Ford has recently provided more information about the upcoming E-Transit Custom. Ford announced the all new electric van earlier this year in May and it shares a platform with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. Ford will also be updating the diesel, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models to share the same design as the electric version, with updated front end, interior and more.
Ford showed off the new Transit Custom last month at the 2022 IAA Transportation show in Hannover, Germany and will be the first time Ford has launched an all electric mid-sized commercial vehicle in the UK. The new van is due to start production in the second half of 2023 and has a host of new features, driver comforts and technology.
For the E-Transit Custom, the range quoted at the moment is 236 miles which is actually more than the larger E-Transit which has a range of 196 miles. However, at the moment that quoted range is yet to be fully confirmed but it is something Ford is aiming for.
All versions of the Transit Custom are sitting on a brand new platform, shared with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz (for the EV version) and has traditional diesel, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models on offer. However, thanks to the new partnership, the regular combustion Transit Custom will help Volkswagen launch a new updated Transporter.
Like the larger E-Transit, the Custom now sits on a much more modern platform, with fully independent rear suspension which should make sure the van is comfortable, even when it is empty.
Ford is aiming high with electric commercial vehicles, with a plan to have four new models in the range by 2024. This includes the upcoming E-Transit Custom, as well as EV versions of the small Transit Courier, Tourneo Custom and Tourneo Courier. By 2030, the company is aiming to have two-thirds of all commercial vehicles sales it does to be either fully electric or at least, plug-in hybrid.
The E-Transit Custom has some impressive specs. First of all, harking back to the early 2000s Transit models the electric Custom is rear wheel drive only and has two electric motor choices, with either 134bhp or 215bhp. Torque on both is 415Nm. For the diesel models, there is a 2.0-litre engine which is pretty much the same as the current model. Choice of power is either 110bhp, 136bhp, 150bhp or 170bhp.
Inside is where Ford has worked the hardest. For starters, the entire floor is completely flat, with no transmission tunnels to worry about, which should make life up front a lot more tolerable. In some car parks, getting from one side to the other will also be much easier. There will be a configuration option to either have three or two seats in the front, like the VW ID. Buzz Cargo.
Vans are the new mobile office and Ford has a unique trick up its sleeve, allowing the rim of the steering wheel to flip up to either become a laptop stand or a table for eating lunch.
The new Ford Transit Custom E-Transit Custom are launching in 2023. Prices are yet to be revealed.
