CV Show: Ford offers promise to get customers into EVs

Ford has used the UK CV Show to launch its Power Promise for commercial vehicle customers, a package of benefits designed to make switching to electric vans much simpler.

The programme is hoped to boost the UK’s stalling electric van take-up – registrations are currently running at around 8%, less than half of the 16% that the Government Zero-Emissions Vehicle Mandate requires by the end of 2025.

A recent report commissioned by Ford Pro and published by the Centre for Economics and Business Research has concluded that switching to electric vans could save small businesses in the UK almost £12,000 per vehicle over three years, mainly through reduced energy and maintenance costs.

However the report found many businesses are lacking the confidence to make the switch, despite the potential savings. Leading reasons given include battery charging times (cited by 38.1% of respondents), availability of public charging (29.1%) and the cost of installing charging infrastructure (28.4%).

Building on Ford Pro’s home charging offer launched in 2024, the Power Promise package is offered at the time of the vehicle sale and provides a discounted home charger costing just £10, or an £825 contribution towards a charging installation at a commercial premises.

It also adds a free five-year service and roadside assistance plan; eight-year high-voltage battery warranty; 12-month free vehicle management software and access to Ford’s expansive BlueOval Charge Network.

Customers who do not have the ability to install a home charger and don’t need depot charging are instead offered a £500 saving on any eligible vehicle purchase.

The package was launched at the CV Show in support of the Ford E-Transit, 2 E-Transit Custom 3 and E-Transit Courier 4 all-electric vans – all of which are on show at the NEC, Birmingham event.