Chinese-built Ford Transit City electric van firms for Australia, promising lower price

Ford is set to expand its Australian lineup with a more affordable Chinese-built electric van, the Transit City, which has appeared in government approval documents. The van, developed with joint-venture partner Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), could launch late this year or in 2027.

The Transit City is expected to be priced significantly lower than the European-built E-Transit Custom, which currently starts at $77,890 before on-road costs. In the UK, the short-wheelbase Transit City opens at £29,000 (about A$55,000), compared to £43,630 (about A$83,000) for the E-Transit Custom.

A single three-seat variant, the 300S Van, has been listed in the Australian Government database. It measures 4985mm long, 1885mm wide and 1991mm tall on a 3060mm wheelbase, making it shorter and narrower than the E-Transit Custom. The van offers a payload of 1085kg, slightly better than the E-Transit Custom’s 1027kg.

Power comes from a front-mounted 110kW electric motor with a 56kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering a WLTP range of around 254km and DC charging at up to 87kW. Standard features include a 12.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push-button start, air-conditioning, a reversing camera, and a heated driver’s seat.

While Ford has not officially announced any Chinese-built vehicles for Australia, marketing director Ambrose Henderson said the company is constantly assessing global products for local suitability, noting that China provides a cost advantage but decisions are made carefully based on customer needs and safety standards.

Article and image source: perthnow.com.au