United Rentals purchase 530 EVs from Ford
The US company United Rentals has signed an agreement with Ford Pro to purchase 530 all-electric vehicles for its North American rental and corporate fleets. This involves 500 F-150 Lightning pickup trucks and 30 E-Transit vans.
The E-Transit vans are built in Kansas City for the US market and are to be delivered to United Rentals this year. This also applies to 120 of the 500 F-150 Lightning pickup trucks ordered.
United Rentals does not rent its vehicles to private customers, but to commercial customers, primarily from the construction industry, but also to delivery and service companies. Therefore, the rental company is also emphasising that the vehicles soon to be delivered are equipped with the “Pro Power On-Board” solution to be able to operate equipment and tools with power from the vehicle battery.
Demand for the electric pickup is significantly higher than Ford had calculated meaning that it has already had to adjust production planning upwards twice.
According to United Rentals, the F-150 Lightning is available with a large battery and maximum towing capacity. The extended-range battery has a net energy content of 131 kWh, the range is 300 miles or 480 kilometres. The 420 kW model can tow up to 10,000 pounds (4.53 tonnes). Only one battery option is offered for the E-Transit, but two drive systems. United Rentals did not reveal which of these they have chosen when announcing the purchase.
Ford’s E-Transit has also proved very popular. Earlier this month, DPD UK ordered 1000 of the electric vans, that do comparitively well on power, range and price.
When charging, rental customers will be able to use Ford’s BlueOval charging network. However, the new Ford Pro service line will also advise customers about charging solutions for company sites, United Rentals has said.
“We’re pleased to demonstrate leadership in the use of 100% electric vehicles in the construction and industrial rental sectors,” said United Rentals CEO Matthew Flannery. “This investment expands our strategic partnership with Ford and reflects our dual commitment to alternative energy solutions for our customers and operations,” he explained.
0 Comments