Ford Transit 2019 hybrid teased

Ford has released a single teaser image of an electrified Transit van, which will be revealed at the IAA Commercial Vehicle show in Hannover this month.

Overseas, the van will be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the smaller Custom variant, and with a 48-volt mild hybrid set-up in the Transit.

However, Ford Australia product communications manager Damion Smy said the electrified commercial vehicles are yet to be considered for the local market.

“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 (auto 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.”

Ford is yet to offer alternative powertrains in any vehicle Down Under, and so the hybrid Transit van would be a first for the brand's local division if it were to be imported.

Details are scarce ahead of its reveal later this month, but Ford says it expects a 50 kilometre emissions-free driving range with the plug-in Transit Custom.

Paired with a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which will recharge the lithium-ion battery pack, the van will have a total range of “more than 500 kilometres”.

The full-size Transit will use a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, matched exclusively with a manual gearbox, in an attempt to improve inner-city efficiency.

The main competition for the Ford van range will be Mercedes-Benz, which offers similar hybrid setups with the eVito and larger eSprinter.

 Would a hybrid boost make sense for commercial vehicles Down Under? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.