Electrification coming to Ford Transit
BY TUNG NGUYEN | 11th Sep 2018
FORD is teasing its updated van range to be revealed at this month’s IAA Commercial Vehicle show in Hannover that will usher in a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Transit Custom, as well as a 48-volt mild hybrid for the larger Transit.
However, Ford Australia product communications manager Damion Smy said the the new electrified engines are yet to be locked in for an local debut.
“While we don’t have any news to share today, Transit Custom and Transit have been performing very well since we added an automatic option, as well as features such as SYNC3 and optional AEB (autonomous emergency braking) to add to their car-like features and comfort,” he said.
“Alongside Ranger, the Transit line-up is an important part of our range here, and we’re constantly looking to offer Australians more of what’s available globally in the future.”
If Ford’s local arm were to introduce the new electrified Transits to Australian showrooms, it would be the brand’s foray into alternative powertrains.
Though full details will be revealed with the vehicle’s unveiling later this month, Ford is targeting a 50-kilometre emissions-free driving range for the plug-in Transit Custom.
A 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine will also be used to recharge the liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack over long distances, increasing range to “more than 500 kilometres”, according to the brand.
With the batteries fitted under the load floor, Ford says cargo volume in the plug-in Transit Custom is not affected by the electrified powertrain.
Meanwhile, a larger two-tonne Transit will make its global debut at the show, making use of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that will be paired exclusively to manual vehicles to improve inner-city fuel economy.
Harnessing the energy generated from braking, the 48-volt Transit is then able to use that energy to help drive the engine, as well as power electrical ancillaries.
Both electrified Transits will go toe-to-toe with Mercedes-Benz’s eVito medium van and eSprinter large van, which both use an all-electric driveline that offers around 150km of driving range in the former.
Finally, the Blue Oval brand will also debut two new connected vehicle solutions – Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services – at Hannover, designed to make fleet management easier.
Ford of Europe general manager of commercial vehicles Hans Schep said the new Transit will offer better value for the brand’s customers.
“Hannover will mark the arrival of an exciting new family of Transit commercial vehicles that are ‘born connected’,” he said.
“Advanced connectivity, and our game-changing electrified vehicles, will create extensive new opportunities to create value for our customers.”
