4 minute read
Ford Steps Up For Commercial
from Future Auto NT 2024
by Boylen
Years after EVs first hit the headlines, going electric is still a big step for many Australians, according to Ford Australia.
This is particularly the case for people using vehicles for work.
“Many of them are our customers at Ford Australia,” said Christine Wagner, General Manager, Fleet and Upfitting, Ford Australia. “What they tell us is that they need vehicles that can provide the optimum combination of uncompromised capability, practicality and technology. Electrification is a focus, but it can’t come at the cost of reduced fleet efficiency or performance.”
Ford is a brand built on icons like the Mustang, F-150, Ranger and Transit.
“Every vehicle in our line-up has been developed with a customer at the core. And we’ve spent the last century getting to know our customers very well.
“Australian commercial vehicle owners have exacting expectations from their vehicles and see them as an essential tool for their work.
“For those who choose to make the transition to EV, our job is to give them the confidence they need, while offering vehicles that get the job done.”
Commercial
The commercial segment is one major focus of our Australian EV portfolio, with the E-Transit battery electric van now on sale, the E-Transit Custom to join later this year, and the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) coming in early 2025.
“They offer the capability and performance drivers expect from vehicles that have already proven their worth with businesses across the globe,” said Christine.
The E-Transit and All-New E-Transit Custom are described by Ford Australia as having cabins that are “fully equipped workplaces, catering to the drivers’ every need as they go about their daily tasks”.
“Both vehicles deliver outstanding load-carrying capability, while offering safety and driver assistance technology as well as new ways to optimise fleet performance, all with a global reputation for comfort, drivability, and dependability.”
The E-Transit Custom is built with next-gen connectivity at its heart, reimagining Europe’s best-selling van for a new era of electrified productivity. Neither does it compromise on uptime, supporting DC fast charging up to 124 kW for a 15-80 per cent recharge in 41 minutes.
The company is also understandably excited about the recently announced Ranger PHEV.
“Australia is unique – our customers are spread across metro, regional and rural areas. While most Ranger customers drive less than 40 km per day, many also travel off-road, tow and need a highly capable vehicle every day,” said Christine.
The Ranger PHEV will offer the option to drive in pure electric mode for more than 45 kilometres without using fuel or producing tailpipe emissions. Beyond this, drivers will be able to switch to hybrid mode and travel further while carrying or towing heavy loads.
The PHEV will also power worksite tools with Pro Power Onboard and has a 3.5 tonne towing ability.
“The Ford Ranger was Australia’s best-selling vehicle in 2023; we anticipate Ranger PHEV bringing more commercial customers to the Ford brand as they look for an electrified option,” said Christine. Overall cost of ownership is also a critical consideration for commercial vehicle owners. How does the company approach this challenge?
“Our network of Authorised Ford EV Dealers, which will be expanded to 100+ by the end of 2024, can offer extensive support for EVs, equipped with charging infrastructure, specialist EV workshop equipment and knowledge of end-user maintenance routines.
“This, along with our commitment to ensuring extensive dealer staff training, means owners can rest assured they are backed by our nationwide network when choosing a Ford EV.
“With our growing electrified commercial vehicle portfolio that aims to hit the sweet spot of capability and performance, and a highly trained dealer network, Ford is excited to help Australians electrify for the real world and make a real impact to local businesses.”