Ford Transit PHEV: The Hybrid Van Explained

The Ford Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid: A Smart Blend for Modern Businesses

In the evolving landscape of commercial vehicles, the Ford Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) emerges as a compelling option for businesses seeking to balance efficiency, versatility, and environmental responsibility. This innovative van represents a significant step for those considering the transition to electric vehicles but who may still have reservations about range anxiety and the convenience of refuelling. By seamlessly integrating an electric motor with a small petrol engine, the Transit Custom PHEV offers the best of both worlds: zero-emissions driving for urban commutes and the extended range needed for longer journeys.

Under the Hood: A Powertrain Revolution

The most striking difference between the PHEV and its conventional diesel-powered counterparts lies beneath the surface. The familiar 2.0-litre diesel engine is replaced by a more compact and efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine. Crucially, this petrol engine doesn't directly drive the wheels. Instead, its primary role is to act as a generator, constantly replenishing the 13.6kWh battery pack. This battery, in turn, powers a 126hp electric motor, which is solely responsible for propelling the van. This ingenious setup means that, for most of your driving, the Transit Custom PHEV behaves much like a fully electric van.

Drivers will immediately notice the super-smooth performance, the near-silent running when on battery power, and the generally relaxed and pleasant driving experience. This electric-first approach makes urban driving a joy, reducing noise pollution and offering a refined ride quality that can significantly improve driver comfort during long shifts.

Bridging the Gap: Electric Range and Petrol Assurance

Unlike a pure electric van, the Transit Custom PHEV offers a crucial safety net. When the battery pack is depleted, there’s no immediate need to find a charging station. The petrol engine seamlessly engages, providing the power to continue your journey without interruption. This dual-powertrain capability effectively eliminates range anxiety, making it a practical choice for businesses with unpredictable routes or those who cannot guarantee access to charging infrastructure at all times.

Ford has implemented clever software to manage the interplay between the petrol engine and the electric motor. The Transit Custom PHEV prioritises its claimed 30.5 miles of pure-electric range for situations where it's most beneficial. Extensive real-world testing with prototype vehicles has informed these intelligent driving modes. For instance, if you're heading into a city centre with strict emissions regulations, the van can maintain its battery charge and switch to electric power as you enter the low-emission zone. Conversely, if you're on a longer trip and want to finish your journey on electric power, another mode can actively charge the battery using the petrol engine while you drive.

Intelligent Operation for Practical Use

While the underlying technology might seem complex, Ford has designed the Transit Custom PHEV to be as user-friendly as possible. For the driver, operating this van is remarkably similar to any other. The complexity is managed by the vehicle's sophisticated control systems, allowing operators to focus on their work. The benefit of this approach is significant: the van can operate for extended periods without producing any tailpipe emissions. This is a considerable advantage for businesses operating in or planning to operate in areas with Ultra-Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), which are increasingly becoming zero-emission zones.

Key Features and Benefits

• Zero-Emission Capability: Ideal for navigating ULEZ and city centres.
• Extended Range: A 300-mile overall driving range thanks to the petrol engine backup.
• Smooth Performance: Electric motor provides instant torque and a refined driving experience.
• Intelligent Power Management: Optimises electric usage for urban driving and provides charging on the go.
• Uncompromised Cargo Space: Retains the practicality and load-carrying capacity of the standard Transit Custom.

Rivalry in the Hybrid and Electric Van Market

The Transit Custom PHEV operates in a competitive segment. Its most direct rival is the LEVC VN5, which shares its underpinnings with the iconic London Taxi. While the LEVC VN5 boasts a significantly longer pure-electric range of 61 miles compared to the Transit's 30.5 miles, it comes at a higher price point and offers less cargo capacity. For those prioritising maximum electric-only driving in urban environments, the LEVC presents a strong case, but the Transit Custom PHEV offers a more balanced and versatile solution for a wider range of business needs.

Mitsubishi also offers the Outlander PHEV in a 'Commercial' variant. However, this is essentially a converted passenger vehicle and lacks the dedicated van design, load space, and payload capabilities of the Transit Custom. Therefore, it's not a direct competitor for most commercial van users.

In the broader context, the Transit Custom PHEV finds itself competing against a growing number of fully electric vans. Models like the Toyota Proace Electric, Vauxhall Vivaro-e, Peugeot e-Expert, and Citroen e-Dispatch offer compelling electric-only solutions with competitive range and pricing. Ford's PHEV strategy can be seen as a 'halfway house' for businesses hesitant to commit to a fully electric van due to charging infrastructure limitations or range concerns. However, as the charging network expands and battery technology improves, the appeal of fully electric vans is increasing, potentially challenging the long-term market position of PHEV offerings.

Ford is, however, committed to electrification. The larger E-Transit is already available, and the next-generation Transit Custom, due in 2023, will also feature a pure-electric variant, signalling Ford's clear direction towards an all-electric future for its van lineup.

Verdict: Is the Ford Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid Worth It?

The Ford Transit Custom PHEV is undeniably a more expensive proposition than a traditional diesel van. For businesses whose operations span the entire country and involve frequent long-distance travel, a conventional diesel model might still be the more pragmatic choice. However, for those whose daily routes are predominantly within urban or suburban areas, the Transit Custom PHEV presents a highly attractive and practical solution.

The driving experience is a significant plus point. The smooth, quiet operation of the petrol-electric drivetrain, coupled with the responsive acceleration from the electric motor, makes for a genuinely pleasant driving experience, especially during stop-start city traffic. Furthermore, the potential for significant cost savings on fuel and reduced emissions charges, particularly for those frequently entering London's congestion and ULEZ zones, is a major incentive for many operators.

Importantly, the adoption of the PHEV technology has not come at the expense of the Transit Custom's core strengths as a van. It retains its impressive payload capacity and offers an unencumbered load area, ensuring that its practicality for carrying goods remains uncompromised. This makes it a truly usable workhorse, not just an eco-friendly concept.

Comparative Table: Transit Custom PHEV vs. Key Competitors

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How far can the Ford Transit Custom PHEV travel on electricity alone?
It can travel approximately 30.5 miles on electric power alone, depending on driving conditions and battery charge.

Q2: What happens when the battery runs out of charge?
The 1.0-litre petrol engine automatically starts up to act as a generator, charging the battery and allowing you to continue your journey without stopping.

Q3: Is the Transit Custom PHEV suitable for long-distance travel?
Yes, with a total range of around 300 miles, it is suitable for longer journeys, offering the flexibility of refuelling with petrol when needed.

Q4: Does the PHEV system affect the van's load capacity?
No, Ford has designed the PHEV system to minimise impact on cargo space, maintaining the excellent load-carrying capabilities of the standard Transit Custom.

Q5: What are the main advantages of the PHEV over a diesel Transit?
Key advantages include lower emissions in urban areas, potential fuel cost savings, quieter operation, and a smoother driving experience, especially in city traffic.

Conclusion

Used within its intended operational limits, the Ford Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid presents an excellent solution for businesses looking to embrace greener motoring without compromising on the practicality and flexibility required from a commercial van. It’s a pragmatic and agreeable choice for drivers and a potential cost-saver for businesses navigating the complexities of modern urban logistics and environmental regulations.

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