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T
he Ford Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid, was Ford’s first step into the electric CV market. As we await the arrival of the larger E-Transit, the Custom PHEV currently offers customers a compromise between diesel range and electric power. The good news is that next-generation Transit Custom will come with pure-electric power when it goes on sale in 2023, but until then the Custom PHEV could be well worth a look. The Transit Custom PHEV combines a 126hp electric motor with a 1.0 litre petrol engine. What’s clever about it is that the petrol engine doesn’t drive the van. Rather like the LEVC VN5, it’s used to power the 13.6kWh battery and in turn, power the electric motor. This means that you get zero-emissions utilising the battery range, coupled with the reassurance of a 300mile driving range. Maximum power is 120 PS. Driving modes Four electric vehicle modes allow users to choose how and when to use the PHEV’s available battery charge. EV Now is automatically selected when the engine is first switched on and is perfect for urban and city driving. EV Later maintains the current level of charge, so you can save it for urban use. If the van has been fully mains charged, EV Later will also hold the battery range if its dropped to 75%. EV Auto determines how to use the energy sources in tandem, battery or petrol and EV Charge can be utilised to recharge your battery on the go. Model range The Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid is available in all the same trim levels as the regular Transit Custom diesel models bar Sport. So choose from Leader, Trend or Limited, in www.companycarandvan.co.uk
ON TEST: FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM PLUG-IN HYBRID
One giant leap as Ford drops a plug-in Transit Custom Van, Double Cab or Kombi. All are well equipped, with entry level Leader featuring air-con, heated front seats, heated windscreen and heated mirrors, none of which are offered on the diesel Leader version. Equipment and spec Standard equipment is largely identical to the regular range, with the addition of some hybrid-specific kit such as the geofencing equipment. More of that later. It means all versions get air-conditioning, heated front seats, heated door mirrors and a heated windscreen over the diesel. We were testing the Limited 1.0 litre PHEV which features 16” alloys, a full sized spare wheel, leather steering wheel and gear knob, an Ice Pack which includes the 8” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay Android Auto, Bluetooth and Ford SYNC. Plus, an eight-way adjustable
“The interior is the same as on the normal Transit Custom so it’s top-quality stuff... the central touchscreen is excellent and the separate heating controls are good news on the move...”
drivers seat, two 12v power points, a 75 mph speed limiter, remote central locking with deadlocks, front and rear parking sensors and an LED compartment light. Exterior and Interior If you look closely, you’ll notice the Custom PHEV features a few discrete badges and of course, a flap just underneath the headlights where you plug in the charging cable. Otherwise, it’s identical to the standard Custom. The interior is as per a normal Transit Custom but with a single speed gear lever which includes an L regeneration function. So it’s top quality stuff, with plenty of storage areas and cubby holes for van drivers odds and ends. The cabin also features dual front under seat stowage.The central touchscreen’s excellent and separate heating controls underneath are good news when on the move. Electric range, charging time and economy Here’s the key stuff. Transit Custom hybrid offers a claimed 30.5 miles of pure-electric range and can maintain its state of charge, switching over to electric power as required. Charging time is 2.7 hours on a home 7kWh charger. Continued on page 46 Company Car & Van | December 2021 | 45
