Ford’s next-generation Transit Custom is to include fully electric models, in addition to plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid and conventional engine variants.
Due on sale in 2023, it will mark the first time the Transit Custom has been available as a fully electric model, bringing a much-needed solution for fleets in urban areas.
Ford announced in February that its entire commercial vehicle range will be zero-emissions capable, all-electric or plug-in hybrid by 2024, with two-thirds of its commercial vehicle sales expected to be all-electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030.
But the line-up for the next-generation Transit Custom van and Tourneo Custom people mover will also continue to include mild hybrid engines and plug-in hybrids, which the carmaker said will remain a significant part of the range, helping to provide a stepping stone to full electric. This is positive news for the Dagenham plant in the UK, which will supply diesel engines for the range. It also means the new line-up will be the most extensive Transit Custom range ever offered to European customers.
All versions will be built by Ford Otosan – Ford’s joint venture in Turkey – in Kocaeli, alongside the new Volkswagen Transporter under Ford and VW’s expanding global cooperation work.
The new Transit Custom will also offer an ‘ecosystem’ of connected services co-developed with customers and designed to enhance the customer experience and help enhance efficiency for operators through connected uptime and productivity services such as FordPass Pro for fleets of up to five vehicles. Ford has also recently teamed up with ALD to launch the Ford Fleet Management leasing and fleet management business, bringing a one-stop shop approach for fleets.
