Ford E-Transit confirmed for Australia
Electric commercial van will be one of five electrified Ford models to launch here by 2025The Ford E-Transit delivery van will be the first zero-emissions electric vehicle sold by the blue oval brand in Australia when it launches here around mid-2022.
The battery-powered version of Ford Australia’s biggest commercial vehicle will be one of at least five electrified models Ford has promised to have on sale Down Under by the end of 2024.
It will be beaten into local Ford dealerships only by the delayed Escape plug-in hybrid medium SUV, which is now scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2022.
Other potential electrified candidates for Australia include the Mustang Mach-E, Ford F-150 Lightning, Mondeo Evos and plug-in hybrid versions of the next-generation Ranger ute and Everest SUV.
“We are accelerating our electrified future in Australia,” said Ford Australia and New Zealand president and CEO, Andrew Birkic.
“We are anticipating the needs of each type of customer and bringing the best of our global line-up to meet those requirements.
“For business customers, E-Transit delivers the durability and capability they need to serve their customers, along with zero-emissions efficiency.”
However, Birkic, was stoic in his refusal to confirm whether any of those aforementioned vehicles were among the five promised models, or if any would come here beyond that date.
While pricing has yet to be confirmed, the E-Transit will initially come to Australia in a rear-wheel drive 420L long-wheelbase configuration that does not have an exact diesel Transit equivalent.
Liming up very close but with a smaller Gross Vehicle Mass is the 2.0-litre diesel 350L rear-wheel drive Transit that retails from $51,590 plus on-road costs.
The E-Transit has a usable battery capacity of 68kWh and offers an estimated driving range of up to 317km on the combined WLTP cycle. It ekes out its longest range in its most efficient Eco mode.
The electric motor has a peak output of 198kW and 430Nm of torque, which will make it the most powerful Transit available in Australia.
E-Transit models incorporate both AC charging and DC fast-charging. The vehicle’s 11.3kW on-board charger is capable of delivering a 100 per cent charge in up to 8.2 hours.
Charging with up to 115kW using a high-power DC fast-charger, E-Transit drivers can top-up their battery from 15 per cent to 80 per cent in around 34 minutes. Lift-off power regeneration is always on but can be varied in its intensity.
Cargo capacity is up to 11.3 cubic metres in mid-roof specification and 12.4 cubic metres for the high roof version, both of which are identical to the Transit 350L RWD diesel.
That’s because the lithium-ion battery pack is mounted under the load floor, where there’s also new independent rear suspension.
Gross vehicle mass of up to 4.2 tonnes is offered, along with a targeted payload of 1616kg.
The E-Transit will be covered by Ford’s five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, plus an eight-year/160,000km warranty package for the battery and high-voltage electric components.
Ford’s all-electric large van was first revealed in November 2020 and recently started customer trials in Europe in both van and cab/chassis forms.
The E-Transit will compete with the recently-released Fuso eCanter electric truck in the light-duty (3500-8000kg GVM) commercial vehicle segment.
It is based on the fourth generation of a commercial vehicle family that can trace its origins back to 1965. First launched in 2013, the latest Transit range was last updated in late 2019. An MY2021.75 Transit update is due this month (October).
Not to be confused with the smaller Ford Transit Custom, which compete with mid-size vans including the Toyota HiAce, the full-size Transit is available in Australia in van, bus and cab/chassis forms.
All E-Transits would be fitted with the manufacturer's latest SYNC 4 12.0-inch infotainment system, which allows over-the-air updates, voice control and live traffic updates.
When first announced late last year, Ford revealed all E-Transits would also come with a 2.3kW power outlet to run tools and equipment using the E-Transit's battery.
New driver assist tech includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot recognition, lane assist and a 360-degree camera system.
Fleet managers should also be able to track the E-Transit using FordPass Connect modem tech.
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