Ford confirms E-Transit Custom electric van for Australian market - expected in 2024

The new E-Transit Custom is part of a range of electric vehicles in development by Ford. Images: Ford Australia

Arguably one of Ford’s most important vehicles — the Transit van — has been electrified, and is set for Australian launch this year. Today, Ford Australia confirmed a smaller sibling known as the E-Transit Custom it is set for series production in the second half of 2023, ahead of what we expect will be a 2024 local market introduction.

 Ford Australia is planning to offer five electrified vehicles by the end of 2024, though this includes plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as battery electric vehicles. The E-Transit Custom will join the Australian line-up alongside the Escape plug-in hybrid, due in showrooms in June, and the aforementioned E-Transit.

 While we don’t have full technical details for the E-Transit Custom yet, Ford states that “The E-Transit Custom is designed to set a new benchmark in the one-tonne van segment and help businesses to effortlessly make the change to electrified vehicles.” The larger E-Transit features a 68kWh battery that mated to a single electric motor making 198kW and 420Nm, delivering just over 300km of WLTP range.

We can expect Ford to be targeting Australian small business and tradesmen or “tradies”, who would benefit from low running costs, high load capacity, and the benefits of being able to use the vehicle as a power source for tools and equipment. Ford says the E-Transit Custom will offer “compelling range”, full towing capability and DC fast charging.

“The E-Transit Custom is exactly the kind of versatile, practical van business customers are looking for, with the benefit of zero-emissions efficiency,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand. “We are focused on deeply understanding the needs of commercial vehicle customers and bringing them the best of our global line-up.”

 The E-Transit Custom will be built by Ford Otosan — the blue oval’s Turkish joint venture — as part of Ford Otosan’s €2 billion investment in its electrified model line-up manufacturing facilities.

 We’ll update this article when Ford announces more information.

Road tests begin of Amazon's new electric delivery vehicle built by Rivian

Amazon and Rivian’s new van hits the road with 140 mile range and plans for 10,000 vehicles to be operational by 2022

Amazon.com Inc. has received its first batch of Rivian Automotive electric delivery vans, and has put them to work on the streets of Los Angeles as part of a test phase for the vehicle. Amazon has released the below promotional video to mark the occasion, and the company claims that there will be 10,000 zero-emissions Amazon delivery vehicles on the road as early as 2022.

Based on Rivian’s customisable skateboard platform, the vans can drive up to 150 miles (240 kilometres) on a single charge, making them perfect for last-mile delivery routes.

As a bespoke project for Amazon, it is understood that the two companies worked closely together to create a product with not only industry leading safety and design features, but with state of the art technology to assist a delivery driver’s workflow.

Amazon’s delivery van features 360 degree cameras and Alexa integration for the driver. Images: Amazon

Amazon’s custom made delivery van is based of Rivian’s modular skateboard architecture.

There are Three levels of shelving with a bulkhead door, which can easily be opened and closed for additional driver protection while on the road. The trucks feature Alexa integration for hands-free access to route information, and exterior cameras around the vehicle to give the driver a 360-degree view outside the vehicle.

Unfortunately Amazon has not revealed any details about the battery system, drivetrain or other specifications.

Speaking with CNBC, Ross Rachey, director of Amazon’s global fleet and products, stated that the company is proud of its electrification effort, with thousands of electric vehicle chargers in the pipeline for its North American and European facilities.

The rear of Amazon’s new delivery van will aid workflow for drivers

In support of The Climate Pledge, Amazon plans to be net-zero carbon by 2040 and also plans to power all operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025. The company eventually plans to have 100,000 fully-electric delivery vehicles on the road, with a target date of 2030 previously discussed. According to Bloomberg, Amazon has around 30,000 last-mile delivery vans currently in operation in the United States.

Top 5 Battery Electric Vehicles to Look Forward to in 2021

It was difficult to narrow this list down to five vehicles; we would have liked to include many other makes in this list but have restricted it to our favourite vehicles that have a high probability of hitting the market in 2021. It’s going to be an exciting year for Electric Vehicles, with Tesla looking to move into the Indian Market, Volkswagen ramping up its ID.3 and ID.4 production, NIO entering the year with good cashflow and healthy sales, worldwide release of luxury models from Chinese automakers BYD and Xpeng, and more.

