Electric Ford Transit Custom and VW Transporter in the works

Pure-electric versions of both the next-generation Ford Transit Custom and all-new T7 Volkswagen Transporter will go on sale in 2023, it has been confirmed.

Set to be available in both delivery van and people-mover variants, the battery-electric 2023 Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter will both be built at a factory in Turkey as part of an alliance between Ford and Volkswagen designed to share the high cost of development of their next-generation vans.

Ford has already pledged to offer an electric or plug-in version of every vehicle in its commercial line-up by 2024.

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This latest move with the Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen Transporter will see a total of €2 billion ($A3bn) being invested in the Turkish plant to boost output and equip the line for battery pack and pure-electric vehicle assembly.

Alongside the all-electric powertrain, the US auto giant has confirmed the 2023 Ford Transit Custom will also be offered with conventional petrol engines with mild-hybrid tech, as well as diesel-powered variants.

Confirming the EVs were on the way Ford Europe boss Stuart Rowley said: "The next-generation Transit Custom range – including the all-electric versions – will strengthen Ford’s position as Europe’s number-one commercial vehicle brand."

In Europe, Ford celebrated is sixth consecutive year of the region's best-selling commercial vehicle manufacturer.

Once launched, it expects that two thirds of all van sales will be electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030.