Ford e-Transit Custom here in 2024

AUSSIE buyers of Ford’s new e-Transit Custom electric van will have to wait until 2024 before it’s available here, despite the vehicle’s international launch last week at the IAA Transportation Show 2022 in Hanover, Germany.

The electric model is part of a new line up of Ford Transits that are also available with diesel power in two wheelbase lengths and two roof heights.

The giant car-maker says it “brought the global power of its research, engineering and software capabilities to bear on e-Transit Custom, combining advanced electric vehicle technology and services to help businesses work more effectively, and simplify the transition to electric vehicles”.

In the face of burgeoning EV van competition, Ford has acted to ensure it doesn’t miss the critical European market by showcasing their new electric van alongside the diesel variants to prospective business customers.

The diesel model is expected to continue selling strongly.

The e-Transit Custom took pride of place at Hanover amid Ford’s big line-up of electric vehicles and concepts at the show serving to underline the company’s intention to go fully electric by the end of the decade.

Ford canvassed hundreds of current Transit Custom van users to refine the new model’s specification. On paper and without knowing the price, e-Transit Custom looks to be a good thing particularly in a city or urban environment as it has been designed with considerable user input.

Ford Australia is tight lipped about Aussie spec’ Transit pricing this far out from launch.

However, Mercedes-Benz Australia has just launched the competitor e-Vito electric van, starting at $89,353 which, instant asset write-off aside, could mean an extended amortising time on the investment for any small business.

The new Transit Custom features convenience boosting, next-generation battery technology to enable a targeted range of 380km and 124kW fast charging ability, Ford says the e-Transit van delivers highly competitive performance for a wide range of customer needs.

Australian-spec vehicles will offer a 160kW motor that delivers 415Nm of torque. The drive motor is fitted directly to the vehicle’s rear floor removing the need for a dedicated sub frame and is rotated 90 degrees to maximise load space and reduce weight and complexity.

The global car-maker also confirmed further details about the other variants of new Transit Custom, which offers the latest generation of Ford EcoBlue diesel engines.

Enhancing efficiency on diesel variants is an optional eight-speed automatic transmission that also helps to minimise exhaust emissions. Transit Custom diesel moves to a maximum towing capacity of 2500kg for the first time.

The new Ford van range will be available as a panel van and double-cab-in-van and has been designed from the ground up to deliver ‘outstanding’ performance and load-carrying capability. The new Transit Custom features an extensive range of new customer experiences to enhance productivity, such as the Mobile Office option with innovative tilting steering wheel.

Key features include new vehicle architecture with lower cargo floor height, sub-2 metre overall height and independent rear suspension, a choice of four size variants in L1 or L2 lengths, with H1 or H2 roof heights and a 13.0-inch SYNC4 touchscreen.

The e-Transit Custom uses a vapour-injected heat pump technology to heat and cool the cabin, fitted as standard to all vehicles. This new system is designed to deliver improved energy efficiency for optimum driving range.

A new brake-by-wire system enables increased range and delivers one-pedal driving capability. The system blends friction braking with regenerative braking that harvests energy during deceleration to top up the battery for extra driving range. Drivers can stop the van without using the brake pedal when in one-pedal drive mode. The system is designed to use the friction brakes frequently enough to prevent the discs from rusting or pitting.

“The all-new Transit Custom will offer a new level of technology and flexibility for Australian business customers, with all the practicality and versatility Transit is known for,” said Ford Australia and New Zealand president and CEO Andrew Birkic.

The new Transit Custom will be built by Ford Otosan in a state-of-the-art new plant in Turkey with customer deliveries of Transit Custom with EcoBlue powertrains set to begin in late-2023. Other additional variants (e-Transit) will be available in 2024.