First plug-in hybrid vans hit the road

Ford's new Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid is the first van to deliver plug-in hybrid technology for zero-emission driving capability in the 1-tonne van sector; and you’ll be able to find out what the media thinks soon as they're testing it out now.

It can be charged with mains electricity for a pure electric driving range of up to 35 miles, but has a range exceeding 310 miles with Ford's award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine acting as a range extender. The same technology can also be found in the eight-seat people-mover, the new Tourneo Custom Plug-In Hybrid.

Another first comes with Ford's 2-tonne Transit, as the Transit EcoBlue Hybrid is the first van of its size to offer 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. The EcoBlue Hybrid powertrains deliver fuel efficiency improvements of up to 8 per cent over the new EcoBlue diesel powertrains, which themselves deliver up to 7 per cent fuel efficiency improvements over the previous model.

Add in a comprehensive programme of weight savings using aerospace industry computer-aided design and it helps deliver a payload increase of up to 80 kg. In addition, advanced connectivity features including new FordPass Connect on-board modem technology help operators maximise vehicle efficiency and utilisation.