Ford has revealed the new Transit Smart Energy Concept—a one-of-a-kind 10-seater minibus that is helping the company explore solutions for maximizing the energy efficiency and driving range of electrified vehicles.

While one survey showed that 40% of Europeans say the next vehicle they buy will likely be electric, the distance that drivers can travel on a single charge of a battery-electric vehicle continues to be greatly impacted by the use of cabin heating features. Research has showed that using the climate control system in a battery-electric vehicle can reduce the driving range by up to 50% in cold weather.

Compared to goods transport vehicles, multi-occupant vehicles such as minibuses require significantly more energy to create a comfortable temperature for occupants. The energy is provided by the high-voltage battery, presenting a significant challenge to the vehicle’s driving range.

Demonstrated recently for the first time at the special “Go Further” experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the fully-functioning, all-electric Transit Smart Energy Concept delivers 150 kilometers driving range from a 4-hour charge, supported by energy-saving and energy-generating innovations from solar panels to powertrain heat recovery systems.

With frequent door openings, a large space to keep at comfortable temperatures, and a big payload to carry, a minibus presents the toughest challenge for maximizing battery-electric vehicle range, and that’s exactly why we chose it for our new Transit Smart Energy Concept. By developing this concept we’ve found a number of clever ways to save energy that could help further improve the electrified vehicle experience for customers in the future.

—Kilian Vas, project leader, Vehicle Architecture, Ford of Europe

Developed by engineers at Ford’s Merkenich Technical Center, Germany, the Transit Smart Energy Concept uses the same drivetrain technology as the StreetScooter WORK XL commercial vehicle, and a Ford Transit chassis fitted with a battery-electric drivetrain for zero-emissions driving.

Innovations that enhance energy efficiency and driving range being tested for the first time include:

• An innovative heat pump system that utilizes waste heat from the drivetrain components, the outside air and the air within the cabin to reduce heating system energy usage by up to 65%, resulting in a range extension of 20%.

• A power sliding door that opens halfway to reduce heat loss and can be activated by the passenger using a smart device. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning blower is automatically deactivated when the door is open.

• Heated business-class passenger seats and surfaces that enable passengers to control their local temperature, reducing the energy required for the large cabin.

• Six roof-mounted solar panels that charge a 12-volt battery for powering seat heating, cabin lighting and on-board electrical systems including wireless charging for passenger mobile devices.

• A polycarbonate divider between the passenger door and seating area that further reduces heat loss as passengers enter and exit, and protects passengers from external elements.

• Ventilated double-glazed windows that reduce cold contact surfaces and insulate against heat loss.

• Mood lighting that adjusts according to cabin temperature—red for warmth and blue for cooling—subliminally influencing passengers’ perception of cabin temperature.

• An insulated rear floor and roof that further reduce cabin heat loss.

The driver can monitor the temperature status of all passenger seats from a tablet-inspired screen mounted in the centre console, which also gives an overview of the power savings. Two screens mounted behind the driver enable passengers to track the vehicle’s location, find out about points-of-interest and receive news and weather updates.

Future iterations of the concept are planned to enable the driver to control heating and cooling of individual seats—%-%-%-and deactivation of unoccupied seats. Automatic passenger detection inspired by existing airbag deployment technologies will also be a feature.

Ford anticipates beginning road-trials with the Transit Smart Energy Concept later this year after completing wind-tunnel tests, as the company seeks to develop new strategies to enhance the performance and driving range of electrified vehicles.

The company earlier this year announced that every Ford nameplate from the all-new Focus onwards will include an electrified option. This includes new nameplates and new versions of existing vehicles. From Fiesta to Transit, either a mild-hybrid, full-hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full battery-electric option will be offered.

Ford last week revealed at the “Go Further” experience an all-electric Transit van anticipated for volume launch in 2021—one of 16 electrified Ford models announced including an all-new Explorer Plug-In Hybrid SUV, all-new Kuga EcoBlue Hybrid, Hybrid, and Plug-In Hybrid SUVs, and a new Tourneo Custom Plug-In Hybrid people mover.

The Transit provides the basis for the Deutsche Post StreetScooter WORK XL electric van, produced at Ford’s European HQ in Cologne. Ford is also trialing Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid vans in London, Cologne and Valencia, Spain, to improve air quality and increase productivity.