$89,990 for electrified Transit

Ford New Zealand has teased three new models in the metal at an event in Auckland – and confirmed pricing on its first electrified commercial.

Transit PHEV pricing had not been announced until the event. It will be available in two versions, a short-wheel base cargo van for $89,990 and a luxury Tourneo coach version for $99,990, while the Escape range launches at $42,990, with a plug-in hybrid option available from $58,990.

The PHEV has a 14.4kWh battery and a claimed range of around 50km.

The Puma will be available in two versions, starting at $33,990.

Ford noted the Transit will now be the only large van in the market with an electric option – LDV’s EV80 is technically no longer sold, though Great Lake Motor Distributors told AutoTalk earlier this year they will consider its replacement, the EV90.

The Transit is a series hybrid, with the 1-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine not connected to the wheels, and only being used to boost the 13.6kWh battery. It can travel around 56km on electric only, and has a payload of over 1000kg.

Marketing manager for commercial vehicles David Herbert says fleet interest in the vehicle has been strong – with the test unit off now for a trial with NZ Post.

“We have a lot of interest from fleets,” he notes. “The main interest we have had is from government fleets, seeing as they have mandate to go fully electric.”

While the pricing comes at a margin of around $40,000 over the diesel version of the van, Herbert says it still stacks up.

“A lot of work has gone in with fleet operators around the cost of ownership of this van – and it has come out very competitively.

Dealer updates for EVs

Managing director Simon Rutherford announced at the event that dealers are being made ‘EV ready’ for the arrival of electric products.

Dealers will be required to have chargers on plinths on their forecourt, and service area – predominantly EVNEX units fitted by electrical contractor Singer. Bosch mobile units will be used in workshops.

A ‘dummy’ unit will be sited in the showroom for customer education.

Sales staff and technicians are also being trained for the products – with Rutherford hoping to have the process completed by the end of September.