Here's the top 5 battery electric vehicles to look forward to in 2021:

5. Tesla Model Y

Tesla’s Model Y is a common sight on US roads, but its international launch in 2021 is expected to drive big profits for Tesla.

Image: Tesla Motors

Tesla’s styling isn’t exactly scintilating, but it does age well, and is more a victim of its popularity than anything else. The Model Y has been on sale in the US since March 2020, and has proven popular with US consumers. It just hit the market in China as production began at Gigafactory Shanghai in December, and Tesla stores across the country have seen long lines to experience the vehicle.

The Model Y takes the Model 3’s formula, and elevates it — quite literally — to a new level. Consumer preferences have shifted toward SUVs, and globally sales of the jacked up vehicles make up over 50 per cent of the passenger car market.

It’s easy to see why the Model Y has been such a sales success; it’s $45,000 USD base price gives you a car with 483km (300mi) range, Tesla’s brilliant autopilot system, regular over the air updates, all the tech and gadgets consumers love from the brand, and the best fast charging network in the world.

The Model Y is sure to continue its sales success, as Europe, Australia and India await its introduction in 2021.

4. Audi E-Tron GT, E-Tron GT RS

Audi’s E-Tron GT is one svelte looking low-slung EV.

Image: Audi AG

For fans of the premium German automotive establishment, it would be hard to go past a svelte 4-door EV from Ingolstadt. Audi plays it safe with a traditional long hood, wide grille and aggressive vent design — one doesn’t want too many people to know one is driving an electric vehicle — but I’ll forgive these design features that serve very little practical function on an EV because of the wide hips, high-door line/low roof line and beautifully shaped rear.

The E-Tron and E-Tron RS are based on Porsche’s Taycan, but it’s expected that Audi will heavily re-engineer the platform for its own models, and that the Renn Sport version will have even more power than Porsche’s Taycan Turbo S. Audi’s press department promises up to 434 kW (590 hp) and a 0-100kmh (0-62mph) of 3.5 seconds, and an interior familiar to Audi owners, but dressed in sustainable materials and vegan ‘leather’.

The Volkswagen Audi Group is now quite experienced at producing EVs, with a number of popular models on sale. I am confident that the development of the E-Tron will be smooth for Audi, and that it will enter the market in late 2021, pending any (futher) catastrophic global events for the company or the world.

3. Rivian R1T, R1S

Rivian’s R1T promises a no-compromise adventure-focused EV.

Image: Andy Hedrick

Surely Rivian is just another automaker startup with big dreams and impossible odds? Many back Rivian as the next Tesla in the marketplace for good reason; Chief Executive RJ Scaringe is an engineer who completed his training at MIT’s prestigious Sloan Automotive Lab, and plans for Rivian to design and build everything in house.

Rivian has received close to $3 billion in funding from the likes of Saudi-backed JIMCO, Cox Automotive, Ford and Amazon, and It’s R1T Pickup and R1S SUV plan to beat Tesla to the line of the popular — and profitable — global SUV and pickup truck market.

With in-house designed battery, platform, thermal system, drivetrain and software, Rivian will likely hold a similar competitive advantage to Tesla against manufacturers who simply outsource component design to third parties. Rivian is planning a range of battery sizes from 105kWh to a massive 180kWh, and up to 680km (400mi) range, but has yet to provide any range figures for a vehicle towing a large load. When you get to your remote campsite in a national park, how do you charge up? The company plans a high-speed charging network at popular camping, hiking and kayaking sites in parks around the US.

The R1T and R1S are handsome vehicles, and are sure to attract the EV buyer who finds Tesla’s Cybertruck a little ostentatious. The Launch Editions of the R1T and R1S start at $75,000 and $77,500 USD respectively, and include a 300mi range, quad-motor setup, a 5 ton (11,000lbs) towing capacity, the offroad package, 4x 110V and 3x12V outlets, and options that including a full camp kitchen that slides out of the side of the vehicle.

