When you ask someone in Britain to think of a commercial vehicle, they’ll most likely picture a Transit. However, it can take a lot more than a fleet of vans to keep a building site or major infrastructure project running smoothly.
Take our larger fleet customers — they need to move site supervisors or inspection teams across multiple sites in the same day, often without carrying much more than laptops, paperwork and some specialist kit or spare parts. They also face corporate and legislative pressure to rapidly shift to electric vehicles.
Explorer Van is our answer, offering up to 374 miles (602 km) of range, 1 optional all-wheel drive and up to 650 kg of payload 2 for companies who need a long-range electric replacement for company pool cars or paying mileage costs when employees use their own vehicles.
The idea came from one of the many conversations we have with our large fleet partners. With engineering expertise from our Ford Pro Special Vehicles team, we carried out an iterative design and development process for an in-house Explorer conversion to directly meet the needs of those fleets. Through this engagement with fleet partners and using lessons from previous in-house conversions, we had a vehicle signed off and ready for sale within six months.
Safety is the top priority for every operator, so the first job was engineering a full copolymer bulkhead. It had to avoid conflicting with the airbags and safety features or blocking rear vision but still fully separate the front seats from the load area where the rear seats would usually be.
The rest of the standard conversion, done at our Dagenham Conversion Centre, includes a lightweight but durable flat load floor with moveable dividers to help secure small items, as well as lashing points and panelled rear windows.
The conversion has been engineered for full compatibility with the Explorer’s safety features, as well as with a focus on minimising weight to maximise payload, efficiency and driving range.
Working with our partner customers, we split the key options into packs so fleets can pick the best add-ons to suit their needs:
- Wheel Pack: 19-inch steel wheels, wheel nut indicators, all-weather tyres
- Welfare Pack: first aid kit, eye washing and hand sanitiser station
- Utility Pack: frunk storage, roof rack, rear window security mesh, hard-wearing seat covers, front rubber floor mats
- Commercial Pack: amber lightbar, tailgate work lamp, tailgate beacons
Customers can choose between a 210 kW rear-wheel drive system producing 545 Nm of torque, or a 250 kW all-wheel drive system with 679 Nm 3 capable of towing up to 1,200 kg (1,000 kg with RWD). 4 Rapid charging up to 135 kW supports even long days visiting multiple sites as a 10-80 per cent charge takes approximately 25 minutes. 5
Inside, the premium cabin is a comfortable and practical place to work. Valuables can be kept in the 17-litre MegaConsole or the hidden and lockable My Private Locker, while helpful driver assistance tech including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection and a rear-view camera can help avoid costly scrapes on the road and on site. 6 A built-in route planner finds the most efficient journeys and displays the best charging stops, if needed, with live availability.
“This project's been a prime example of how close engagement with customers and keeping things simple can often deliver the best result.”Niall Canavan, product manager, Explorer Van
Explorer Van is homologated as a full commercial vehicle, so it’s been validated to the same rigorous test procedures as our commercial vehicle line-up and is fully compliant with all applicable safety requirements. That also makes it eligible for additional tax and financial incentives for customers. As it’s a Ford conversion, a bumper-to-bumper three-year/60,000-mile warranty on the base vehicle and conversion gives peace of mind.
This project’s been a prime example of how close engagement with customers and keeping things simple can often deliver the best result; we spotted a need, pulled the Ford teams together to meet it, and quickly delivered the ideal answer. The reception behind closed doors has been excellent, and I’m excited to see Explorer Van on the Ford Pro stand at the CV Show later this month.
Niall Canavan is brand manager for the all-new Explorer Van.
1 Up to 602 km based on full charge of Explorer Van RWD. Estimated range using Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
2 Max payload varies and is based on accessories and vehicle configuration. See label on doorjamb for carrying capacity of a specific vehicle. Always properly secure cargo.
3 Horsepower, torque and towing are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
4 When properly equipped. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.
5 Estimated figures given are based on Explorer Van. Actual charge times and charging speeds will vary according to the type of home or public charging station used, as well as other factors (including weather, ambient temperature, driving behaviour, driving profile, vehicle condition, lithium-ion battery age, condition, and temperature).
6 Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.
