DETROIT — Penske Truck Leasing has ordered 750 Ford E-Transit electrical cargo vans, the newest high-profile firm to purchase in following the car’s February launch.

Penske plans to take supply of the primary a number of vans within the coming weeks, it mentioned in a launch. These vans shall be made obtainable to prospects in Southern California, whereas prospects elsewhere within the U.S. may have entry to them later within the 12 months for each short-term leases and longer-term leases.

The corporate selected to order the vans after it obtained a preproduction mannequin in addition to entry to telematics companies late final 12 months as a part of Ford Motor Co.’s business enterprise pilot program.

“We’re excited to assist convey these new autos to market as each a rental and full-service lease possibility for our prospects,” Artwork Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing, mentioned in an announcement. “We proceed to increase and diversify our fleet of electrical autos and to supply new choices for purchasers searching for extra sustainable selections in relation to transportation.”

Ford started transport manufacturing variations of the E-Transit in February. The automaker mentioned at launch it had already booked 10,000 E-Transit orders from about 300 business prospects. These prospects embody Walmart, which introduced earlier this 12 months it could buy 1,100 vans.

“Penske and Ford Professional have been doing enterprise collectively for a few years. We’re proud to be chosen to assist them electrify their business fleet,” Tim Baughman, Ford Professional basic supervisor of North America, mentioned in an emailed assertion. “Penske participated in our E-Transit pilot previous to buyer manufacturing, so we take into account this an excellent testomony to E-Transit’s versatility and functionality that can assist to speed up many business fleets into an all-electric future.”

The E-Transit begins at $44,900, together with transport, and is available in eight configurations. Of the ten,000 orders, executives have mentioned 44 p.c are for the high-roof model, 32 p.c are for the medium-roof model and 19 p.c are for the low roof.

The low-roof cargo van variant will rise up to 126 miles of vary on a full cost, based mostly on EPA methodology. Ford says inner analysis signifies business prospects drive 74 miles a day.