Ford's Electric Nugget Camper Van for the US

author: FutureCar Staff    

Ford recently unveiled the latest version of its "Nugget" campervan, which now offers some electric range. Developed in collaboration with Westfalia, the new Nugget features a distinctive multi-zone interior layout that sets it apart from competitors. Ford's all-new vehicle platform, launching this year, enables advanced design features, connectivity, and driving technologies. The living space offers new premium finishes, enhanced functionality, and the option of a solar roof for easier getaways.

The Nugget is designed to help owners discover new places and offers extra comfort, connectivity, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) option. The initial release will be the Nugget Titanium series, featuring a tilt roof and an EcoBlue engine. Customers can place their orders in August 2023, with delivery expected in spring 2024. Additional models, including the PHEV option, will be introduced within the next year.

The new Nugget features a luxurious cabin design, with easy movement within the cabin facilitated by a new dashboard design and flat floor. Loading and entering/exiting the cabin are made easier with a lower floor, integrated side step, and sliding side door and rear tailgate apertures. The PHEV powertrain leverages technology from the Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid and enables pure-electric driving capability.

The new Nugget prioritizes safety and ease of driving, offering a car-like driving position, advanced driver assistance systems, and features such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring. The interior has been redesigned to create separate zones for cooking, living, and sleeping, allowing campers to move around the cabin without disturbing each other. The seating area conveniently transforms into a dining and sleeping area when parked.

The kitchen layout has been optimized, with a practical new drawer fridge, an integrated hob and sink unit with hot water, and increased worktop space. The new Nugget also includes design improvements such as a flip-up mattress section for increased kitchen headroom, a track-mounted rear bench with easy one-handed adjustment, and a rear-mounted hot/cold shower outlet. Tech features like touchscreen control panels, mood lighting, and smartphone connectivity enhance the interior.

While the new Nugget is exciting, there is a need for a larger campervan based on the larger Transit platforms for the US market. This would cater to bigger families and longer adventures. Additionally, considering the preference for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) over hybrids, Ford should develop a Nugget based on the largest E-Transit with the biggest available battery. This would provide a luxurious and fossil-free camping experience for boondocking on all electric power.

At CleanTechnica, we believe in providing free access to our content and have decided to remove our paywall. However, the media business remains challenging, and it's important for us to find sustainable ways to grow. If you're from Ford and reading this, we would love to discuss the possibility of driving a Nugget-like campervan around the country.

FutureCar Staff