One Van: Countless Possibilities
This van is a master of all trades. Convert an affordable used Ford Transit Connect for any kind of work van you need, from cargo to delivery. Or seat up to seven for family, team, or church activities.
What’s New with the Transit Connect?
Nearly every automaker on the planet has pledged to convert to an all-electric lineup over the next decade, and Ford is no different. Like the Transit Connect, the E-Transit will be available in regular, long, and extended length with a low, medium, or high roof height, so you can configure it to your work needs.
Ford has set a target 126-mile range for the cargo van (the low roof models), taking into account the average daily range for commercial vans and varying weather conditions that affect battery range.
The starting price is substantially higher than the gasoline-powered Transit Connect vans. But over the long haul, the E-Transit can save your business a lot of money in fuel costs and maintenance. And if you’re looking for short-term financial incentives, the electric van may qualify for federal, state, and local tax credits.
What’s Grinding in the Rumor Mill?
Some hawk-eyed industry followers discovered a recently granted U.S. Patent on what may be the American version of the Transit Trail van sold in the United Kingdom. And it’s got a lot of fans excited for a Raptor-Transit mashup.
Photos included in the August 2020 patent filing (the patent was granted in August 2021) show a familiar aggressive black front grille that swaps out the blue oval badge for the Raptor-like bold FORD logo. Black fender flares and cladding add to the more athletic, off-road aesthetic.
Should it become available in the United States—which seems like a no-brainer, given America’s love for tough-looking, go-everywhere adventure vehicles—expect it to come standard with rear-wheel drive, with an available all-wheel-drive option. The European Transit Trail’s AWD option includes two additional driving modes: slippery and mud/rut. But that’s for drivers dealing with English roads. What modes are available in the States may vary.
An Americanized version of the Trail Transit would be ideal for an outdoor gear rental business. An all-wheel-drive van can get watercraft, trail bikes, and snow gear to places that are difficult to reach for other vehicles. And unlike an open truck or trailer, the Transit van can keep equipment clean and dry until it’s rented out. Depending on the drive modes available here, it would also be an excellent option for delivery drivers and other businesses that can’t take snow days.
But remember, this is not a done deal (yet). Ford hasn’t announced an off-road capable van for the American market. But we can’t help getting excited about a Trail Transit, Transit Raptor, or whatever Ford ends up calling it.
Versatile, Budget-Friendly Options for Your Fleet
With some exciting new models on the horizon, it’s a great time to think about adding to your fleet. And if your business or organization is on a shoestring budget, you can still find some fantastic deals on a used Ford Transit Connect, no matter where you are.
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