Ford E-Transit Panel Van LCV (2021 - ) Electric review

At the business end, the E-Transit’s load space is basically the same as the diesel equivalent. Load volumes are solid, ranging from 9.5-15.1 cubic metres, from the L2H2 right up to the biggest L4H3 models. Load height is good with the lowest roof being nearly 1.8m high and the highest over 2m, more than enough room for a six-foot person to stand up fully inside. Its max payload can reach as high as 1700kg if you go for the biggest and most powerful versions, but look to 1000-1500kg as a good guide in the configurations most businesses will opt for. As always, the max payload will depend on the battery pack, length and height of the vehicle chosen. The Fiat E-Ducato can carry more (up to 2000kg is often quoted), but driving a Ford E-Transit feels somehow more comfortable (more on this later). Accessibility is the same as a standard Transit, two huge rear doors and one side door. The E-Transit can also offer up the onboard power tech that allows you to power tools or equipment from a built-in power point. If this was a two-word review, it would simply read: “Highly practical.”

The dominating feature of the cabin is the SYNC 4 12-inch touchscreen infotainment display that packs DAB radio, wireless smartphone connection and Ford’s Emergency Assistance system into a clear and crisp user interface. You can add sat-nav and a few other features to the system if you opt for the higher trim level. The bench seat and driver’s chair are nice and comfortable, upholstered with durable dark fabrics, and there's a fold-down work surface in the back of the middle seat. Storage is also generous with door pockets, cup holders (including the excellent fold-down cup holder on the centre console), a glove box, a scoop-like container right below the infotainment screen, and overhead shelves providing most items with a place to live. The rotary drive selector is surprisingly easy to use with definite clicks into each of its slots, and the on-off button is sensibly mounted where a key ignition barrel would be located. The steering wheel in the higher trim level is grippy and covered with controls, and features a standard analogue dial set (rather than a screen) behind it in the dash. An optional rear-view mirror fed by a camera in the middle of the rear doors is very useful, although I double-took a few times when I couldn’t see my own reflection in it. If you’ve ever sat in a Ford Transit, you know what to expect - tough fabrics, comfy seats, loads of storage, a big digital screen - which is probably why E-Transit feels like such an easy transition to make. You get all the quality of a Ford van interior with the smooth drive of an electric vehicle.

The E-Transit’s maximum usable range sits somewhere between 220-250 miles with the largest 89kWh battery option, which is good for a large electric van right now. That will drop slightly in colder weather, although the clever vapour-injection tech is said to maintain range better in lower temperatures. Maximum AC charge capability is up from 11kW to 22kW, and DC fast charging capability is also up from 115kW to 180kW meaning a 10-80% charge could take as little as 28 minutes. Home charging will be cheaper, based as it is on your home tariff, and acquisition costs can be mitigated by finance or a good lease deal. The plug-in van grant also has an impact and reduces the price nicely. There are cheaper electric large vans out there, however, so take a look around and compare and contrast accordingly.

The E-Transit is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty that lasts for three years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first), and the battery packs are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. It’s also an electric vehicle, which means less mechanical parts to go wrong and provides some peace of mind.

It’s a Transit, it performs as a large van with that name should. The cavernous load space is highly practical, the motor provides good speed and a smooth drive, the cabin is one of the best Ford offers, and it should be on the watchlists of anyone in the market for a large electric van. The increased battery size option is a welcome addition and makes it an even more compelling choice against rivals like the Maxus eDeliver 9 and Renault Master E-Tech.

The drive from central Barcelona to the outskirts was effortlessly smooth with the E-Transit feeling unbothered by sharp turns and climbs when we left city roads and climbed up the mountain paths. It’s a big van, so care is needed on corners and awareness of other drivers is paramount - thankfully, the van’s comprehensive safety equipment level and commanding visibility help immensely. It was also surprising how quick a van of this size can be. I know that electric vehicles offer up torque, but E-Transit can really shift! Although if you ask me whether to opt for the 184HP or 269HP motor, I’d say save your money and stick with the smaller unit because it will still feel quick.

A platinum NCAP safety rating is a jewel in any van’s crown. The Ford E-transit offers a lot of safety systems including airbags, a special drive mode for slippery conditions, lane keeping alerts and assistance tech, speed assist, pre-collision assist and emergency braking. These are further enhanced with full front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and speed limiter depending on model chosen. The NCAP rating speaks for itself.

There’s a few more bits to add in this section that weren’t appropriate to any other part of this review. At the Leader trim and up you get keyless start, an electric parking brake, rotary gear shift dial where the gear stick would normally be, automatic temperature control, heated windscreen, heated front seats, electric windows, four-way adjustable seat for the driver, bench seat, rubber flooring and a tyre inflation kit. At trend trim, you get a bit more including a hand-stitched steering wheel, a better load space floor, lockable glove box, rear mudflaps and increased safety (covered above). Ford has a reputation for comprehensive equipment lists and this is a great example of one.

My view is that familiarity allows for an easier transition to something new, and the E-Transit is no different. It offers everything you expect from a Ford Transit with the added bonus of a smooth and confident electric vehicle driving experience. Payloads may be slightly less than a few large electrics, and range might only just be up to the new standard with the larger battery option, but that shouldn’t turn anyone off a new or pre-loved E-Transit. In fact, I say now is the best time yet to seriously consider acquiring one, if you’re in the market for a large electric van.