700 for metallic paint, and $1500 for the high-roof long-wheelbase body style.

ANCAP safety rating:

There is no safety rating for the Ford Transit E-Custom as large vans are not assessed by the independent authority in destructive crash tests.

However, Ford E-Transit comes with autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control, speed-sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance, blind-zone warning, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear camera, and front and rear parking sensors.

The cabin is equipped with six airbags (two front, two seat-mounted side airbags and two ‘curtain’ airbags).

Conspicuous by their absence: tyre pressure monitors.

Engine:

An electric motor (with an output of 198kW/430Nm and the same electric motor borrowed from the base model Ford Mustang Mach E) powers the rear wheels.

This high output explains the zippy performance.

Transmission:

As with most electric cars, the Ford E-Transit has only one gear ratio (it launches briskly and then gets an asthma attack about 130kmh).

To free up more space in the cabin, the gearshift lever has been replaced by a rotary dial to select forward, neutral or reverse.

0 to 100km/h (as tested):

The Ford E-Transit does 0 to 100kmh in 9.3 seconds, making it brisker than even the quickest diesel vans (10.2 to 10.9 seconds).

Good points:

Brisk, quiet and smooth acceleration.

Plenty of storage in the doors, dash, and roof panel above the driver.

The cabin is available in two- or three-seat configurations (removing the middle seat to make it a two-seater costs an additional $150).

Comfortable driver’s seat. Dual wide-view side mirrors.

Large infotainment screen with a high resolution display. Rear view camera is ok, but could be sharper.

The infotainment system has embedded navigation, in case your smartphone map app plays up or you’re out of mobile range.

There is a large volume dial (which is easier to use than tabs on a touchscreen) as well as buttons on the steering wheel.

Massive cargo hold and 10 tie-down points.

Service intervals are 30,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first. 

The individual routine service costs are less than half that of the equivalent diesel-powered Ford Transit ($185 per visit for the first four years/120,000km versus $399 per visit over the same period for diesel variants).

The vehicle warranty is listed as five years/unlimited kilometres.

The warranty for the battery pack is eight years/160,000km.

On test – a mix of city, inter-urban and freeway driving – the Ford E-Transit consumed energy at an average of 26 to 28kWh/100km unladen, which is close to Ford’s claim.

Ford quotes a vague maximum driving range of 230km to 300km, however our real-world testing showed range was closer to 230km to 250km, depending on driving conditions and the weight of the load.

Bad points:

No tyre pressure monitors.

Rear camera view could be clearer.

Better headlights (low- and high-beam) would be welcome.

Relatively high price and limited driving range.

What the haters say:

The driving range is too short.

What the haters don’t understand:

The Ford E-Transit (and other electric vans) are suited to short city and suburban runs that won’t eclipse the real-world 230-250km range, and can be recharged at a depot (or at home) overnight – or via a commercial fast charger.

Should you buy one?

If you want peaceful silence and plenty of oomph, the Ford E-Transit is a very comfortable large van to drive.

Also consider:

LDV E-Deliver 7, LDV E-Deliver 9, Peugeot E-Partner and (upcoming) Ford E-Transit Custom.