Ford plans to grow its Australian range with more than a single Chinese-built electric vehicle.

Besides the Bronco New Energy SUV expected late this year or early in 2027, Ford may add another model created with joint-venture partner Jiangling Motors Corporation.

The Chinese-made Ford Transit City shows up in Australian Government approval files, hinting the electric van could arrive this year or next.

"Ford continually evaluates opportunities to strengthen our vehicle line-up and meet the evolving needs of Australian customers. Government approval documentation does not necessarily indicate that a vehicle is confirmed for local sale. We have no new-model announcements to make at this time," said a Ford Australia spokesperson in a statement provided to CarExpert.

"As a global company, Ford sources vehicles from a range of markets. Any future additions to our Australian lineup will be announced through our usual channels at the appropriate time."

Derived from the JMC Touring EV, it matches the E-Transit Custom in size yet may carry a lower price than its European counterpart, which starts at $77,890 before on-road costs.

In the UK, the short-wheelbase Transit City begins at £29,000 (~A$55,000) while the SWB E-Transit Custom starts from £43,630 (~A$83,000).

A single three-seat version appears in the Australian Government database as the 300S Van, measuring 4985mm long, 1885mm wide and 1991mm tall on a 3060mm wheelbase.

This makes it shorter and narrower than the E-Transit Custom short-wheelbase model at 5050mm long, 1999mm wide and up to 2040mm tall on a 3100mm wheelbase.

Ford has confirmed the Transit City will come in three body styles in some markets: L1H1 (short wheelbase, regular height); L2H2 (medium wheelbase, tall roof); and cab chassis. Australian files list only the first style.

With a tare mass of 1915kg and gross vehicle mass of 3000kg, the Transit City 300S offers a payload of 1085kg - though Ford of Europe has noted some variants reach up to 1275kg. The E-Transit Custom provides 1027kg in SWB form.

The Transit City uses a front-mounted 110kW electric motor and a 56kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Ford has stated a WLTP range near 254km and DC charging up to 87kW.

The rear-wheel drive E-Transit Custom comes in Australia with a 160kW motor, 71.45kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery, 125kW DC charging, and 340-346km WLTP range.

Though it shares the platform with a JMC model, the Transit City has distinct exterior panels, smoother surfaces, and new headlight and tail-light units aligned with other Transit models.

The cabin sees fewer updates, yet the Transit City includes a larger 12.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard items cover push-button start, air-conditioning, a reversing camera, and a heated driver seat.

Ford has not yet confirmed any Chinese-built vehicles for Australia, including the Bronco New Energy and the Equator Sport/Territory sold in right-hand drive South African markets, but notes access to a broad global range.

"One of the great things about being part of a global company like we are is we have a choice of products from around the globe, and we're constantly assessing which ones work for us, what the future environment looks like, what Australian customers need, and what makes a business case for us," Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson told CarExpert earlier this year.

"While sometimes it seems very simple to bring cars in if they are already part of the global portfolio, the Australian market demands some things that the rest of the world does not, in terms of minimum safety standards, ADRs, et cetera.

"So it is not as easy as many would hope. Each time we bring in a product, it is a very specific investment from us. So we make those decisions very carefully and when we bring in a product, we want it to win in that segment that we go into.

"So for us, it is not about bringing in as many products as we can and seeing which one works. That is not our model. Our model is all about what customers want, where the Ford brand is strong, and where we can deliver a great outcome.

"China provides a cost advantage, but there are many factors in deciding whether we bring a car into the country. We have exciting plans and will announce them in due course."

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