Evaluating the Ford E-Transit Van and EV Trucks for Your Fleet

Author: Brett Knox
September 26, 2024 - 4 MIN. READ

Previously, we discussed why contractors should consider transitioning their fleet to electric vans. Going electric unlocks immediate savings at the pump, and additional benefits, such as savings on maintenance, will support your decision.

However, electrifying your fleet requires choosing the right vehicles. Read on to learn more about how EVs can tackle common contractor fleet challenges and explore popular EVs for contractors.

Going Electric Might Make Sense

Gas prices have increased by close to 14% in 2024. Experts cite seasonal trends to explain this increase, but with instability continuing in the Middle East, a big outbreak in violence could send oil prices soaring.

High gas prices and rising supply costs are eating away at profits. For many contractors, going electric is emerging as an answer to these problems.

Driving an EV can help mitigate fleet challenges by reducing fuel and maintenance costs. Given that fleet supply chain issues make some van parts hard to get, a vehicle requiring less frequent maintenance can be a smart investment.

Another benefit of adopting an electric commercial fleet is to cut your business’s greenhouse gas emissions. Driving an EV can slash your emissions by two-thirds, contributing to a cleaner community. In the eyes of customers who care about the environment, your electric work truck or van can be a strong differentiator.

Contractors are also optimizing their fleet management process thanks to EVs. These modern vehicles are packed with sensors and connected features, making it easier than ever to collect a wide range of valuable data points while your technicians are on the move.

You can integrate these data points into fleet management software, route planning solutions, analytics platforms, and more. The benefits include improved visibility over your fleet, real-time route planning, and enhanced operational efficiency.

Electrifying Your Fleet With Ford E-Transit Vans

Ford Transit vans are popular among contractors due to their high payload capacity, durable construction, and cargo space. In 2022, Ford introduced an electric version of this sturdy work van with the E-Transit.

This EV version uses the same body as the ICE van, with some slight cosmetic differences. It’s rapidly becoming a favorite choice for electric fleets.

With its low center of gravity, high torque, and quiet electric motor, the Ford E-Transit van delivers a responsive and pleasant driving experience that can reduce fatigue for your techs who have to complete long service routes.

The Power My Trip function is also worth mentioning. This smart feature gives you real-time insights into the van’s state of charge and remaining range. It also adjusts range estimates based on traffic conditions and helps you plan routes dynamically.

The 2024 Ford Transit lineup includes several builds and models. Let’s compare the two gas-powered engines to the 2024 Ford E-Transit work van.

Older gas-powered Ford Transit vans tested at between 13 to 17 mpg in terms of fuel economy. The 2024 Ford E-Transit has a range of 159 miles per battery charge, roughly equal to 1.7 miles per kWh, given the battery’s capacity of 89 kWh.

With a gallon of gas costing an average of $3.27, driving a gas-powered Ford Transit van costs approximately $0.22 per mile. On the other hand, the average electric rate of 16.41 cents per kWh means that driving a Ford E-Transit van costs an average of $0.09 per mile.

These cost savings help justify the higher upfront MSRP for the electric version of the Ford Transit, but you should know that you can reduce this upfront cost by taking advantage of fleet electrification incentives. You can claim the Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit to save up to $7,500 on your fleet EV and benefit from additional incentives at the state and local levels.

Comparing Electric Pickup Trucks

A pick-up truck might be a better match for the needs of your fleet. All major automakers offer at least one electric pick-up truck as part of their lineups. We compare some of the most popular electric trucks below.

The best electric truck depends on your service area and typical routes.

Do More to Boost Your Bottom Line With Raiven

Going electric is an interesting solution for cutting costs linked to gas and maintenance.

Raiven not only provides pre-negotiated discounts and favorable financing options on EV vans and trucks but their gasoline and diesel vehicles as well from leading manufacturers like Ford and Ram.

Raiven also provides pre-negotiated discounts of 7%-30% at industry-leading suppliers, including ABB, Alpscontrols, Carrier, ChargePoint, Ferguson, Grainger, Graybar, HD Supply, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Office Depot, Sunbelt Rentals, Schneider Electric, United Rentals, and more!

As a Raiven member, you also gain access to our online marketplace, which was designed specifically for contractors to streamline and automate purchasing.

Make more profit and win more jobs by becoming a Raiven member and start reducing your purchasing and operating costs today!

Visit Raiven to learn more about our contractor purchasing program and start saving on equipment, parts, and supply purchases!