Ford has unveiled the first electrified chapter in its legendary Supervan series – the ultra-high-performance Ford Pro Electric SuperVan.

The Ford Pro Electric SuperVan fully utilises the potential of electric performance and enhanced connectivity to achieve the highest performance of any Ford van ever and underscore the company’s huge commitment to electrification.

Four electric motors, a 50kWh liquid-cooled battery and a bespoke control system produce approximately 2,000PS for sub two-second 0-62mph acceleration. Performance from a purpose-built, track-ready chassis including components from the recently unveiled E-Transit Custom – the first fully electric version of Britain’s best-selling vehicle  – is complemented by Ford’s SYNC in-cab touchscreen technology  from road-going Ford models, as well as additional functionality to control the Electric SuperVan’s unique capabilities.

The enhanced connectivity keeps the driver informed and enables real-time data transmission for remote vehicle management and optimised performance, just like the integrated services that can accelerate the productivity of over 125,000 Ford Pro customers across Europe. Selectable drive modes and regenerative braking technologies similar to those on Ford production electric vehicles also feature.

The striking, all-electric demonstrator vehicle was developed in secret by Ford Performance and electrified rally and racing specialists STARD in Austria, with exterior design by the Ford Design team in Cologne, Germany.

“We’re bringing SuperVan into the 21^st century with 2,000PS of all-electric power for unmatched excitement and unmistakeable styling inspired by the new E-Transit Custom. But performance isn’t all about horsepower – the Electric SuperVan’s processing power means engineers can use real-time vehicle data to optimise its performance, just like on a top-level racing car,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports.

Ford’s first SuperVan was revealed in 1971 and featured a mid-mounted engine taken from the Le Mans-winning Ford GT40 to create a Transit Mk.1 unlike any other. The formula was taken further for SuperVan 2; a glassfibre version of the Transit Mk.2 body was draped over the monocoque and 590PS Cosworth V8 of Ford’s C100 racing car. This vehicle was later reborn as the facelifted Transit Mk.3 lookalike SuperVan 3, powered by a screaming 650PS Cosworth HB engine shared with Formula 1 cars of the era.

“Ford Pro is all about accelerating productivity for our customers – so why not create a new Electric SuperVan that proves the power of electrification and connectivity,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “This incredible demonstrator vehicle takes E-Transit Custom’s advanced engineering and distinctive look to a whole new level, and is high-speed proof of the power of Ford Pro’s connected services ecosystem.”