At Everything Electric in Sydney earlier this month, Tom Smith, Ford Australia’s Product & Retail Marketing Manager – Commercial EVs, shared exclusive insights into Ford’s electrified commercial van range, including the E-Transit, E-Transit Custom, and Transit Custom PHEV. With Ford’s strong history in the commercial vehicle sector, these models mark a critical step toward helping Australian businesses decarbonise their fleets while maintaining the versatility and capability Ford vans are known for.
E-Transit: Gaining Momentum in the Market
The E-Transit, Ford’s fully electric large van, has been available in Australia for a couple of years. While adoption has been gradual, interest is growing, particularly as businesses begin to recognise the operational cost savings of electrification.
“We brought the E-Transit to Australia a couple of years ago, and while it was challenging at first, we’ve seen momentum building,” Smith explained.
“We’ve adjusted pricing and introduced market offers to stimulate demand, and it’s working—businesses that try it love it.”
One of the key drivers behind the E-Transit’s appeal is the smooth, quiet drive experience and lower running costs, particularly for urban fleets.
“The businesses that trial the E-Transit often say they’re surprised by how comfortable and quiet it is to drive,” Smith noted. “For fleets doing short, urban routes, it’s proving to be a great fit.”
Despite the positives, Smith acknowledged that range remains a consideration for some buyers.
“With electric vans, you have to find the right fleet,” he said.
“For example, the E-Transit is ideal for businesses doing shorter metro trips, rather than those requiring long-distance travel with charging stops.”
E-Transit Custom: Deliveries Set for Q3 2025
The next step in Ford’s commercial EV strategy is the E-Transit Custom, a smaller, mid-size electric van designed for businesses needing an electrified workhorse without stepping up to a full-size model.
“We’re really excited about the E-Transit Custom, which we expect to start delivering in Q3 2025,” Smith confirmed.
While the E-Transit Custom is not yet in the hands of Australian fleets, Ford is gearing up for customer trials to demonstrate its capabilities and benefits.
“As of this month, we’ve got some E-Transit Custom units in market, and we’ll be working with fleets to gather feedback and showcase how they fit into commercial operations,” Smith said.
The E-Transit Custom is positioned as an ideal zero-emissions solution for businesses operating in urban environments, where charging infrastructure is improving, and electric range is less of a concern.
Transit Custom PHEV: A Smart Transition Option for Fleets
For fleets not quite ready for full-electric but looking to reduce emissions and fuel costs, Ford is also introducing the Transit Custom PHEV, a plug-in hybrid variant of its best-selling commercial van.
“We’re also bringing the Transit Custom PHEV to Australia, and this model is a great stepping stone for businesses wanting to move towards electrification without committing to fully electric,” Smith explained.
The decision to bring the PHEV variant was influenced by changing market conditions. While full EVs were once seen as the primary solution, hybrids are experiencing a resurgence, particularly in commercial applications.
“A few years ago, everything was about full-electric vehicles, but we’ve seen a shift in the market,” Smith said.
“Plug-in hybrids are gaining popularity, particularly in commercial applications, because they provide the flexibility fleets need for long distances while still allowing zero-emissions driving in metro areas.”
Unlike a full EV, the Transit Custom PHEV allows businesses to switch between electric and petrol power, making it ideal for regional businesses or mixed-use fleets.
The Future of Ford’s Electrified Vans in Australia
Ford’s expanding range of electrified commercial vehicles demonstrates its commitment to helping businesses transition to lower-emission transport solutions.
Smith highlighted that Ford is actively working with fleet customers to ensure these models are fit for purpose, offering businesses real-world benefits in operational efficiency, sustainability, and cost savings.
“For fleet customers doing lots of small trips in metro environments, being able to run on zero emissions is incredibly appealing,” Smith concluded.
“We’re making sure that whether a business is ready for full EV or wants to start with a PHEV, Ford has an electrified van solution to meet their needs.”
With the E-Transit gaining traction, the E-Transit Custom launching in Q3, and the Transit Custom PHEV providing a flexible alternative, Ford is positioning itself as a leader in commercial vehicle electrification in Australia.
