Ford unveils electric van with more than 2000 hp
The Electric SuperVan was developed in secret.
Involved were the global Ford Performance Team, rally and race car specialists Stard in Austria and the Ford Design Team in Cologne. The SuperVan exploits the potential of battery-electric drive technology and advanced connectivity to the full. As such, the demonstrator sets new standards for the performance of Ford's Transit van ranges and underlines the brand's extensive commitment to the electrification of its commercial vehicles, Ford said in a recent statement.
Four electric motors, a 50 kWh liquid-cooled battery and bespoke powertrain management enable a maximum output of more than 1470 kW (2000 hp) and zero to 100 km/h acceleration in under two seconds. The race-ready chassis is based on the architecture of the recently launched E-Transit Custom - the first all-electric version of Europe's best-selling van, in the one-tonne payload range. The new E-Transit Custom will be launched next year.
The Ford Pro Electric SuperVan also features Ford SYNC 4, the latest generation connectivity system. With its central touch screen and additional features to control the Electric SuperVan's functions, Ford SYNC 4 is already familiar with Ford's current production models. Thanks to its enhanced connectivity, Ford SYNC 4 keeps the driver informed and enables real-time data transfers. This is of great benefit for externally controlled vehicle management and for optimising the operational efficiency of the Electric SuperVan. A choice of driving modes and regenerative braking technologies similar to those found on Ford's standard electric vehicles are also part of the Electric SuperVan's equipment.
Designed in Cologne, assembled in Austria
The development of the all-electric demonstrator took place in secret under the auspices of Ford's global performance team. The Ford design team in Cologne was responsible for the design. Assembly of the vehicle took place at Austrian-based Stard (Stohl Advanced Research and Development), a specialist in an electrified rally and racing vehicles.
"With a battery-electric output of 2000 hp, the Ford Pro Electric SuperVan offers endless driving pleasure and combines this with a distinctive design inspired by the new E-Transit Custom. This is how we transport the SuperVan idea into the 21st century," enthuses Mark Rushbrook, Director of Ford Performance Motorsport. "This is by no means just about sheer driving power. The Electric SuperVan's systems have tremendous computing power, so engineers have been able to optimise its performance on the track in real-time - just like a sophisticated race car."
The first generation SuperVan was introduced in 1971
Ford unveiled its first SuperVan in 1971: Back then, a mid-engine from the Le Mans-winning Ford GT40 car transformed the Transit Mk 1 into a unique vehicle. The SuperVan 2 developed this successful formula further - this time the engineers put a body made of fibreglass in the design of the second Transit generation over the monocoque and the 590 hp Cosworth V8 of the Ford C100 Group C racing car. In 1994, the concept of the third SuperVan was very similar, with a hoarse screaming Cosworth HB engine from Formula 1 with 650 hp providing appropriate propulsion.
The Ford Pro Electric SuperVan demonstrates its enormous power on the legendary, approximately 1.9-kilometre-long hill climb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. At the wheel is two-time Le Mans winner and proven e-motorsport specialist Romain Dumas. The French jack-of-all-trades has a lot of experience in handling fast electric cars - such as track records at Goodwood and the famous Pikes Peak hill climb in Colorado/USA as well as on the notorious Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. In addition, Dumas won the 24-hour race on the Eifel circuit four times and took a class victory at the Rally Monte Carlo. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 2016 World Endurance Champion also holds the distance record with 5,410.713 kilometres.