2. Lucid Air

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The Lucid Air in its top specification produces 1,080 hp from a 113kWh battery.

Image: Lucid Motors

Sure, the Audi E-Tron GT, Tesla Model S or Porsche Taycan will appeal to those who appreciate a tech-focused performance EV from an established name, but none can compete with the futuristic beauty of the Lucid Air. Designed by Derek Jenkins, formerly of Mazda, Volkswagen USA and Audi USA, the design language of the Air isn’t restrained by a family heritage or recognisable face that must be continued; it is fresh, premium and futuristic.

Lucid claims the most aerodynamic sedan on the market, with a drag coefficient of 0.22cd. The Air features a 34 inch 5k display cluster, up to 895kW (1,080hp) of.power in the Dream Edition, and Lucid DreamDrive, the company's autonomous driving system that utilises LiDAR, radar, ultrasonic sensors and multiple cameras.

Lucid signed a battery deal with Samsung in 2016, and in 2018 received $1 billion in funding for its new Californian factory from a Saudi Arabian investment fund, and is expected to begin deliveries of its Air Dream Edition mid-2021.

1. Rivian/Amazon Delivery Van

Amazon’s custom delivery van, developed and built by Rivian.

Image: Rivian

The only commercial vehicle on this list, and it takes top spot? Let us explain. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and work, and its likely the majority of workers in the service sector/office environments will at least have the option to work from home even with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. With massive demand on postal and delivery services as consumers favour online shopping, It will be critical to minimise diesel particulates and emissions in our communities, and for transport companies to reduce fuel and maintenance costs. Amazon has already ordered 100,000 vans, in a bid to significantly reduce their carbon footprint by 2030.

Although specification details are limited at this stage, it’s expected that production of the bespoke delivery van will begin in late-2021 at Rivian’s Normal, Illinois factory. Reports in the press suggest the van may be based on a version of the ‘skateboard’ electric platform from the R1S/R1T, with a stretched wheelbase. Amazon has reported that the vehicle will feature Alexa voice control to assist drivers, as well AI controlled delivery routes to optimise efficiency and speed. While there are other exciting commercial EVs coming to market from companies like Arrival, Morris Commercial, Volvo and Daimler Trucks, Rivian’s promise is seen in the vote of confidence from Amazon, and the seed funding the company has received.

Ford Reveals 2022 E-Transit Van

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Images: Ford

The Ford Transit has quite the history; as a best-selling light commercial vehicle in the UK and Europe for the best part of 50 years, and also for its association with the ‘white-van-man’ stereotype. 2022 brings an electrified version, featuring a 67kWh batter, 350km range and a 198kW/430Nm rear-mounted electric motor. That’s a lot of grunt for a van.

The E-Transit’s range may seem limited, but with DC fast-charging, it can add 72 kilometres of range (45 miles) in 15 minutes, recharging at a rate of up to 115kW.

Payload is rated at 1,616kg, despite the large under-floor mounted battery pack. What’s more, tradespeople and others requiring power have access to AC power available from the E-Transit’s batteries.

Ford intends to achieve carbon neutrality worldwide by 2050, and the E-Transit is an early example of the electrification taking place at the automaker. Read the full press release below:

Source: Ford

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Ford reveals the 2022 E-Transit – an all-electric version of the world’s best-selling cargo van – featuring next-level connected vehicle technology with Built Ford Tough capability and electric vehicle-certified dealer support, all for a price starting under $45,000

• New to E-Transit is standard SYNC® 4; when paired with an activated standard embedded modem, these connected solutions unlock software subscriptions that help fleets manage charging transactions, telematics services and more

• Available Pro Power Onboard turns E-Transit into a mobile generator with up to 2.4 kilowatts of available power to help customers use and recharge job site tools ranging from belt sanders to miter saws

• E-Transit is a smart workhorse for North American cities designed with insight from 30 million miles of customer telematics data to deliver the right amount of range based on fleet needs; E-Transit delivers an estimated driving range of 126 miles in the low-roof cargo van variant

• E-Transit is the first all-electric cargo van from a full-line automaker in North America and offers a choice of eight configurations including three roof heights and three lengths, plus chassis cab and cutaway models; with a powerful electric motor targeting 266 horsepower/198 kilowatts of power and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, E-Transit comes ready to work when it arrives in late 2021
  

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 12, 2020 – Ford, the world’s cargo van leader1, introduces the 2022 E-Transit van, a smart workhorse that will offer customers enhanced productivity enabled by its fully electric powertrain, software solutions, services and Pro Power Onboard options.

