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By Jonathan Crouch

Not convinced by the current crop of mid-sized EV vans? Jonathan Crouch thinks you might be by this one, Ford's E-Transit Custom.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 45

Ford's E-Transit Custom sets a new standard for what an all-electric mid-sized van can be. Not only in driving range - at 236 miles - but also in ease-of-use and operating efficiency. If you're needing a full-battery LCV of this size, you can't ignore it.

Backgroundword count: 164

Could this be the most significant road test you'll read all year? Quite possibly. This is after all the very first all-electric version of Britain's best selling vehicle of any kind. Welcome to Ford's E-Transit Custom. The significance of this model is difficult to over-state. There are more Ford Transits - and particularly Ford Transit Customs - on the road than any other van. Imagine the environmental impact of a growing proportion of them switching away from smoky diesel power, a change which starts right here and now with this battery-powered LCV. Unlike the larger '2 tonne'-series E-Transit model that we tried and liked recently, this E-Transit Custom isn't Ford's own work but the product of a shared project with LCV partner Volkswagen. The fruit of which will also be mechanically identical EV version of the new generation Volkswagen Transporter. Ford also produces an E-Tourneo Custom passenger carrying MPV version of this model. But it's the E-Transit Custom panel van that's our focus here.

Driving Experienceword count: 279

This model line was almost half a decade behind its rivals in offering the option of a full-EV variant. In compensation, you do get the kind of wide electric motor choice that's missing amongst electric rivals in this segment, the 64kWh usable-capacity battery that all E-Transit Custom models share paired with motor outputs of either 136PS, 218PS or even 285PS. Driving range is slightly behind the prevailing class standard, the 136PS variant most will choose capable of up to 209 miles between charges. Inevitably, that figure takes a dive the more power you choose; the top 285PS version can only manage 163 miles between charges. You don't really need more power in the EV model because all E-Transit Custom variants share the same eager class-leading 415Nm torque figure. Either way, the motor drives the front wheels and there's a brake regeneration system that promises 'one pedal' driving so that you'll hardly ever need to use the brake when you come off the throttle. The E-Transit Custom can tow up to 2.0-tonnes as well, considerably more than direct rivals. The drive motor is fitted directly to the vehicle's rear floor, removing the need for a dedicated subframe, and is rotated 90 degrees to maximise load space and reduce weight and complexity. There's also a brake regeneration system that promises 'one pedal' driving so that you'll hardly ever need to use the brake when you come off the throttle. And towing capacity is an impressive 2,300kgs. This Ford is also the first-ever electric vehicle to use (as standard) vapour-injected heat pump technology to heat and cool the cabin. It's a system designed to deliver improved energy efficiency for optimum driving range.

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