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In an era when businesses face mounting pressure to reduce emissions without compromising practicality, The New Ford Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is a game-changer.
Combining the zero-emission benefits of electric mobility with the reliability of a combustion engine, this model offers a pragmatic solution for fleets navigating the transition to sustainability. It is priced competitively against rivals like the Renault Trafic Hybrid and Volkswagen Transporter TSI. The Transit Custom PHEV distinguishes itself through unmatched flexibility, advanced technology, and Ford’s legacy in commercial vehicle innovation.
This information guide explores why the Transit Custom PHEV is more than a stopgap - it’s a strategic stepping stone toward full electrification. We’ll dissect its hybrid powertrain, real-world efficiency, and how it outperforms competitors in key areas like cost-of-ownership and adaptability.
For businesses weighing their options in the £40,000 - £50,000 commercial vehicle segment, this Ford model delivers a future-proofed solution to today’s logistical challenges.
While fully electric vans like the Mercedes-Benz eVito or Ford E-Transit excel in urban settings, concerns over range anxiety, payload limits, and charging infrastructure persist. For operators covering mixed routes - city deliveries one day, cross-country hauls the next - a one-size-fits-all EV isn’t always practical.
The Transit Custom PHEV bridges this gap. Its 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery provides up to 35 miles of pure electric range (WLTP-rated), sufficient for daily urban trips. The 1.0L EcoBoost petrol engine seamlessly takes over for longer journeys, eliminating range anxiety. This dual-powertrain approach offers three critical benefits:
Cost Savings: Lower fuel bills and reduced BiK (Benefit-in-Kind) tax vs. diesel equivalents.
Environmental Compliance: Zero-emission capability for Clean Air Zones (CAZ) and Ultra-Low Emission Zones (ULEZ).
Operational Flexibility: No need to compromise between electric efficiency and ICE (internal combustion engine) reliability.
Ford positions this PHEV as a “training wheels” solution for businesses eyeing full electrification. By familiarising drivers with EV-style driving (e.g., regenerative braking, charging routines), the transition to models like the E-Transit Custom becomes smoother.
Battery & Range: The liquid-cooled 13.6 kWh battery supports ~35 miles of electric-only driving, enough for most urban delivery rounds. Charging via a Type 2 connector takes 4.5 hours using a 7.4 kW wall box (e.g., Pod Point Solo 3).
Performance: The 114 PS electric motor delivers instant torque, ideal for stop-start traffic. The top speed in EV mode is limited to 85 mph.
Regenerative Braking: Recovers energy during deceleration, boosting efficiency by up to 10% in city driving.
The 1.0L EcoBoost engine (125 PS) engages when the battery depletes. Unlike traditional hybrids, the PHEV’s larger battery allows sustained electric driving, reducing fuel use. Key features:
Seamless Transitions: Drivers can manually select EV/Hybrid modes or let the system optimise based on GPS data (e.g., prioritising electric power in low-emission zones).
Fuel Efficiency: The combination WLTP fuel economy reaches 156.9 MPG, with CO2 emissions as low as 49 g/km - a 30% improvement over diesel rivals.
Pro Power Onboard: An optional 2.4 kW exportable power supply turns the van into a mobile generator, powering tools or devices onsite.
Eco Mode: Prioritises efficiency, softening throttle response and optimising climate control.
Normal Mode: Balances performance and energy use.
Sport Mode: Unleashes full power from an electric motor and ICE (internal combustion engine).
For businesses ready to go all-electric, the E-Transit Custom builds on the PHEV’s foundation with:
Extended Range: A 74 kWh battery targeting 236 miles (WLTP).
Rapid Charging: 125 kW DC fast charging restores 15–80% in 41 minutes.
Payload Capacity: Up to 1,100 kg, competing effectively with diesel counterparts.
Key Considerations for Going Fully Electric:
Charging Infrastructure: Relies on access to networks like BP Pulse or Ionity.
Total Cost of Ownership: Greater initial cost compared to PHEV, but reduced servicing costs and exemption from road tax.
