New E-Tourneo Custom targets ID Buzz
VW too trendy for its own good? Ford has the electric van for you
Expect electric commercial vehicles to become more and more prominent over the coming years. Cities are clamping down on vehicle emissions, vans tend to spend a lot of time in urban areas… you don’t need to be a genius to see where the rise of EV commercials is coming from. And that means an electric Transit, of course, plus the new passenger version: the E-Tourneo Custom.
Described by Ford as offering ‘new levels of capability, luxury and design in a versatile multi activity vehicle with up to eight seats’, the E-Tourneo sits on all-new platform to accommodate a 74kwh battery (with F-150 Lightning cell tech) and 160kW electric motor. (For those not willing to make the EV leap just yet, the Tourneo will also be offered as a PHEV and diesel.) Ford says the targeted range is 230 miles - an ID Buzz boasts a WLTP-rated 258 - and that 125kW DC fast charging can replenish the battery to 80 per cent from 15 per cent in 40 minutes. Onboard charging is via 11kW AC. Perhaps more interestingly for prospective E-Tourneo Custom buyers is the Pro Power Onboard technology, which can provide up to 2.3kW through interior sockets; Ford says these are ‘ideal for powering digital devices, tools or sports and camping equipment when off-grid’. Oh yeah, and it can two 2,000kg. Give it the Trail makeover and you’ll never need another car…
Ford says the E-Tourneo is designed with ‘the active lives’ of customers in mind, so it boasts the same tilting steering wheel as seen in the Transit (a handy table, they say), the passenger airbag has been moved for more storage, there’s a 5G modem as standard and a digital, waterproof, very slim key. Though that’s inspired by hotel key card tech, so presumably don’t have it within two metres of a phone. Or anything, actually. More than 30 modules of the van will be updated over the air in time. Those interested in the more traditional bits of a car might like to know that all the Tourneos now boast an independent rear axle, with all the benefits in ride and handling that should bring. And it sneaks in under two metres tall ‘for many variants’, to make multi-storey car parks accessible - they really have thought of everything.
Though representing a bold departure from what went before in terms of powertrain, the E-Tourneo is still recognisable as a Ford van from the outside. It’s just the thing if a Buzz is trying a bit too hard. The electric one (the black car here) gets its own grille but otherwise resembles the rest of the range, Ford suggesting the Tourneo makes a ‘clear statement on the road’ thanks to ‘expressive and sculptural design’ and a ‘confident stance… for a planted and stable appearance.’
Ford Pro’s general manager in Europe, Hans Schep, added: “Whether it’s an active family trip at the weekend or shuttling execs to the airport in style, comfort and refinement, E-Tourneo Custom’s all-electric powertrain, advanced connectivity, cutting-edge design and new luxury features make it a compelling choice”. Expect the new E-Tourneo in Britain from the middle of next year, with prices to follow soon.
That looks great, the VW does but its a bit twee in comparison, be interesting if it resonates in the same way as VW stuff does, which to be fair is more like a cult/religion to some.
Will families and "lifestyle" folk go for it, or will it be largely a workhorse for tradespeople as Transits have always been ?
This is a rival to the new T7 Multivan.
Also; it just looks like a facelifted Transit. At least the ID Buzz looks unlike most vans. This is a van with windows - you can hear that echo-y hollow noise they all make when the sliding door is slammed shut just by looking at the pictures!
This is a rival to the new T7 Multivan.
Also; it just looks like a facelifted Transit. At least the ID Buzz looks unlike most vans. This is a van with windows - you can hear that echo-y hollow noise they all make when the sliding door is slammed shut just by looking at the pictures!
With regards the ID Buzz, I'd take one of these over it any day (XBUS). A proper clever piece of design with multiple body configurations, not just a reinvented people carrier/MPV on the ID/MEB platform. If it comes in at the right price I'm considering one and possibly a Microlino or Evetta bubble car to go with it.
This is a rival to the new T7 Multivan.
Also; it just looks like a facelifted Transit. At least the ID Buzz looks unlike most vans. This is a van with windows - you can hear that echo-y hollow noise they all make when the sliding door is slammed shut just by looking at the pictures!
One thing I do mention is tests with the F150 indicate range reduces quickly with load and very quickly with towing, though I can't talk to the veracity of those tests. I wonder if for commercial based vehicles especially, the promised higher density batteries will be more of an imperative and for some we should hold off any decision on electric till they come, if they do come? (I do fully appreciate that range is a very subjective and personal area, my own needs are unusual in needing to make multiple 200 plus mile journeys per week, not typical I'd guess?)
With regards the ID Buzz, I'd take one of these over it any day (XBUS). A proper clever piece of design with multiple body configurations, not just a reinvented people carrier/MPV on the ID/MEB platform. If it comes in at the right price I'm considering one and possibly a Microlino or Evetta bubble car to go with it.
Xbus modules
This is a rival to the new T7 Multivan.
Forums | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff