Ford Australia's next electric car confirmed ... but it's still not the Mustang Mach-E

Ford Australia’s next all-electric model will be the E-Transit Custom launching in 2023, following on from the larger E-Transit hitting local showrooms later this year.

However, no specific details such as battery size, driving range, payload capacity or pricing has been revealed about the new E-Transit Custom, with Ford Australia to divulge further details in September.

In a press release, the brand says the E-Transit Custom will offer a “compelling range, full towing capability and DC fast charging” as the model was designed “using in-depth insights from van users to ensure a seamless customer experience”.

What is known, however, is what the e-Transit Custom will look like, and it looks much like what you’d envisage for an all-electric van.

The front end is informed by a massive grille, featuring a diamond pattern, while the charging port can be found under the right-hand headlight.

Ford has the kept the aesthetic clear overall without the inclusion of foglights and slim tail-lights, while other details shown in pictures include one sliding rear door, and barn-style doors for the rear opening.

“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 of 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 could also be one of the models that Volkswagen will rebadge as part of its commercial vehicle partnership with Ford, which has so far yielded a new-generation, Ranger-based Amarok for the latter.

Though powertrain details for the E-Transit Custom are not yet known, for reference, the larger E-Transit makes use of a 190kW/430Nm electric motor, while its 68kWh battery pack is good to propel the large van up to 317km before need a recharge.

The E-Transit Custom will be Ford Australia’s third electrified model, following the aforementioned E-Transit and the Escape PHEV – the latter of which is arriving in showrooms this month.

Ford Australia then, is clearly focussing on commercial vehicles in its bid to electrify its line-up, but has committed to another two electrified models to bring to market before the end of 2024.

Ford’s most high-profile EV is the Mustang Mach-E, a tailpipe emissions-free mid-size SUV designed to take the fight right to the hot-selling Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Toyota bZ4X and Tesla Model Y.

However, the model has remained off the table for Australia since its reveal back in 2019, despite being produced in right-hand-drive form for markets like the UK.