With the Ford Pro Electric SuperVan come sensations of dizziness: 2,000 CV, from 0 to 100 km/h in less than two seconds. We have dared to drive this brutal ‘van’
Ford has done it again and launched a new generation of supervans after almost 30 years. After the V8 predecessors, the fourth generation comes with four electric motors.
However – or perhaps because of it – the thing is not for the faint of heart. 2,000 hp and driving performance from another galaxy make the Ford Pro Electric SuperVan one hell of a device. AUTOBILD traveled to Dunsfold in the UK to find out what tachycardia really is.
But first a quick overview: the new SuperVan uses the platform of the Ford E-Transit Custom, which will launch in the second half of 2023. Thanks to the extended wheelbase, there is room for a 50 kWh water-cooled battery that powers four electric motors with a total of 2000 hp. They shoot the two-tonne from 0 to 100 km/h in less than two seconds and go beyond 300 km/h. Racing slicks, brakes and chassis try to keep up with performance.
Visually, that this is a Transit can be guessed at best. Extremely wide carbon body fenders, powerful spoilers and diffusers adorn the front and rear.
The highlight is the massive Ford GT-inspired air vents, which cut cargo space in half. Side note: Ford actually intends to homologate this monstrous creation.
Opening the featherweight carbon doors reveals the FIA compliant racing bucket seats and roll cage. The only thing that’s standard is the huge 15-inch infotainment system, where driving and vehicle data, battery status and more can be monitored in the SuperVan.
In addition, driving modes can be set here and a start and wear control function can be activated.
Acceleration is literally awesome
I put on my helmet… and in the passenger seat. First of all, I don’t want something to happen to this one-of-a-kind car because of me, one day before it is presented to its public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Second, my driver’s name is Romain Dumas, two-time Le Mans winner, record holder at Goodwood, etc. So buckle up and pray. “Are you ready?” Romain asks. “Yeah,” I lie briefly, because I’m anything but prepared for what the SuperVan is about to do.
Actually, talking about acceleration falls short. Accompanied by deafening screeches and buzzes, the device is catapulted forward. My stomach, just wrapped around my spine, slams against my abdominal wall as we brake.
The curves are no less impressive. Absolute madness how the device sticks to the asphalt of the airfield where the Top Gear companions usually test. But there’s another way to do it: after a few turns, Romain begins to drift wildly across the airfield. What a show! A few more burns and the show will be over
More than just a marketing trick
Asked how the SuperVan feels behind the wheel, Romain says: “It’s good, the car is quite quick. It’s really fun and it feels good.” Proof that Ford has done more than just a marketing stunt and put a truly capable racing machine on its wheels.
Hoping my internal organs are back in the right order, I look around again and ask myself: how would a Transit Nugget motorhome work like a SuperVan?