The Ford E-Transit 350 L2H2 68kWh 184ps Leader is a statement of intent from a brand synonymous with commercial reliability.
As businesses across the UK pivot toward sustainability, Ford’s century-long expertise in commercial vehicles culminates in this model: a zero-emission workhorse designed to outperform diesel counterparts while slashing operating costs. The E-Transit Leader redefines what electric vans can achieve with a 68kWh battery, 184PS electric motor, and class-leading payload of up to 1,616kg.
But why choose this over competitors like the Mercedes eSprinter, Renault Master E-Tech, or Nissan NV200? From unrivalled charging flexibility to Ford Pro’s support ecosystem, this guide unpacks how the E-Transit Leader dominates the sub-£50k electric van market.
Whether you’re a tradesperson, delivery fleet manager, or eco-conscious entrepreneur, discover why this model is the most intelligent investment for 2024.
Ford’s Transit range has been the UK’s best-selling van for over 50 years, and the E-Transit Leader inherits this pedigree. Unlike newer EV startups, Ford leverages decades of engineering insights to optimise durability. The E-Transit’s steel-reinforced chassis and 30,000-hour battery testing regimen reflect a brand that understands harsh commercial demands. Competitors like the Renault Master E-Tech lack this depth of real-world validation.
68kWh Battery & 184PS Motor: This vehicle has a WLTP range of 196 miles —enough to travel from London to Manchester on a single charge. The Mercedes eSprinter, with its smaller 56kWh battery, manages only 95 miles.
Payload and Towing: With a payload of 1,616kg and a braked towing capacity of 2,000kg, it surpasses the Nissan NV200 (700kg payload) and the Renault Master (1,400kg).
Charging Flexibility: 125kW DC rapid charging (0-80% in 34 minutes) and 11kW AC compatibility, making it ideal for BP Pulse or Pod Point networks.
Upfront Savings: Eligible for the UK’s £5,000 Plug-in Van Grant, reducing the price to ~£49,000. The Mercedes eSprinter costs £11,000 more.
BiK Rates: 0% Benefit-in-Kind tax in 2024/25 vs. 37% for diesel vans.
Maintenance: 40% lower servicing costs than diesel, with regenerative braking sparing brake pads.
Ford collaborates with Shell Recharge and Ionity, offering access to 15,000 UK charge points. The E-Transit’s CCS2 port ensures compatibility with 98% of rapid chargers, unlike the Nissan NV200’s limited CHAdeMO support.
Standard features include Pre-Collision Assist, Lane-Keeping Aid, and six airbags - exceeding the Renault Master’s 4-star Euro NCAP rating.
From refrigerated units for catering to racking for tools, Ford’s 200+ upfit options surpass the Nissan NV200’s niche design.
8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
Ford Pro’s 24/7 roadside assistance and 400+ UK service centres.
The E-Transit uses 100% recycled fabrics and eco-friendly battery recycling programs, aligning with Climate Group’s EV100 initiative.
Feature |
Ford E-Transit Leader |
Mercedes eSprinter |
Renault Master E-Tech |
Range (WLTP) |
196 miles |
95 miles |
124 miles |
Payload |
1,616kg |
1,050kg |
1,400kg |
Price (ex-VAT) |
£49,000 |
£60,000 |
£47,000 |
Rapid Charging |
34 mins (0-80%) |
45 mins |
60 mins |
DHL UK: Reduced CO2 by 12 tonnes annually using 20 E-Transit vans.
Bristol City Council: Cut fuel costs by 60% vs. diesel fleet.
The Ford E-Transit 350 L2H2 68kWh 184ps Leader isn’t just about going electric—it’s about more intelligent business. For SMEs, its unmatched payload, rapid charging, and £5,000 grant eligibility slash upfront costs.
Ford Pro Telematics optimises routes for fleets, while 8-year battery warranties eliminate risk. Competitors
Sacrifice range (eSprinter) or payload (NV200), but Ford balances both.
In a market where reliability and TCO dictate success, the E-Transit Leader is the only electric van that replaces diesel without compromise.
With the UK’s 2035 ICE ban looming, investing now future-proofs your operations.
Ready to electrify your fleet? Speak to your local TC Harrison Ford Dealer today!
The Ford E-Transit Leader - it’s today’s most intelligent choice.
Learn more about the Ford E-Transit Leader
The Ford E-Transit Leader offers a WLTP-certified range of 196 miles on a full charge. However, real-world driving (e.g., urban delivery routes) typically achieves 150-180 miles, depending on load, terrain, and climate control.
Rapid Charging (125kW DC): 0-80% in 34 minutes.
11kW AC Charger: Full charge in 8 hours (overnight).
7kW Home Charger: ~10 hours for a full charge.
The base price starts at £49,000 (ex-VAT), but with the UK’s Plug-in Van Grant (PIVG), it drops to £44,000. Lease options via Ford Pro start at £400/month.
Yes! It qualifies for the £5,000 Plug-in Van Grant and 0% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax until 2025, which will save businesses thousands annually.
40% lower maintenance costs (no oil changes, fewer moving parts) and £0.08/mile charging costs vs. £0.20/mile for diesel. Over 5 years, savings exceed £15,000.
Payload: Up to 1,616kg (higher than Mercedes eSprinter’s 1,050kg).
Towing: 2,000kg braked trailer capacity.
It uses a CCS2 connector, compatible with 98% of UK rapid chargers, including BP Pulse, Pod Point, and Ionity.
Standard features: Pre-Collision Assist, Lane-Keeping Aid, 6 airbags, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Rated five stars by Euro NCAP for commercial vehicles.
An 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, covering degradation below 70% capacity.
Expect a 10-15% range drop in sub-zero temperatures, mitigated by the pre-conditioning feature (warms the battery while charging).
Yes! Regenerative braking reduces brake wear, and electric motors require no oil changes. Servicing costs are ~40% cheaper.
Ford offers 200+ upfit options, including refrigerated units, tool racks, and shelving systems.
0% BiK tax until 2025 (vs. 37% for diesel).
100% First-Year Allowance (FYA) for VAT-registered businesses.
The E-Transit has double the range (196 vs. 95 miles), higher payload, and costs £15,000 less. The eSprinter lacks Ford Pro’s telematics ecosystem.
DHL UK reported a 12-tonne CO2 reduction annually using E-Transit vans. Bristol City Council saved 60% on fuel costs vs. diesel.
Ford predicts 55-60% residual value after 3 years, bolstered by rising demand for electric commercial vehicles.
At UK average electricity rates (£0.24/kWh), diesel costs ~£0.08/mile, compared to £0.20/mile for electricity.
Yes! Ford’s Power-Up Updates improve performance, battery management, and add features remotely.
L2H2 model: 5.3m long, 2.4m high.
Cargo volume: 11.3m³ (fits 3 Euro pallets).
Currently 12-16 weeks, depending on configuration. Ford Pro prioritises fleet orders.