Ford has peeled back the covers from its new E-Transit Custom, an all-electric version of what has become Europe’s best-selling van…

You’re no doubt aware the upcoming Volkswagen Amarok will borrow plenty from the new Ford Ranger. But did you know the strategic global alliance between the two automakers will also result in other commercial vehicles? The latest example is the fully electric Ford E-Transit Custom.

The new E-Transit Custom will be built at Ford’s factory in Turkey from the second half of 2023, with theas-yet-unrevealed next-generation Volkswagen Transporter reportedly also set to be produced at the Otosan facility.

While the Dearborn-based firm has yet to release full technical details, we do know the E-Transit Custom will featurea “targeted driving range” of up to 380 km and what Ford describes as “full towing capability”. Ford furthermore says the van will be able to provide “exportable power” for tools, lights and other devices used on site.

“This is a watershed moment for commercial vehicle operators in Europe, and another hugely significant realisation of our Ford Pro ambitions,” said Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro, Europe. “Europe’s best-selling van just went all-electric and – supported by our unique Ford Pro one-stop-shop of productivity-boosting services – the operating benefits this will bring to business across Europe cannot be overstated.”

The Blue Oval brand says the newest addition to its electrified line-up will be a “key component” in its commitment to reach zero emissions for all Ford vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality across its European footprint by 2035.

Its reveal comes after production of the likewise all-electric E-Transit kicked off in March 2022. Other battery-powered commercial vehicles set to be introduced by 2024 include successors to the Transit Courier, Tourneo Custom and Tourneo Courier.

So, considering the current turbodiesel-powered Transit Custom is available in South Africa, are there any concrete plans to introduce the new E-Transit on local shores? Well, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa would only say the newcomer is “not confirmed for South Africa”…