We're pretty sure Ford didn't see this coming.
A British company has designed a hearse and limousine based on the Ford Mach-E platform. Coleman Milne, the UK’s leading manufacturer of hearses and limousines, says the premium "Etive" range is named after a river in the West Scottish Highlands.
Durability testing is still to come in the coming months. When the vehicles go on sale they will be offered in the UK and European markets, in both left and right-hand drive configurations.
“We have long championed the electric hearse at Coleman Milne,” said Graham Clow, National Sales Director at Coleman Milne, “and we’re proud to welcome the Etive hearse and limousine as the latest additions to our range. The excellent, longstanding relationship that we have with Ford enabled us to model the range on its Mach-E platform. The Mach-E is the perfect base for a comfortable, quiet and respectful hearse and limousine, while also providing funeral directors with all the benefits and innovations found in today’s electric vehicles.”
Photo Credit: Coleman Milne.
The company says the efficient, battery electric Etive Hearse provides everything an operator would expect from a full-size hearse. This includes noiseless operation, a flat, full-length deck with ample space for personal tributes, three full-size bearer seats with lap and diagonal seatbelts, and a glass roof. Custom options include a power lift tailgate, a full-size sliding deck, illuminated signage and a slide out under-draw deck, maximizing accessibility. Mounted outside is an aerodynamic wreath rail with added roof protection.
The zero emission Etive limousine has been built with passenger comfort at its core, incorporating an additional 114mm in overall vehicle height. Designed to carry seven passengers in addition to the driver, the vehicle is luxuriously appointed and is available with full privacy glass, and as an option, can include a middle door drop glass.
Both vehicles are powered by a 75kWh battery which delivers an estimated range of up to 200 miles (273 on a standard Mach-E). The battery can charge from10-80% in 38 minutes.
The same Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) that are fitted to the Ford Mach-E are equipped to both vehicles within the range. It's also equipped with Ford’s SYNC Applink infotainment system, a 15.5” central touch screen, rear-view camera, keyless entry, under bonnet luggage compartment and a 10.2” digital dashboard. Every Etive comes complete with a manufacturer guarantee and eight-year battery warranty.
The Etive isn't the company's first all-electric hearse. It introduced the Whisper hearse, based on the Tesla Model S platform, in 2020.
Photo Credit: Coleman Milne.