Ford is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) lineup with the introduction of the Transit City, a new, streamlined electric van designed for inner-city deliveries and commercial use. This marks the first completely new nameplate in Ford’s commercial range since the Transit Custom debuted in 2012.
New EV Platform and Production
The Transit City will be built on a dedicated EV platform developed in partnership with Chinese automaker Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), a joint venture partner of Ford. Production will take place at JMC’s plant in Nanchang, China. This strategic move allows Ford to quickly enter a competitive segment with a cost-effective solution.
Target Market and Body Styles
While the Transit City shares similar dimensions with the Transit Custom, Ford positions it specifically for last-mile delivery fleets and urban operations. The van will be available in three body configurations:
– A short-wheelbase, low-roof van
– A longer, taller van
– A flatbed or chassis-cab version
The chassis-cab option is particularly significant, marking Ford’s entry into the one-tonne segment and enabling factory-approved conversions for specialized applications. Partners like VFS in Southampton are already prepared to produce box van and dropside conversions, with additional variants, including refrigerated and tipper models, planned for release in early 2027.
Pricing and Equipment
The Transit City is set to be priced competitively, aligning closely with the starting price of the E-Transit Courier (around £27,000), while significantly undercutting the E-Transit Custom (priced at £43,600). To achieve this affordability, Ford is simplifying the range by excluding optional extras.
The van will feature a functional equipment list tailored for fleet customers, including:
– A 12.3-inch touchscreen
– Manual air conditioning
– A heated driver’s seat
– Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
– A rear-view camera
Performance and Range
Powering the Transit City is a 148bhp front motor paired with a 56kWh LFP battery, slightly smaller than the 71kWh pack in the E-Transit Custom. This configuration delivers a range of up to 158 miles in the most efficient short-wheelbase model. With an 87kW charging speed, the van can gain approximately 31 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Payload capacity varies, reaching up to 1275kg for the medium wheelbase and 1085kg for the shorter van.
Key Differences from JMC Touring
The Transit City shares several components with the JMC Touring, but Ford emphasizes fundamental differences in battery technology and drive layout to ensure optimized performance for commercial applications.
The Transit City represents a strategic move by Ford to capture a significant share of the rapidly growing urban EV delivery market. By leveraging a cost-effective platform and simplifying the product offering, Ford aims to provide businesses with an accessible and efficient electric van solution.
