Your van won’t clear the garage at your biggest client, or your crew’s backs ache from crouching all day. I’m comparing low roof vs standard (medium) roof on the same Transit 350 EV—no jargon, just what matters. One decision affects where you park, how far you drive, and whether your team can stand up to work.
Keynote: 2024 Transit 350 EV Low Roof vs Standard Height Comparison
Ford E-Transit 350 low roof maximizes range (159 miles) and payload (3,249 lbs) for efficiency-focused fleets. Medium roof trades 11 miles range for 79 cubic feet more cargo space and standing workspace, ideal for mobile services requiring interior access and ergonomic benefits.
The Numbers That Change Everything
Dimensions Side-by-Side: Will It Fit?
Low roof: 82.9 inches tall outside, 57 inches of headroom inside—slips under most 7-foot garage doors. Standard roof: 101.3 inches tall outside, 70 inches inside—gives you a foot of breathing room but won’t squeeze everywhere. Both share the same 89 kWh battery tucked under the floor, same 266-hp motor.
| Specification | Low Roof | Medium Roof | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Height | 82.9 in | 101.3 in | +18.4 in |
| Interior Height | ~57 in | ~70 in | +13 in |
| Overall Width | 81.3 in | 81.3 in | Same |
| Wheelbase | 148 in | 148 in | Same |
Cargo Volume: The Space You Actually Get
Low roof delivers 277.7 cubic feet (long wheelbase)—perfect for wide, flat loads. Standard roof jumps to 357.1 cubic feet—that’s 79.4 more cubic feet for stacking tall gear. Wheelbase stays consistent; only height changes your packing game.
| Configuration | Cargo Volume | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Low Roof | 277.7 cu ft | Heavy materials, flat cargo |
| Medium Roof | 357.1 cu ft | Bulky items, vertical storage |
| Difference | +79.4 cu ft | 28.6% more space |
Range Reality: How Your Roof Steals Miles
The Aerodynamics Tax You Pay
Low roof: up to 159 miles per charge—shorter profile slices through wind. Standard roof: 148 miles per charge—11 fewer miles because taller catches more drag. On mixed city routes with stops, that drag penalty shrinks; on highways, you feel every inch.
EPA Range Estimates:
- Low Roof: 159 miles
- Medium Roof: 148 miles
- Range Penalty: -11 miles (-7.4%)
What 11 Miles Means for Your Routes
If your busiest day hits 140 miles, standard roof still works—but you’re cutting it close. Cold weather drops range for both; that 11-mile cushion becomes your winter safety net. Charging takes about 6 hours on 240V either way—plan overnight top-ups.
| Daily Route Distance | Low Roof Safety Margin | Medium Roof Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| 120 miles | 39 miles buffer | 28 miles buffer |
| 135 miles | 24 miles buffer | 13 miles buffer |
| 145 miles | 14 miles buffer | 3 miles buffer |
Standing Room: Can You Work Without Crouching?
The Comfort Test Your Back Will Remember
Low roof: you’ll crouch if you’re over 5 feet tall—quick in-and-out works, but long tool searches hurt. Standard roof: anyone under 6 feet can stand upright—your crew’s knees and spine thank you after 8-hour shifts. Think about how often your team actually works inside the van versus curbside.
Real-World Relief
“I can finally organize my gear standing up instead of crawling around on my knees,” says Mike, an HVAC technician who switched to medium roof. “My back pain disappeared after the first week.” Electricians and HVAC pros rave about standard roof for organizing gear while standing. Delivery drivers love low roof’s nimble feel and easy garage access. If you’re changing clothes, prepping food, or sorting parcels inside, height equals happiness.
Parking & Clearance: Where You Can Actually Go
The Low-Hanging Truth About Overhangs
Low roof clears most 8-foot garage doors, standard parking structures, older warehouse entries. Standard roof (101.3 inches): many city garages, drive-throughs, and loading docks become off-limits. Measure your home garage twice—roof choice decides if you pay for commercial parking nightly.
Your Routes Tell the Story
| Location Type | Low Roof Access | Medium Roof Access |
|---|---|---|
| Standard garages (7-8 ft) | ✓ Fits easily | ✗ Too tall |
| Underground parking | ✓ Most locations | ✗ Restricted |
| Drive-through services | ✓ No issues | ⚠ Check height |
| Loading docks | ✓ Universal access | ⚠ Some restrictions |
Urban routes with underground parking? Low roof saves you from detours and stress. Suburban or rural base with open lots? Standard roof’s height rarely matters. One tight clearance on your daily loop can make low roof worth every sacrifice.
Upfitting Your Mobile Workspace
Standing to Work vs Kneeling to Grab
Low roof fits: floor-mounted shelving, bulkheads, quick-access bins—you reach from outside or sitting. Standard roof shines: full vertical racks, ladder mounts, mobile desks—you move freely inside. Width between wheel wells stays the same; vertical space is your only variable.
| Task Type | Low Roof Suitability | Medium Roof Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Quick tool retrieval | Adequate | Excellent |
| Parts organization | Limited | Full standing access |
| Equipment assembly | Must work outside | Inside workspace |
| Inventory management | Crouching required | Stand and sort |
The Install Factor You’ll Feel Later
Adding insulation plus flooring eats 3 to 6 inches of your interior height—standard roof absorbs this, low roof pinches. Shelving that lets you stand to restock beats crouching every single time. Roof choice today locks in your upfitting options for years.