“Ford is North America and Europe’s commercial truck and van leader, so the transition of fleet vehicles to zero emissions, especially for the fast-growing last-mile delivery segment, is critical to achieve our carbon neutrality goal by 2050,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “Ford is ready to lead the charge, starting with the all-electric Transit and all-electric F-150 on the way. This is good for the planet and a huge advantage for customers to help lower their operating costs and provide connected fleet management technologies that will help their businesses.”

The all-new E-Transit is backed by Ford’s powerhouse network of 1,800-plus global commercial vehicle dealers, including 645 commercial vehicle centers across the U.S. – about 90 percent of which are electric vehicle-certified – for easy sales and service.

E-Transit offers the same interior cargo dimensions and standard mounting points for continued integration with hundreds of upfitters and vehicle modifiers worldwide who provide compatible racks, bins and accessories on gas-powered Transit. The majority of U.S. Transit vehicles sold last year were upfitted, and Ford continues to provide the same upfit financing support for van customers, including those who purchase or lease. With 13 upfitters located conveniently within 30 miles of the assembly plant, customers get fast delivery to the upfitter of their choice right when they order their van, removing the need for an upfit after delivery and helping them get on the road quickly.

While most newcomers in the van business are still building prototypes, developing testing protocols and addressing difficult usage conditions, Ford’s commercial vehicle ecosystem is expanding to include electric vehicle monitoring software and connected solutions for fleets to seamlessly integrate into day-to-day operations. 

“We are doubling down on software and digital services to help our fleet customers grow and more efficiently run their businesses,” said Farley.

Ford – which is the leading commercial vehicle brand in North America and Europe – has been making Transit family vehicles for 55 years and commercial vehicles since 1905. The company will assemble E-Transit for North American customers at Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.

Driving to go greener

Cities around the world – from London to Los Angeles – are pledging to create emissions-free zones to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas levels and improve noise pollution. California has also mandated that all new cars and passenger trucks sold in the state be zero-emission vehicles by 2035.

“More construction, emergency vehicles and utility services choose Ford commercial trucks and vans over any other manufacturer2 – and we’re committed to helping customers make the transition to zero-emission technology,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product platform operations officer. “E-Transit is a data-rich, connected platform that will help our fleet customers unlock greater productivity. The value for our commercial customers grows over time as more connected vehicles join the network.”

E-Transit is part of a Ford investment in electrification of more than $11.5 billion through 2022. The all-new, all-electric Mustang Mach-E begins arriving later this year, while the all-electric F-150 starts hitting dealers in mid-2022. In North America, Ford is the first full-line automaker to announce plans to produce both an all-electric full-size pickup truck and a full-size van for customers – including fleet owners.

Ford intends to achieve carbon neutrality globally by 2050. It is the only full-line U.S. automaker committed to doing its part to reduce CO2 emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and working with California for stronger vehicle greenhouse gas standards.

E-Transit will not only help companies operate with the benefits of electrification, it offers clear business advantages. Scheduled maintenance costs for the all-electric Transit are estimated to be 40 percent less than the average scheduled maintenance costs for a gas-powered 2020 Transit over eight years/100,000 miles3. And with lower maintenance requirements and the opportunity to avoid fill-ups, companies can improve customer uptime and productivity.

