Ford Puma Gen-E out, Transit PHEV in

FORD is doubling down on plug-in hybrid power in Australia, confirming a Transit Custom PHEV for 2025 that will sit alongside its incoming Ranger PHEV, as the manufacturer targets commercial customers.

In the announcement, Ford also outlined that it has axed plans to bring the fully-electric Puma Gen-E to Australia, instead turning its attention to business and fleet buyers as the first manufacturer to offer a PHEV van Down Under.

Ford Australia outlined that it is realigning its electric vehicle line-up as a commitment to businesses and fleets aiming to decarbonise without sacrificing productivity – addressing a key sticking point for commercial vehicle operators.

“Ford Australia remains fully committed to offering low- or zero-emissions vehicles to Australians, particularly in the commercial sector,” said Ford Australia marketing director, Ambrose Henderson.

“While much focus has been put on electrifying vehicles favoured by private buyers, it’s also vital that Australia’s businesses are not left behind in the electric transition.

“Ford Australia is dedicated to offering vehicles that not only allow them to get their jobs done but also lower their emissions in the process.”

The brand’s local commercial vehicle push suggests it is aiming to achieve a similar foothold to the one it has in Europe, where the Transit Custom has been the top-selling van since 2016.

In Australia the Transit Custom PHEV will complement the existing model range, which consists of ICE and fully-electric options, and will be available in both Trend LWB and Sport SWB layouts.

A 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine, combined with an 11.8kW battery, will power the Transit Custom PHEV and according to Ford it will allow for an electric driving range of “more than 40km”.

The powertrain appears to be the same as the one used in the European market Transit PHEV, which produces 171kW, as opposed to the system used in the Ranger PHEV, which uses a 2.3-litre Ecoboost petrol engine, 11.8kW battery and 75kW electric motor.

Much like its Ranger PHEV relative, the Transit Custom PHEV will offer EV Now, EV Later and EV Auto drive modes and, while not yet confirmed, it is likely to feature the same Pro Power Onboard – Ford-speak for vehicle-to-load.

“The addition of the PHEV to our local Transit Custom line-up means customers are able to conduct their shorter, inner urban style trips on electric only power, with the freedom to make longer rural trips quickly and easily when required,” said Ford Australia general manager, electric vehicles, Myles Hartley.

“If the customer simply plugs in the Transit Custom each night like they would their phone, then they can make a significant impact on their ownership and running costs.”

Ford will launch the Transit Custom PHEV locally in Q3 next year, with pricing and specification details set to be announced closer to the release date.