Anyone who knows Auto Transform will know that van fit-out is all about transformative improvements which make vehicles more useful to the end user.

As a 100 percent New Zealand-owned and operated business, Auto Transform understands New Zealand conditions are unique and require unique solutions.

This is why Auto Transform goes well above and beyond cookie-cutter solutions, tailoring SMART – where SMART stands for Safe, Modular, Advanced, Reliable and Transformative – solutions to each customer’s requirements.

Auto Transform’s commitment to tailoring precision solutions encouraged aged care provider MetlifeCare to commission a transformation of its shuttle bus fleet to purpose-built EVs.   

Metlifecare opted to use the Ford E-Transit as the base for their shuttles. Aside from the Ford Transit being the world’s best-selling van for over half a century, the new, full-size, pure-electric E-Transit features a 67kWh battery, a driving range of up to 304km, and fast-charging capability from 15 percent to 80 percent in around 34 minutes.

With their high-voltage powertrains, EVs can introduce a unique set of safety issues to conversions, however, Auto Transform’s SMART approach and SMARTboard panels made for a seamless adaptation.

The General Manager for Auto Transform, Daniel Stanners explains the build. “We received the Ford E-Transit Cargo as a ‘blind shell’. No glass, just a panel van. We stripped the vehicle out, removed the bulkhead, cut the holes in the side, painted the edges, rust-proofed it all and then bonded the glass on.”

With Ford already manufacturing minibuses, this ‘blind shell’ approach may seem like a lot of ‘make work’ however, according to Daniel, New Zealand is unique, “our technical rules for transport are different to other countries, plus on top of this, getting a blind van means the customer can configure it exactly how they want it.”

Having completed the rebuild, Auto Transform turned its attention to the specifics Metlifecare requested: namely a a 3/3/4 seating plan and a wheelchair hoist at the rear.

“We have a unique product called SMARTboard, which is ideal for this application,” says Daniel. “We bond our Auto Transform track rail system to the floor so we’re not drilling holes through the floor, in keeping with automaker directives to not do so as this may compromise/damage the underfloor battery. We then mount the seats into the rail system.

“This flooring solution is a mounting system Auto Transform has developed and as another advantage, SMARTboard panels are made from recycled plastic which reduces the weight over traditional methods by 60 percent.”

From an EV user’s perspective, this means improved payload capacity, battery range and distance out of the vehicle before needing to charge.

“The system is light and therefore doesn’t impact the vehicle’s overall range, so we’re working within the parameters of what the E-Transit is designed to do,” Daniel confirms.

When it comes to the wheelchair lift, Auto Transform’s quality wheelchair lift range is manufactured in Italy.

“The diverse range we offer equals a more effective vehicle adaptation within a given budget,” explains Daniel.

“Today’s wheelchair hoists, lifts and cranes are lighter, stronger, and easier to use. They can be externally or internally mounted, plus we have compact models for smaller mobility vehicles. All the hoists and lifts we sell comply with New Zealand safety regulations when correctly installed.”

Daniel adds, “The wheelchair lifts we recommend, and install are highly rated by our education, healthcare, aged care, ambulance, and transportation customers.”

For this project, Metlifecare opted for the Auto Transform 4000F Hoist. Regularly employed for mobility fit-outs, the Hoist 4000F is a double stacker arm, fully automated platform hoist that’s ideal for smaller vehicles.

When folded it requires minimal space, preserving the rear view and luggage storage space. Operation is easy and the anti-slip mesh platform assists wheelchair access, while its fine folding steel mesh platform ensures excellent rearward visibility.

The lightweight folding hoist saves battery life and fuel consumption long term. Equipped with an emergency auxiliary manual pump, it has a safe working load of 350kg, ensuring security and safety.

The EV shuttle was then wrapped in Metlifecare’s branding, and according to all, it not only offers a practical and luxurious ride, but with zero emissions, it’s good for the planet too.