Ford has confirmed that the next-generation Transit Custom will be available with pure electric power for the first time when the all-new model arrives in 2023.
The medium sized van will be available with mild-hybrid diesel, plug-in hybrid and pure electric powertrains. The electric Transit Custom will be the second all-electric commercial vehicle from Ford, following the launch of the full-size Ford E-Transit in 2022.
- SEE MORE Best electric vans 2021
As with the current Transit Custom, the new model will be built by Ford Otosan in Turkey, but it will be joined on the production line by the next-generation Volkswagen T7 Transporter.
Ford and VW have set up in partnership to pool resources in the commercial vehicle sector, and this is one of the results. Elsewhere, the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok pick-ups will be co-developed, and both companies will introduce electric vans based on VW's MEB electric vehicle platform, starting in 2022 with the VW ID.Buzz.
The arrival of the electric Transit Custom is part of Ford's plan to offer a zero-emissions capable commercial vehicle range by 2024, comprising all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Beyond that, it's aiming for two-thirds of the CVs it sells in 2030 to be all-electric or plug-in hybrid.
However, Ford is aware that some customers won't be able to move directly from combustion engines to electrification straight away, which is why the next Transit Custom will offer a variety of drive options. That means the future of Ford's diesel plant in Dagenham, Essex, is secure in the medium term at least, while transmissions will continue to be built in Cologne before being shipped to Turkey for final assembly.
As well as the arrival of electric drive, the new Transit Custom will feature Ford's latest connected services, which have been developed with assistance from Ford customers across Europe. The current Transit Custom is available with 3G connectivity, while further enhancements of the FordPass Pro and Ford Fleet Management vehicle management software are expected to be launched with the new model.
Stuart Rowley, President, Ford of Europe, confirmed the importance of the new van: “The next generation Transit Custom range – including the all-electric versions – will strengthen Ford’s position as Europe’s number one commercial vehicle brand. Transit Custom is the jewel in our commercial vehicle crown and key in our drive to grow our commercial vehicle business as we continue to create a sustainable, profitable Ford business in Europe rooted in an electrified future.”
Click here to read our in-depth review of the current Ford Transit Custom...
from Sitewide RSS feed https://bit.ly/3lnyVX2
Comments
Post a Comment