FORD is doubling down on plug-in hybrid energy in Australia, confirming a Transit Customized PHEV for 2025 that may sit alongside its incoming Ranger PHEV, because the producer targets industrial clients.
Within the announcement, Ford additionally outlined that it has axed plans to convey the fully-electric Puma Gen-E to Australia, as an alternative turning its consideration to enterprise and fleet patrons as the primary producer to supply a PHEV van Down Below.
Ford Australia outlined that it’s realigning its electrical automobile line-up as a dedication to companies and fleets aiming to decarbonise with out sacrificing productiveness – addressing a key sticking level for industrial automobile operators.
“Ford Australia stays absolutely dedicated to providing low- or zero-emissions automobiles to Australians, notably within the industrial sector,” mentioned Ford Australia advertising and marketing director, Ambrose Henderson.
“Whereas a lot focus has been placed on electrifying automobiles favoured by personal patrons, it’s additionally very important that Australia’s companies should not left behind within the electrical transition.
“Ford Australia is devoted to providing automobiles that not solely permit them to get their jobs carried out but additionally decrease their emissions within the course of.”
The model’s native industrial automobile push suggests it’s aiming to realize an analogous foothold to the one it has in Europe, the place the Transit Customized has been the top-selling van since 2016.
In Australia the Transit Customized PHEV will complement the present mannequin vary, which consists of ICE and fully-electric choices, and can be accessible in each Pattern LWB and Sport SWB layouts.
A 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine, mixed with an 11.8kW battery, will energy the Transit Customized PHEV and in accordance with Ford it can permit for an electrical driving vary of “greater than 40km”.
The powertrain seems to be the identical because the one used within the European market Transit PHEV, which produces 171kW, versus the system used within the Ranger PHEV, which makes use of a 2.3-litre Ecoboost petrol engine, 11.8kW battery and 75kW electrical motor.
Very similar to its Ranger PHEV relative, the Transit Customized PHEV will provide EV Now, EV Later and EV Auto drive modes and, whereas not but confirmed, it’s more likely to function the identical Professional Energy Onboard – Ford-speak for vehicle-to-load.
“The addition of the PHEV to our native Transit Customized line-up means clients are capable of conduct their shorter, inside city fashion journeys on electrical solely energy, with the liberty to make longer rural journeys shortly and simply when required,” mentioned Ford Australia normal supervisor, electrical automobiles, Myles Hartley.
“If the shopper merely plugs within the Transit Customized every evening like they might their cellphone, then they will make a big affect on their possession and operating prices.”
Ford will launch the Transit Customized PHEV domestically in Q3 subsequent 12 months, with pricing and specification particulars set to be introduced nearer to the discharge date.
