I would have considered and E-Transit too, but for some reason, they're giving those things no range. Just as big as an F-150, so not sure why they can't offer them with the same battery size options?
Never been a huge Dodge fan, but I do like the idea of a plug-in hybrid if it has at least 100 real world miles in EV range. We know that EV trucks are not good tow vehicles yet. Not even close due to the drastic range loss. But, 100 miles in EV range would allow for no use of gas 99% of the time, yet full capability to tow or travel long distance without needing a second truck. Figuring the Dodge won't be an option, but maybe they'll surprise me.
I also would like the idea of a hybrid heavy duty truck, with a 100 - 150 mile range, so that the truck price will stay reasonable. I wonder why the very popular 3.5L Turbo V6 was never offered in the F-250 series trucks, I think it would power the truck very well, as well as towing up to around 18,000 pounds. Perhaps as a hybrid, they could supplement the 3.5L with a 100 HP motor and really make it a wonderful towing machine! Add a 100 mile range to the truck, and you would have a great vehicle to drive around town, or towing.
Perhaps Ford should produce a 8 speed transmission with a built in 100 HP motor to power the F-250 series trucks? That would really help out in saving fuel, especially if they use the motor for regenerative braking, and bringing the truck up to speed. The transmission could use something like the 4X4 output shaft to input the motor power to the rear of the transmission.
The E-Transit according to Ford is driven primarily by service people, and according to Ford test reports they only drive on average 66 miles per day, so that a 100 mile range is acceptable for most daily commutes, and that 120 max miles is fine for the service van owner. So a lighter weight and less expensive battery can be installed, with no problem charging every night to full. Version 2 of the E-Transit might look exactly the same as the 2023 model year, except I would guess they will have extended range by the year 2025, when the larger battery plants will be online. So perhaps a 250 and 350 mile range for a lot more money than the standard range model.
The Econolines made a noticeable change from the 1974 to the 1975, when a much larger engine compartment allowed the 460" and 351" V8 as a option. Then the next change in body style was not until around 1992. So the vans don't change nearly as often as the pickup body styling.
I guess Ford did not interview shuttle bus drivers when they made this survey, and then based the 120 mile range based on only business owners use of around 66 - 90 miles per day average.
If you think about it, you either fit into one or the other box. If you have a RV, or use the Transit to tow a RV, then you need the gas version to get more than 90 miles from home when you go camping. If you don't have a RV, normally your commute to drop off kids at school, do work, and such is under 90 miles per day. I actually don't know anyone commuting over 90 miles per day X 4 or 5 days a week. Everyone that I know only does 1-4 trips a year in the 100+ mile range.
One problem less talked about is when there is a hurricane, and they evacuate Florida. after going about 200 miles north, the EV drivers will get off the freeway to discover every charger has a car plugged into it, and no place to add miles for their car. Interesting problem, yet to be solved. Perhaps the National Guard will have portable EV chargers run with generators to charge a limited number of cars along the side of the evacuation routes? Or a lot of tow trucks will show up in area?