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Brexit snags production of Ford E-Transit Custom
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2022 | Author: James Dallas
Ford has admitted the UK’s departure from the EU has not helped the production of its electric E-Transit Custom.
Hans Schep, general manager Ford Pro Europe, said: “Brexit is not making our life easier.”
Talking to What Van? at the reveal of the E-Transit Custom at the D-Ford Innovation Lab at Here East in Stratford, East London, Schep said the Rules of Origin laws determining in which country a product was made, which were put in place post-Brexit to cover trade between the UK and countries in the EU under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, had increased red tape and caused delays in moving components between European markets. For example, Schep said there could be different requirements covering Turkey, where Ford will build the E-Transit Custom at its Kocaeli plant, and those in the UK.
Schep added that semi-conductor shortages and the shutdown of factories in China due to continued outbreaks of Covid-19 had also caused problems for Ford and its suppliers.
He said Ford was monitoring the parts supply situation “not just every day but every hour”. Schep said the rising cost of fuel and energy was a further concern for customers but that by using Ford Pro’s charging software they could schedule charging at times when electricity rates are cheaper.
The medium-sized E-Transit Custom will go into production in the Autumn of 2023. Schep forecasts up to 80% of customers will be small businesses and owner-drivers, in contrast to the large E-Transit where fleets are expected to account for 70% to 80% of volume.
The E-Transit Custom features a 74kWh battery pack capable of delivering a range of up to 236 miles between charges on the official WLTP cycle, according to Ford.
Charging speeds of up to 125kW will be possible with compatible chargers, allowing a 15-80% charge in 41 minutes. Ford claims a new charge profile front-loads the energy to enable an “emergency” top-up charge of 24 miles of range in just 5 minutes using a 125kW charger.
Alternatively, an 11kW onboard charger will provide a full battery recharge in 7.8 hours.
There will be a choice of two electric motors, offering either 135hp or 217hp.
The E-Transit Custom will have a maximum payload of up to 1,100kg and towing capacity of up to 2,000kg.
Panel van versions will offer load volumes between 5.8m3 and 9.0m3 and double-cab-in-van and kombi bodystyles will also be available with a choice of short- or long-wheelbases and low or high roof formats.
New features will include vapour-injected heat pump technology – which Ford claims is a market first – to heat and cool the cabin, with the aim of improving energy efficiency and optimising driving range.
The cabin will include a 13in touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system plus the option of a tilting steering wheel, which can become an ergonomic stand for tablets and laptops, as well as a flat-topped table.
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