Ford's e-Transit sauna van tested as mobile wellness EV for wild swimmers

Ford's Pro Special Vehicle Team converted an electric Ford e-Transit into a mobile infrared sauna for wild-swimming enthusiasts, turning an everyday van into a portable wellness retreat. The project, dubbed the Transit Sauna Van, was put to the test during a Welsh wild-swimming excursion, illustrating how vehicle-to-load power and EV versatility can fit into growing outdoor wellness routines.

Design and interior details include an anti-chamber lined with Canadian pine, a glass door into the sauna, and benches that can seat several people. The exterior wears a wood-effect wrap to blend with natural settings, while the cargo area houses a dressing area with Ford Pro towels and robes, plus a speaker system delivering spa-like tones. The build runs on Ford’s Pro Power Onboard, which allows the vehicle's battery to power external devices, extending the van's usefulness beyond transport.

The operation is simple: with the van parked, a three-pin plug is connected to a rear power socket, the green 'on' button is pressed, and time and temperature are set on the interior control panel behind the glass door. The infrared sauna can heat to roughly 45 degrees Celsius for about 40 minutes, after which swimmers typically take a cold plunge or cool-down break. Ford’s testing notes indicate that running the sauna causes only modest range loss, with roughly four miles of battery drain per hour of use. In practice, a 60-minute session plus some driving time translated to about a five-mile drop in range on the tester's route.

Beyond the sauna, the van’s range remained a consideration. The tester observed roughly 150 miles of driving on a mixed route, short of the e-Transit’s claimed 196-mile WLTP estimate, and noted that charging stops were necessary on the return trip. Towards the end of a charge, the vehicle’s onboard charger delivered 12.5–20 kW charging speeds, meaning long road trips require planning for at least one well-timed full charge. Still, the tester found the sauna van surprisingly capable off-road, able to scale small mounds and traverse heathland with the electric drivetrain remaining composed. The high driving position and generous rear space added to the immersive experience, with the option to open cargo doors for expansive views of the Welsh countryside.

The Transit Sauna Van is powered by Pro Power Onboard, Ford’s version of vehicle-to-load technology that enables the EV to supply power to external devices. For outdoor enthusiasts, that capability extends the range of possible activities, from powering a portable kettle on a hike to keeping a mobile infrared sauna running at a remote location. The setup is designed to be simple: as long as the van is stationary, users can plug in, switch on, and adjust temperature and duration from the sauna’s interior control panel. The result is a mobile wellness experience that can travel to secluded spots rather than requiring visitors to find a fixed facility.

Context for the concept is broad. Electric-vehicle adoption in the United Kingdom has accelerated from 11.6% of new-car registrations in 2021 to 19.6% in 2024, with more than 1.6 million EVs on UK roads by the end of July 2025. Wild swimming has also surged in popularity, described as Britain’s latest craze, with Swim England estimating about 7.5 million people swimming outdoors and the Outdoor Swimming Society reporting robust growth in memberships and event participation. The convergence of EV technology and outdoor wellness signals a new frontier for mobility-focused health experiences, as consumers seek zero-emission, nature-first options that also support active lifestyles.

Ford has a long history with the Transit name. Since its 1965 debut, the Transit has become the world’s best-selling van, with more than 13 million built to date and a reputation as the backbone of Britain for its versatility. The two-tonne e-Transit entered the market as a popular electric option, with the model achieving early traction in the EU and UK fleets, and Ford notes that the vehicle’s versatility has inspired bespoke conversions and on-demand projects through its Pro Special Vehicle Team. While the Sauna Van is not an off-the-shelf production model, Ford has indicated that readers and customers can contact the Pro SVT for custom orders if they want a mobile wellness setup built on a durable electric platform.

The Transit Sauna Van demonstrates how electric commercial vehicles can support unconventional, lifestyle-focused uses without sacrificing practicality. For wild-swimming clubs, outdoor-activity operators, and adventurous individuals, the project points to a growing ecosystem of on-demand, mobile wellness experiences powered by EVs. As automakers expand the envelope of what an electric van can do, the line between transportation, wellness, and business avenues continues to blur, underscoring the broader theme of technology enabling healthier, more flexible ways to engage with the outdoors.