Though it’s often electric cars that grab the limelight, battery-powered vans are quickly gaining traction. 

Particularly popular with larger firms looking to boost their green credentials, they also bring big cost savings and are generally far more pleasant to drive than the old diesel commercial vehicle you might be used to. 

One new brand just joining the electric market is Ford – Britain’s biggest van maker – which is introducing its hugely important E-Transit. Essentially a battery-powered version of Ford’s biggest and best-loved van, it brings some real advancements. Here are five reasons to consider it… 

Remains hugely practical

Ford E-Transit

Practicality is absolutely crucial to a van, as they’re bought first and foremost to be used as working vehicles. If you think getting a battery-powered commercial has to bring compromise, the E-Transit proves this doesn’t have to be the case. 

There are a range of bodystyles and sizes on offer – 25 configurations, in fact – but in the most practical form this E-Transit offers up to 15.1m-cubed of loadspace, while bringing a max gross payload of up to 1,758kg. You can also choose the E-Transit as a double cab-in-van and a single chassis, allowing it to be used for a range of uses – the latter being a real rarity in this segment. 

Long electric range and quick charging

Ford E-Transit

Electric vans are often hamstrung by weak electric ranges, with some struggling to return even 100 miles of range to a charge. That’s no such issue with the E-Transit, which offers the longest range of any EV commercial on the market today – 196 miles in the most range-conscious configuration. In comparison, the similarly-sized Vauxhall Movano-e’s range is limited to 139 miles, even when equipped with the largest battery. 

But it’s not just the range but also the charging infrastructure that impresses too, as the E-Transit’s battery is able to charge much faster than a lot of the competition. In fact, if using a powerful enough DC rapid charger, getting the battery from 15 to 80 per cent capacity takes just 34 minutes. 

Great value for money

Ford E-Transit

The other disadvantage to electric vans is often the high price they incur, which is frequently more than a like-for-like diesel model, making it hard to justify. Sticking with the Vauxhall Movano-e (though other rivals are similarly pricey), it costs £57,623.33 compared with £37,000 for the diesel model. 

But the E-Transit drastically undercuts that, with prices kicking off from £48,650 (excluding VAT), which truly makes the Ford feel like the bargain of the century. 

Packed with technology

Ford E-Transit

But it’s not just the powertrain that takes a step up with the E-Transit but also the level of technology. That’s because for this EV, Ford used its latest Sync 4 technology (as seen on the Mustang Mach-E) for its touchscreen, creating a more digital and connected experience, and making the E-Transit feel cutting-edge next to some rather dated opposition. Ford’s ‘Pro’ commercial division also offers bespoke telematics and connected functions to help make it super easy to both run and operate an electric van, particularly for fleets. 

Another highlight is the optional ‘Pro Power Onboard’ package which enables you to use the E-Transit’s battery to run other electrical equipment without the need for an often noisy generator.

Great to drive

Ford E-Transit

Ford has always managed to make its vans feel better to drive than you’d expect them to, and it’s exactly the same with the E-Transit too. For starters, in top-spec form, its electric motor puts out a huge 265bhp – that’s more than a Volkswagen Golf GTI… in a van!

But it’s not just the excellent performance but also the refinement that truly excels, and like the diesel models, there’s a real solid feeling to everything behind the wheel.