Ford Australia has announced an electrification strategy that will give local customers the choice of at least five new Ford electrified vehicles by the end of 2024. The new Ford E-Transit will accelerate the Blue Oval’s domestic EV charge when it debuts in mid-2022.
Ford Australia’s electrification roadmap will include many of the company’s already popular nameplates while also introducing new models that will diversify and broaden its local vehicle range. These will be made up largely of battery electric vehicles, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) will also play a role, offering a vehicle to meet the lifestyle requirements of every Australian customer.
“We are accelerating our electrified future in Australia,” said Andrew Birkic, president and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand. “We are anticipating the needs of each type of customer and bringing the best of our global line-up to meet those requirements. For business customers, E-Transit delivers the durability and capability they need to serve their customers, along with zero-emissions efficiency.”
E-Transit is a no-compromise business partner that brings all the versatility of the global best-selling Transit and introduces the significant advantage of zero exhaust emissions while being more than capable of taking on the toughest of tasks. With a driving range of up to 317kms – more than 2.5 times the average distance a commercial van travels each day – E-Transit means commercial customers can take care of business, while pocketing the savings from reduced fuel costs.
The full-size E-Transit will begin to arrive in Australia from mid-2022 with the rear-wheel drive, 420L long wheel-base configuration, after the Escape PHEV makes its debut as Ford’s first locally available plug-in hybrid variant.
Ford Australia’s EV roadmap forms part of Ford’s global investment of US$30 billion in electrification by 2025, and to ensure a smooth electrification rollout, Ford Australia is collaborating with JET Charge, a leading supplier of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Recent research conducted by YouGov indicated that Australian consumers and businesses are showing increasing interest in transitioning to electrified vehicles.
“We know that many businesses are looking to make the switch to electrified vehicles, and that’s backed up by increasing interest from consumers and growing support from government,” said Elly Haug, Policy Director, Ford Australia. “We’re committed to helping our fleet customers meet the expectations of their customers, and that includes taking real action on climate change.
Ford sites will also play a role in helping the company to achieve its global ambition of carbon neutrality, including Ford’s new parts and logistics hub at Merrifield, which will have a 5-star green energy rating, and Ford plants around the world, which are targeted to run off 100% local renewables by 2035.