Ford has previewed the next generation of its best-selling Transit Custom medium van range with the reveal of an all-electric E-Transit Custom model, set to go into production next year.
The Ford Transit Custom was the top-selling motor vehicle of any kind in the UK last year, and has been the best-selling commercial vehicle since it was launched in 2012. It is also the best-selling van in Europe.
The new E-Transit Custom is expected to offer a range between charges of up to 236 miles when it reaches the market in 2023.
The one-tonne vehicle is the second electric van announced by Ford’s newly created commercial vehicles division Ford Pro, following the larger two-tonne E-Transit that went into production in March.
Three more electric commercial vehicles – the smaller Transit Courier plus the Tourneo Custom and Tourneo Courier people carriers – are set to be revealed by Ford Pro by 2024. The five-strong commercial EV fleet is described as a key part of the brand’s intention to reach zero carbon emissions across its entire European vehicle sales by 2035.
Technical details of the new E-Transit Custom are yet to be revealed, apart from the targeted range Ford only stating that the new model will be capable of DC fast-charging and will also offer what is described as “full towing capability.” Industry observers believe it is likely that the Custom will use the same 185hp and 270hp electric motors and 68kWh battery pack available on the E-Transit.
Ford has taken the opportunity to significantly restyle the exterior of the vehicle, in particular adding the latest family front-end design already seen on the most recent versions of the Fiesta and Focus cars.
The Custom will also be available with Ford’s ProPower systems which allows the vehicle to use its battery to provide power for external tools, lighting and such while at a work site.
The E-Transit Custom will be supported by Ford Pro’s range of software systems for commercial users, such aspects as charging, service and financing all contained on one platform designed to reduce operating costs and ensure the vehicle spends as much time as possible on the road.
More details of the Transit E-Custom, including technical specifications and pricing, are expected in September. However, production is not set to commence until the second half of 2023 at Ford’s Transit plant in Turkey.
