Tags: #electric-vehicles
Ford’s E-Tourneo will go head-to-head with a trio of MPVs from Stellantis such as the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer, Vauxhall Vivaro Life and Peugeot Traveller, alongside an ever-increasing number from premium manufacturers like VW and its ID.Buzz. It’s possible to lump these vehicles into one group as being much of a muchness, but Ford is hoping to differentiate itself with more range and a focus on premium features.
Another thing the Ford has going for it is its availability as a PHEV, which will appeal to minicab firms and other business drivers who may need more range but with low official emissions. Whether in full EV or PHEV form, however, the E-Tourneo Custom makes a good argument for itself.
Ford has equipped the E-Tourneo with a 74kWh battery which benefits from the same high-efficiency cell technology as the F-150 Lightning pick-up. This delivers electrons to a 215bhp e-motor, which has been calibrated for one-pedal driving. Ford reckons that the E-Tourneo Custom will be capable of around 230 miles on a charge, making it one of the leggier MPVs from the current crop. It’ll also tow up to 2000kg and has 2.3kW sockets for V2L (vehicle to load) functionality.
Charging is undertaken at up to 125kW, meaning 15 to 80 per cent can be delivered in just over 40 minutes. Knowing its potential market, Ford has developed a charge profile which juices the battery quickly during the early charging phase, meaning quick yet effective top-ups are possible – adding 23 miles in just five minutes. On AC power, the Tourneo uses an 11kW on-board charging for a complete recharge in under eight hours.
If buyers plump for the PHEV, they’ll get a 2.5-litre petrol engine and e-motor combination with an 11.8kWh battery which offers up to 31 miles of zero emissions driving.
MPVs are all about the flexibility and versatility of their interiors and the Ford is no different. The brand has also thrown in some more premium features to ensure the E-Tourneo reflects the cars from Ford’s range. Both standard and long wheelbase models will be on offer, with a maximum of eight seats in the E-Tourneo and nine in the PHEV over three rows.
In all cases, a new track-mounted seating system in the second and third rows enables owners to slide and remove seats to alter the space available. The third row can be removed in a two/one configuration, whilst the second row seats can be removed individually. Another bonus for passengers is the new vehicle platform’s lower height, bringing the Tourneo to under two metres making access easier, as well as enabling the van to use most car parks with height restrictions.
Hints of luxury are provided by an optional panoramic roof, power operating sliding doors, tri-zone air conditioning, and a 14-speaker B&O sound system, as well as ambient lighting, wireless phone charging and heated outboard seats in the second row. Up front, a 13 inch touchscreen runs Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment and augments a new digital instrument cluster. The steering wheel can be folded flat when not in use to act as a table or at an angle to hold laptops or tablets.
It’s fair to say that the E-Tourneo stands out pretty well against some of the competition, being far less a van with seats and standing out more as a purpose-built MPV. In ultimate Titanium X trim, it gets 19 inch wheels as standard and full matrix LED headlights, plus a leather interior. Other trim levels include Active and Sport, and all can be specified with any powertrain.
The lower overall height and smaller ground clearance aids aerodynamics, whilst on the E-Tourneo specifically, the grille is unique and is complimented by distinctive LED lighting with full-width graphic. At the rear, distinctive rear LED lamps frame full width ‘Tourneo’ lettering.
Ford is yet to reveal the pricing structure of the new E-Tourneo Custom and Tourneo Custom PHEV, however, deliveries are due to start from mid-2023. We will report back when we find out more.
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