Ford unveils its electric Transit van

[MrNoodly]

Being a nomad who spends most of his time wandering around the vastness of the West, the first and most important spec I looked for was range. 

"[font=Roboto, sans-serif]It's way too early to have official EPA ratings on energy use and range, but Ford is targeting 126 miles of range for the low-roof cargo van variant. (The high-roof models' greater frontal area is sure to lower that figure, but by how much is unknown.)"[/font]

[font=Roboto, sans-serif]Sorry, that's nowhere near enough. I'd want close to the same range as gasoline powered versions. But it's all academic, because I can't afford a brand new van.[/font]

From Motor Trend: https://www.motortrend.com/news/2022-ford-e-transit-van-first-look-review/

 

[crofter]

....[font=Roboto, sans-serif]126 miles of range for the low-roof cargo van...[/font]

From Motor Trend: https://www.motortrend.com/news/2022-ford-e-transit-van-first-look-review/

Interesting article, thanks for the link.

According to the article, the range extends by 30 miles in 10 minutes of driving, so possibly more range capability.  What put me off of the Ford vans was my previous experience with Ford vehicles (I have owned several new ones) and also the low roof vans are too short compared with other cargo vans. The price tag around $45k is also a turn off, my promaster was less than half that.  -crofter

 

[ckelly78z]

126 miles of range goes down considerably when driving against the wind, or in cold temperatures, or loaded down with more weight than the initial tests. That is an unrealistic everyday number, and God forbid you aren't near a charging station when you are running out of juice due to weather.

 

[Matlock]

There is a 500 mile range version in testing w/half hour 50% charge rating from a joint US venture. Different battery technology.

Also a EV truck made in Ohio release is 2021, called Endurance, it's a 4 wheel drive w/4 electric motors that has a 250 mile drive range w/ quick charge of 1 1/2 hours. $52k

The industry is promising 5 trucks all together and a couple dozen cars on the market in 2021-22. This technology and market, proven viable by Tesla has every existing and wanna-be manufacture building something. Anybody can build a fossil burner, once the battery and fast charging are solved the sky's the limit in EV. Ergo the price too.

 

[gsfish]

I'm not very familiar with the layout of systems in a modern electric vehicle. Is there a 12 volt output from the main battery or is it a totally separate system?

We hear very little about the infrastructure that will be required to power the ultimate goal of 100% electric vehicles. So many varied obstacles to overcome.

Guy

 

[tx2sturgis]

126 miles of range 

{snip}

That is an unrealistic everyday number

 
For the target market, ie local deliveries and tradesmen services close to the terminal or facility, its fine...although I agree that's a narrow slice of the overall van market.

But yeah, it's just not workable for anything more than that, including vandwelling.

 

[tx2sturgis]

I'm not very familiar with the layout of systems in a modern electric vehicle. Is there a 12 volt output from the main battery or is it a totally separate system?

Many of the electric vehicles do use a 12v battery similar to what we call a 'starting' battery but it's not used for starting...obviously. It's used for the typical 12 volt systems and components like 12v headlights, taillights, heater/AC blower motors, power windows and door locks, in-dash infotainment. dome lights, etc.

That battery is recharged as needed by the main propulsion battery (normally 300-800 volts) thru a charge controller.

 

[skyl4rk]

To make the electric Transit useful as a liveaboard:

1. Hybrid electric drive
2. All wheel drive
3. High top
4. Rooftop solar panels
5. Lower price