Price & Long-Term Value: What You’ll Actually Pay
Upfront Costs That Diverge
Low roof MSRP: approximately $57,935 depending on trim and wheelbase. Standard roof adds roughly $1,000 to sticker price at $58,935. Fair purchase prices run $3,650 to $6,645 below MSRP—both roofs qualify for federal EV incentives.
| Configuration | MSRP | Typical Discount | Real Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Roof | $57,935 | $4,000-6,000 | $52,000-54,000 |
| Medium Roof | $58,935 | $4,000-6,000 | $53,000-55,000 |
The Three-Year Math
Low roof’s 11 extra miles per charge equals fewer stops, less downtime over 1,000-plus charging cycles. Standard roof’s 79.4 extra cubic feet might eliminate second-vehicle needs—one van does it all. Resale hinges on local demand; check what fleets near you prefer.
Operating Cost Analysis:
- Energy cost: ~$0.05 per mile for both
- Maintenance: 40% less than gas Transit
- Productivity gain (medium roof): $50/day for trades
Payload & GVWR: The Weight You Can Carry
Both Keep Heavy-Duty Bones
350 series GVWR handles serious loads; payload varies by roof, wheelbase, and options you pick. Dealer window stickers show exact payload for your build—always confirm before you commit. Roof height plus upfitting weight nudge those numbers; plan shelving into your payload budget.
Payload Specifications:
- Low Roof: 3,249 lbs maximum
- Medium Roof: 3,100 lbs maximum
- Difference: 149 lbs penalty for medium roof
- GVWR: 9,500 lbs (both configurations)
Energy Costs: City vs Highway Math
Where Height Hurts Less
City routes with frequent stops: low roof’s aero edge shrinks—regen braking matters more than drag. Highway miles: low roof’s lower profile pays back gradually in electrons saved. Tie your electricity tariff to your duty cycle—standard roof’s “penalty” might cost pennies per day.
| Driving Pattern | Low Roof Advantage | Medium Roof Impact |
|---|---|---|
| City delivery | Minimal | Nearly equal efficiency |
| Highway cruising | Significant | 7% range penalty |
| Mixed routes | Moderate | 5% average penalty |
Which Roof Fits Your Business?
Choose Low Roof If…
Daily routes stay comfortably under 140 miles. Garage parking or height restrictions appear on your regular loops. Cargo rides flat; you rarely need to stack or stand inside. Maximum range and nimble city handling top your priority list.
Quick Decision Grid – Low Roof:
- ✓ Maximum payload needed
- ✓ Height restrictions exist
- ✓ Range is critical
- ✓ Heavy cargo priority
Go Standard Roof When…
You haul tall equipment or need vertical stacking space. Your team works inside—organizing tools, prepping orders, changing gear. Height restrictions don’t haunt your routes. The 11-mile range trade-off won’t strand you mid-shift.
Quick Decision Grid – Medium Roof:
- ✓ Standing workspace needed
- ✓ Bulky cargo priority
- ✓ Ergonomics matter
- ✓ Mobile workshop use
Real Stories from the Road
Voices That Seal the Deal
“My flower delivery van needs to squeeze through tight downtown alleys and park in client garages,” explains Sarah, a florist. “Low roof saves me 30 minutes daily avoiding detours.” Meanwhile, Tom the caterer raves about standard roof: “Standing tall to prep trays beats hunching every event. My team’s productivity jumped 20%.” Notice the pattern: quick curbside tasks favor low; extended inside work demands standard.
Your Decision Checklist: Ask Before You Sign
The Questions That Cut Through Confusion
Measure your tallest load plus add 6-inch clearance—does it fit low roof’s 57-inch interior? Map your busiest route—any low overhangs, garage ceilings, or drive-throughs you need? Calculate average daily miles over the past six months—does 148 miles cover your worst day? Poll your crew—how often do they work inside versus curbside?
The Test Drive That Tells the Truth
“Bring your tallest box and load it in both roofs—feel the difference,” advises fleet manager Janet. “Sit in the back with your typical gear; crouch vs stand changes your answer fast.” Drive your actual route if the dealer allows—one tight clearance reveals everything.
Bottom Line: Feel the Fit Before You Commit
I’d test both roofs with your worst-case load and tightest clearance today. Low roof lowers daily risk in tight cities; standard roof pays back in comfort and capacity. Whichever you choose, you’re driving zero emissions and cutting fuel costs—that’s the real win.
Transit 350 Ev Low Roof vs Standard Height (FAQs)
What is the range difference between E-Transit roof heights?
The low roof achieves 159 miles EPA estimated range, while the medium roof gets 148 miles—an 11-mile difference due to aerodynamic drag. The high roof configuration drops to approximately 143 miles, though Ford hasn’t released official EPA numbers for that variant yet.
How much cargo space does E-Transit medium roof have?
The medium roof E-Transit 350 with long wheelbase provides 357.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is 79.4 cubic feet more than the low roof’s 277.7 cubic feet. The interior height of about 70 inches allows most people to stand upright.
Which E-Transit configuration is best for fleet use?
It depends on your operation. Low roof excels for last-mile delivery, construction materials, and routes with height restrictions due to maximum payload (3,249 lbs) and range (159 miles). Medium roof works better for trades, mobile services, and bulky cargo where standing workspace improves productivity.
Does roof height affect E-Transit 350 range significantly?
Yes, aerodynamics matter. The medium roof’s taller profile creates more wind resistance, reducing range by 11 miles (7.4%) compared to the low roof. Highway driving amplifies this difference, while city stop-and-go traffic minimizes the penalty through regenerative braking.
What is the payload capacity of E-Transit 350 low roof?
The low roof configuration offers a maximum payload of 3,249 pounds within the 9,500-pound GVWR. The medium roof’s higher curb weight reduces this to 3,100 pounds—a 149-pound difference that matters for heavy cargo applications like construction or plumbing supplies.