Ford has unveiled the first electrified vehicle (and fourth overall) in its Supervan series, the Ford Pro Electric SuperVan, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Equipped with four electric motors, a 50kWh liquid-cooled battery and a bespoke control system to produce approximately 2,000PS (1,972 horsepower), the electric Supervan can accelerate from 0-62mph(100km/h) in under two seconds and be fully recharged in approximately 45 minutes using a standard electric vehicle fast-charger.
The van features a purpose-built, track-ready chassis consisting of the E-Transit Custom floor plan and a steel spaceframe dressed in a low aerodynamic bodywork styled by the Ford Design team in Cologne, Germany.
“The chance to be part of the iconic SuperVan story and reimagine what it could be in the 21st century was a dream opportunity,” said Amko Leenarts, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “The fourth chapter of the SuperVan story is designed to be the fastest, most extreme yet while keeping the Transit DNA.”
Developed in secret by Ford Performance and electrified rally and racing specialists STARD in Austria, the electric van features unequal-length double wishbone suspension at each corner, as well as motorsport-grade front and rear subframes, uprights, and brakes.
The SuperVan is stocked with bespoke drive modes (Road, Track, Drag, Drift and Rally), three-stage regenerative braking technology and Ford SYNC connectivity, which keeps the driver informed and enables real-time data transmission for remote vehicle management and optimised performance.
“Ford Pro is all about accelerating productivity for our customers – so why not create a new Electric SuperVan that proves the power of electrification and connectivity,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe.
The body features a sharply sculpted front splitter, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a dorsal fin flowing into the rear wing to generate downforce and push the electric SuperVan into the track for extra grip.
The van also has a Tyre Cleaning Mode – a new feature that fully brakes one axle while spinning the other, creating burnouts on the front or rear axles that help clean and warm the tyres before performance runs.
LeMans racer and electric record-setter, Romain Dumas drove the SuperVan at the Goodwood’s famous hill climb track of 1.16 miles (1.87 km).