New Models
New Models

Electric Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen Transporter twins confirmed

The upcoming commercial vans will go into production during the first half of 2023.


The next-generation Ford Transit Custom and twin-under-the-skin Volkswagen Transporter will be offered with all-electric powertrain options, both manufacturers have confirmed.

Set to go into production in Turkey during the first half of 2023, the upcoming mechanically-identical commercial vans will also be available with hybrid and traditional internal combustion engines.

Earlier this year, Ford claimed its entire commercial line-up would have electrified powertrain options (plug-in hybrid or all-electric) by 2024.

Volkswagen is yet to make such a promise for its commercial range, however has been shifting its focus to electrification brand-wide for some time now.

A spokesperson for Ford in Australia told CarAdvice: "While we have no local plans for the vehicle to share today, we always look to the best of our global portfolio for vehicles that suit the emerging needs of Australian customers. We are pleased with how Australians are embracing [the existing] Transit van."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Volkswagen in Australia told CarAdvice: "[We are] only too eager to import electric vehicles, but Australia’s regulatory backwardness makes it almost impossible to make a case to the factories for prioritisation.

"First world markets, where there are significant penalties for failing to meet emissions targets, will naturally be the first in line for zero emission vehicles," the Volkswagen spokesperson said.

"It is difficult to explain to parent companies that Australia continues to languish in Euro 5 with no intention of meeting Euro 6 until 2027. Meanwhile, Europe moved to Euro 6d this year and will be at Euro 7 as early as 2025. As the Volkswagen Group has frequently made clear, Australia is becoming an automotive third world."

The widely-scoped Ford-Volkswagen alliance is also set to deliver a shared platform for the Amarok and Ranger dual-cab utes, both of which are slated for launch in 2023.

An all-electric Ford – underpinned by Volkswagen’s modular MEB platform – has also been confirmed, with initial reports suggesting this model would also launch in 2023.


MORE:Volkswagen Showroom
MORE:Volkswagen News
MORE:Volkswagen Reviews
MORE:Volkswagen Transporter Showroom
MORE:Volkswagen Transporter News
MORE:Volkswagen Transporter Reviews
MORE:Search Used Volkswagen Transporter Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used Volkswagen Cars for Sale
MORE:Volkswagen Showroom
MORE:Volkswagen News
MORE:Volkswagen Reviews
MORE:Volkswagen Transporter Showroom
MORE:Volkswagen Transporter News
MORE:Volkswagen Transporter Reviews
MORE:Search Used Volkswagen Transporter Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used Volkswagen Cars for Sale
William Davis

William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.

Read more about William DavisLinkIcon
Chat with us!







Chat with Agent