Sparkies rejoice! Ford's full-electric E-Transit Custom is coming soon to Australia with diesel-beating power

Ford has confirmed details of the zero-emissions version of its Transit Custom commercial van that will occupy Australian showrooms in 2024.

The one-tonne E-Transit Custom boasts a new EV powertrain, an official range of 380km, and 124kW fast-charging ability; a combination Ford hopes will encourage small business and independent tradespeople to leave diesel power behind and make the jump to electric.

Ford says Australian-spec includes a 160kW/415Nm motor fitted directly to the vehicle’s rear floor and rotated 90 degrees, removing the need for a dedicated subframe, to maximise load space and reduce weight and complexity.

Read More About Ford Transit Custom

Always late to the job site? Ford's Pro Electric SuperVan or the Volkswagen ID Buzz GTX could make deliveries a lot quicker Ford Australia's next electric car confirmed ... but it's still not the Mustang Mach-E Ford Puma goes electric, but is it coming to Australia? Hyundai Kona, MG ZS EV rival headed to Europe along with a range of electric SUVs and commercial vehicles

Those outputs are an almost perfect alignment with the current combustion version’s 125kW/390Nm produced by a 2.0-litre, direct-injection, turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. 

Charging specs will be critical for commercial operators, and Ford says the E-Transit Custom’s 11kW AC three-phase onboard charger is capable of recharging the battery in 7.2 hours. The new van also boasts DC fast-charging capability (up to 124kW for a 15-80 per cent recharge in 41 minutes).

In a move clearly aimed at short-trip, urban operators the charging system’s profile ‘front-loads’ energy input to enable quick top-ups, Ford claiming that in lab testing the battery took on just under 40km of range in five minutes using a 124kW charger.

A 400-volt/74kWh battery pack uses 81.2Ah ‘pouch’ cells shared with the full-size F-150 Lightning pick-up for a targeted range of 380km (the latter an almost certain addition to the Blue Oval’s local line-up, with Ford Australia already trademarking the F-150 Lightning name for this market).

In terms of day-to-day operation, the E-Transit Custom has a 100mm lower load floor and semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension to help manage the low-down weight of the battery pack.

The E-Transit Custom has a maximum load length of 3450mm, a cargo volume of 6800 litres in standard form, and no less than 9000 litres in the optional high-roof version.

A sharp focus on energy efficiency has led to the adoption of vapour-injected heat pump tech to heat and cool the cabin, and a new brake-by-wire system enables one-pedal regen capability. 

Built on a new platform, the E-Transit Custom’s fresh exterior design incorporates a unique honeycomb grille, LED exterior lighting (with light bar) aero-efficient wheels and revised tail-lights. Ford claims the EV van’s co-efficient of drag is 10 per cent lower than the current Transit Custom. 

Inside, Ford says the E-Transit Custom’s cab is roomier and offers more (secure) storage options than the current model, with a column-mounted gearshift, electric handbrake and reshaped steering wheel combining to improve access.

A 13-inch landscape multimedia touchscreen, running Ford’s ‘SYNC 4’ package, is standard, the screen angled towards the driver in the name of better ergonomics.

Speaking of which, an optional ‘Mobile Office’ set-up includes a flat-topped table and a steering wheel that tilts to become an ergonomic holder for laptops and tablets.

For safety the E-Transit Custom’s standard active tech includes, ‘Pre-Collision Assist’, Lane-keeping assist, ‘Driver Alert’, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and more.

All Transit Custom variants will be built by Ford’s Otosan joint-venture in Turkey, and Ford Australia says the E-Transit Custom is the first part of its plan to launch at least five electrified vehicles here by end of 2024.