Comparative Analysis: Ford in this competitive market.
|
Model |
Powertrain |
Electric Range |
Payload |
Price (ex. VAT) |
|
Ford Transit Custom PHEV |
PHEV (1.0L + EV) |
35 miles |
1,226 kg |
£39,985 |
|
Renault Trafic Hybrid |
Full Hybrid (1.3L) |
0 miles* |
1,141 kg |
£38,200 |
|
VW Transporter TSI |
Mild Hybrid (2.0L) |
0 miles* |
1,239 kg |
£41,300 |
|
Mercedes eCitan |
BEV |
175 miles |
705 kg |
£47,850 |
*Full hybrids cannot drive purely on electric power.
Why Ford Wins:
Accurate Electric Driving: Unlike mild/full hybrids, the PHEV offers a dedicated EV mode.
Payload Advantage: Outperforms electric rivals like the eCitan, which sacrifices load capacity for batteries.
Future-Ready Tech: SYNC 4 infotainment with cloud-connected navigation and FordPass Connect for remote monitoring.
Urban Delivery Fleets: These fleets maximise electric miles in cities while retaining ICE (internal combustion engine) for occasional long hauls.
Tradespeople: Use Pro Power Onboard to run tools without engine idling.
Taxi/Private Hire Operators: Reduce fuel costs and meet ULEZ mandates.
The Ford Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid isn’t just a vehicle - it’s a strategic investment. For businesses hesitant to commit to a full EV, it provides a risk-free entry into electrification, slashing emissions and costs without sacrificing versatility. Combined with Ford’s robust dealer network and 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, it's a low-anxiety pathway to sustainability.
In a market crowded with compromises, the Transit Custom PHEV stands apart. It’s not merely a hybrid - it’s a bridge to the future, engineered by a brand synonymous with commercial excellence. For those poised to evolve without upheaval, the answer is clear.
Explore Further: Contact your nearest TC Harrison Ford Dealer to arrange a test drive and experience the Transit Custom PHEV’s capabilities firsthand.
Our most frequently asked questions are below…
The PHEV offers up to 35 miles of pure electric driving (WLTP-rated), ideal for urban deliveries or short commutes. The 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery ensures zero emissions in EV mode.
It combines a 114 PS electric motor with a 1.0L EcoBoost petrol engine. The van prioritises electric power for short trips and seamlessly switches to petrol for longer journeys or when the battery depletes.
With a full battery and petrol tank, the total range surpasses 300 miles, alleviating range anxiety for varied driving conditions.
A full charge using a 7.4 kW home wall box (e.g., Pod Point) takes approximately 4.5 hours. Using a standard 3-pin plug extends this to about 7 hours.
Yes. Its electric mode produces 0 g/km tailpipe emissions, exempting it from London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges.
The PHEV qualifies for:
8% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rate (vs. 30–37% for diesel).
First-Year Allowance (FYA) for 100% tax relief on purchases.
WLTP-rated fuel economy achieves 156.9 MPG in hybrid mode, exceeding diesel competitors such as the Volkswagen Transporter (~45 MPG).
Yes. It offers a 2,500 kg braked towing capacity, matching diesel variants.
It is up to 1,226 kg, slightly lower than diesel models due to battery weight, but superior to electric rivals like the Mercedes eCitan (705 kg).
Yes. Energy is recaptured during deceleration, boosting efficiency by up to 10% in stop-start traffic.
Unlike Renault’s non-plug-in hybrid (which lacks pure EV mode), the Ford PHEV offers 35 miles of zero-emission driving and lower BiK rates.
No. The Plug-in Van Grant ended in 2022, but businesses still benefit from reduced VAT on electricity vs. diesel.
Ford provides an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, covering defects and capacity loss below 70%.
Yes. The EV mode supports speeds up to 85 mph, though sustained high speeds drain the battery faster.
The charger comes standard with a Type 2 connector compatible with most public chargers (e.g., BP Pulse, and Pod Point).
Prices start at £39,985 (ex. VAT), positioning it between diesel vans and full EVs like the Ford E-Transit Custom.
Yes. It retains the diesel variant’s 8-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, driver aids (e.g., lane-keeping assist), and load space.
Its emissions are as low as 49 g/km (WLTP), making it Euro 6-compliant and future-proof against tightening regulations.
Yes. You can use the FordPass Connect app on your smartphone to precondition the cabin, preserving battery range in cold weather.
The PHEV suits businesses needing Flexibility. It provides electric efficiency for cities and petrol backup for long hauls. Unlike pricier EVs with charging dependencies, it’s a low-risk step toward full electrification.
