Ford's electric revolution continued to gain steam as the Detroit automaker finally started delivering its much-awaited E-Transit, as per CarScoops. The latest EV is to roll off Ford's production line with the electric vans now making their way to customers across the United States.
Kumar Galhotra, president of The Americas and International Markets Group for Ford, issued a statement regarding the company's electric van, saying, "E-Transit is a testament to the fact that an electric commercial fleet is no longer a vision of tomorrow, but a productivity-boosting modern reality."
The rollout of the all-electric 2022 E-Transit comes just days after news emerged that Ford had either paused or slowed down its vehicle production in numerous factories due to the ongoing global semiconductor shortage. Assembly plants in charge of building the Mustang Mach-E, Explorer, and Bronco were among those affected by the shortage of computer chips.
Fortunately for Ford, those issues seem to be not affecting the production of the E-Transit in its Claycomo, Missouri plant as much, according to CarBuzz. That is a welcome development for Ford as the Transit is one of its most popular offerings.
The ICE-powered Transit was named the best-selling commercial van last year. Ford's Claycomo facility produces both versions of the Transit, and the automaker is looking to maintain its top standing in the commercial van segment.
Ford said that demand for the E-Transit is very high, with more than 300 commercial customers ordering over 10,000 electric vans. Ford made a huge investment to fulfill those orders, pouring in $100 million in its Kansas City Assembly Plant. That was a major boost to the Missouri economy as Ford's expansion helped create 150 new full-time jobs. The Claycomo plant is Ford's first facility to assemble both batteries and electric vehicles in-house.
There is more room for growth, though, when it comes to Ford's EV business, with demand soaring for its electric cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks. Ford expects by the end of the year 2023 that it will be able to produce 600,000 electric vehicles across the globe annually. That estimated figure includes 200,000 Mustang Mach-Es and 150,000 F-150 Lightnings.
Related Article: Ford Takes Inspiration From Tesla: 'On the Fly' Updates for Mustang Mach-e Helps Them Slash Costs
E-Transit is such a popular vehicle for customers because of its long list of benefits. Chief among those is the van's ability to use Ford's E-Telematics. That system will help commercial customers manage their fleets remotely, allowing owners to track the state of charge in their electric vans and maximize efficiency while minimizing downtime in those EVs. The E-Transit can also provide power at a worksite as it can function as a mobile generator, with Ford's electric van able to generate up to 2.4 kW with the Pro Power Onboard feature.
The E-Transit has a starting price of under $45,000 and is capable of traveling up to 126 miles on a charge (electric van set in low-roof cargo configuration). The E-Transit features a 57-kWh battery pack that powers a rear-mounted electric motor. It is capable of producing 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of twist.
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