Range, charging solutions tailored for business

E-Transit is a smart workhorse for U.S. cities designed with insight from 30 million miles of customer telematics data to deliver the right amount of range based on fleet needs – at a price that makes it easy to switch to electric. With a usable battery capacity of 67 kilowatt-hours, E-Transit will deliver an estimated range of 126 miles in the low-roof cargo van variant. The E-Transit has a starting MSRP4 under $45,000 for U.S. fleet customers – and comes backed with an eight-year, 100,000-mile electric vehicle component warranty5.

“This makes E-Transit ideal for commercial customers who know their drive routes and often work in urban environments,” said Ted Cannis, Ford North America general manager of commercial business. “Affordability is key, and our customers buy only what they need to get the job done. E-Transit provides ample range at a price that makes the transition to electric easy. And Ford is just getting started.”

Ford will offer a variety of charging solutions to fit fleet and driver needs, whether at home, at a place of business or on the road. E-Transit comes with access to North America’s largest public charging network – providing drivers with seamless public payment capability and providing fleet managers with central account and billing management.

E-Transit features both AC and DC fast charging, coming standard with a Ford Mobile Charger that can plug into a normal 120-volt outlet for slow and steady charging or into a 240-volt outlet for faster charging. Those seeking the fastest home charging solution can purchase the Ford Connected Charge Station, which can fully charge E-Transit in eight hours.

On a 115-plus-kilowatt DC fast charger, E-Transit cargo van low-roof models can achieve approximately 30 miles of range in 10 minutes and approximately 45 miles of range in 15 minutes6. When plugged into a 240-volt outlet, E-Transit cargo van low-roof models achieve approximately 10 miles per charging hour using the Ford Mobile Charger. Employing a Ford Connected Charge Station brings the number up to approximately 15 miles per charging hour.

More power, connectivity on the go

E-Transit features optional Pro Power Onboard, which provides up to 2.4 kilowatts of power for North American customers to transform the vehicle into a mobile generator that powers tools and equipment on job sites and on the go. That’s enough capability to power everything from belt sanders to circular saws.

When activated7, the standard 4G LTE modem unlocks available data subscriptions and delivers seamless connectivity to help commercial vehicle customers manage and optimize fleet efficiency. A range of dedicated electric vehicle services are available through Ford Commercial Solutions, including electric vehicle data enhancements from Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services8.

Remote services like vehicle pre-conditioning – which optimizes cabin temperatures while E-Transit is plugged in to optimize battery efficiency – are also available, as well as charging reports that enable fleet managers to reimburse drivers who bring their vans home in the evening.

E-Transit also brings SYNC® 4 communications and entertainment technology9 to commercial vehicles, featuring a standard 12-inch touch screen that’s easy to use, plus enhanced voice recognition and cloud-enhanced navigation. With SYNC over-the-air updates, E-Transit software and SYNC features will stay at the forefront of performance.

On the road with navigation enabled, fleet operators can benefit from new Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology such as available Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Assist, which together identify speed limits and automatically change the vehicle speed accordingly.

E-Transit also features additional standard Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies designed to help fleet customers reduce driver-based insurance claims, including Lane-Keeping System and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. Available features include Blind Spot Information System with Blind Spot Assist, a 360-degree camera and Reverse Brake Assist. These features can help maintain fleet driving standards and help improve driver confidence.

Delivered with the capability Transit customers love

Designed for uncompromised cargo capacity, the E-Transit battery is located underneath the vehicle body, providing up to 487.3 cubic feet of cargo space inside the high-roof, extended-wheelbase variant.

Ford engineers redesigned E-Transit’s rear-wheel drive and rear suspension to optimize cargo space, creating a heavy-duty semi-trailing arm suspension system enabling better steering precision and more confident handling, plus better traction both in laden and unladen conditions.

For E-Transit cargo vans in the U.S., Ford is targeting a maximum payload of 3,800 pounds, and up to 4,290 pounds for cutaway versions – with a powerful electric motor delivering a targeted 266 horsepower/198 kilowatts of power and 317 lb.-ft. of torque across all configurations. Fleet owners will have the capability they need to get the job done.

In the U.S., E-Transit is available with a choice of three roof heights and three body lengths, as well as in cargo, cutaway and chassis cab versions.