Ford expands Transit family: New Transit City, the electric bet for the "last mile" in major metropolises
In a strategic move aimed at strengthening Ford Pro’s position in the commercial vehicle market, the American giant has officially launched the new Ford Transit City. It becomes the fifth member of the famous Transit family, being positioned as an affordable and efficient electric solution, optimized specifically for the challenges of urban logistics and low emission zones (ULEZ).
A global partnership for local efficiency
The new Transit City is not just another electric model, but the result of a close collaboration between Ford and partners at Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC). Manufactured in China and rigorously adapted to European standards, the model has been designed with “cost discipline” to enable small businesses and fleet operators to make the transition to green mobility without prohibitive investments.
Simon Robinson, the project's chief engineer, stressed that the goal was to create a vehicle that "ticks everything that matters for daily activity, without unnecessary complexity."
Three body variants for any urban mission
Ford offers the new model in three distinct configurations, covering a wide range of operational needs:
- L1H1 Van: The compact version, ideal for narrow streets and historic centers. Although small on the outside, it offers space for 3 euro pallets and a payload of up to 1,085 kg.
- L2H2 Van: The volume variant, with a loading capacity of 8.5 cubic meters and a payload of 1,275 kg. The usable length of over 3,000 mm allows the transport of bulky objects while maintaining excellent maneuverability.
- Single cab chassis: A versatile base for custom conversions, from refrigerated delivery vehicles to open-top bodies for municipal services.
LFP technology for durability and low costs
Under the hood, the Transit City relies on a 150 hp electric motor that drives the front axle. The energy comes from a 56 kWh LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) battery, supplied by CATL. The choice of LFP chemistry is not accidental: these batteries are recognized for their longer lifespan and increased resistance to frequent charging cycles, making them ideal for the intensive regime of urban deliveries.
The approved range is up to 254 km (WLTP), sufficient for most daily urban routes. In terms of power, the system allows for fast charging from 10% to 80% in just 33 minutes at a power of 87 kW.
Digital minimalism and standard security
The interior of the new model is described as minimalist, yet extremely robust, with wear-resistant materials. The dashboard is dominated by a 12-inch touchscreen equipped with the SYNC system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety hasn't been sacrificed for price. Transit City comes standard with a generous assistance package:
- Automatic emergency braking;
- Adaptive autopilot;
- Lane departure warning;
- Rear view camera and parking sensors (front/rear).
Unbeatable operating costs
For fleet managers, the most compelling argument remains the long-term economy. Ford estimates that the new Transit City will generate 40% lower maintenance costs than an equivalent diesel model. Service intervals are set at 2 years or 40,000 km, and the battery benefits from an extended warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km.
Availability
Orders for the new Ford Transit City will open in the second quarter of this year, with the first units expected in Transit Centers in Europe towards the end of 2026. Although official prices have not yet been revealed, analysts anticipate that the model will be one of the most competitive electric commercial vehicles on the market, being a direct response to the new Asian models that have begun to penetrate the light utility vehicle segment.