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Testing the EV Range of a Ford E-TransitTM in a Rural Region

Apr 25, 2024 | 3 min read

The Shenandoah Valley, which stretches 200 miles from the Potomac River in Maryland to the Roanoke River in Virginia, is characterized by picturesque countryside, quaint townships, fertile farmland, and a rich heritage. In addition to the area’s pivotal role in agricultural production, it’s also home to a thriving community of skilled artisans and craftsmen who create handmade goods using traditional techniques and materials.

 

Jon Henry General Store in New Market, Virginia, is passionate about supporting local and regional sellers. The store sources foods, wares, and other essentials from all over the area to sell to patrons, meaning reliable vehicle transport is critical to operations.

 

In October 2023, Jon Henry opted into the Rural Reimagined Project, a Department of Energy-funded project to promote electric vehicle (EV) education and adoption in rural communities in Appalachia. As part of the program, participants may borrow an EV for two to six weeks to conduct test-drives, including those to test EV range. Jon Henry General Store decided to conduct a Ford E-Transit range test for the fleet.

a guy looking at a tablet

Jon Henry General Store was able to test-drive a Ford E-TransitTM van through a DOE-funded project.

After loading a 2023 Ford E-Transit all-electric van with over 3,500 pounds of potatoes at the store, the driver traveled approximately 56 miles roundtrip to the Montezuma Market in Dayton, Virginia, and back. In an effort to reduce carbon emissions, the store’s employees even used a battery-powered forklift to load the potatoes into the electric delivery van.

 

The Ford E-Transit Range Test Results

 

To the excitement of employees, the Ford E-Transit range test was a success. Prior to departure, the all-electric van had a charge of 69% with an 81-mile estimated range. During the trip, the driver used the air conditioner and the radio. The all-electric van’s regenerative braking helped recover energy1118 that would normally be lost, helping make the most of the vehicle’s range. At the end of the roundtrip journey, the electric delivery van still had a charge of 48% with a 56-mile estimated EV range.

a guy looking at a tablet

Jon Henry General Store conducted two EV range tests by loading up produce and driving to Dayton, Virginia.

Encouraged by the results of the first Ford E-Transit range test, Jon Henry General Store decided to conduct a second—this time delivering apples to the Shenandoah Valley Product Auction in Dayton (54 miles roundtrip). Again, the all-electric van performed well. With a full charge upon departure, the Ford electric van was still at 74% battery when it arrived in Dayton.

 

Vehicles play a vital role in connecting rural communities in the Shenandoah Valley with one another. Ford ProTM is proud to be able to support organizations, like Jon Henry General Store, which are testing EV range in a rural setting.

 

The Ford E-Transit cargo van is one of three electric vehicles in our commercial EV lineup. If you’re interested in exploring the possibility of switching some or all of your fleet vehicles to electric, check out Ford Pro E-Switch Assist, a complimentary, easy-to-use tool to help you determine if EVs are a good fit for your daily EV range needs.

Disclosure(s)

  1. 1)

    "Where the Energy Goes: Electric Cars." U.S. Department of Energy. Accessed Feb. 21, 2024. https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/atv-ev.shtml