Ford has announced plans to bring four new electric vans to the UK by 2024, with next year’s all-new Transit Custom spearheading the lineup, together with the Tourneo Custom, Transit Courier, Tourneo Courier.
Following on from Ford’s first all-electric commercial vehicle, the full-size E-Transit, these new additions will mean the brand should have five electrified vans on its books by 2024
The medium-sized Transit Custom van will be available with mild-hybrid diesel, plug-in hybrid and pure electric powertrains. As with the new Custom van, the Tourneo Custom is also set to have the option of a pure-electric powertrain in 2023. The smaller, next-generation Transit Courier van and Tourneo Courier MPV will get all-electric power in 2024.
Like the current Transit Custom, the new model will be built by Ford Otosan in Turkey and could use the same MEB underpinnings found in the new Volkswagen ID.Buzz, following the two firms’ joint-venture agreement back in 2019. This won’t be the only product from the partnership either, as the brands have worked together closely on the Ford Ranger and upcoming Volkswagen Amarok.
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, Ford is aiming to achieve zero emissions for all vehicle sales and carbon neutrality across European facilities, logistics and suppliers by 2035.
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.”