First five fleets confirmed for Ford Transit plug-in hybrid van trials
The first 5 fleets of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Ford Transit Custom vans will explore how lower-emission plug-in hybrid electric vans could support cleaner air targets, whilst boosting productivity for operators in urban conditions – the toughest working environment for commercial vehicles. Ford announced at the start of the year a number of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Ford Transit Custom vans, which are the product of a £4.7 million Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) and industry-funded project, would trialled in London in 2017.
20 Ford Transit will be part of the project, making inner-city trips running solely on electric power to reduce emissions over a 12 month period. The five fleets include the Metropolitan Police with two Transit Custom PHEV vans: one marked for second response to traffic accidents and one un-marked as a forensic support unit. In addition, Transport for London will use three of the vans for freight duties. Confirmed fleets are:
- Transport for London
- Metropolitan police
- Clancy Plant
- Addison Lee
- British Gas
Andy Barratt, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford of Britain, said:
Over the past 50 years, the Ford Transit has been the UK’s favourite commercial vehicle. Our customers have always been at the centre of our development, so working directly with our fleets is vital in delivering an electrified CV that adds value to the many different businesses going in and out of our cities every day.
Ian Constance, Chief Executive of the APC, said:
The Ford Transit Custom PHEV is an excellent example of how UK-based innovators, suppliers and manufacturers are working together to tackle issues facing the global automotive industry. Since 2014, the APC has committed funding to projects with a combined value of more than £325 million to help the UK automotive industry develop new technologies to lower carbon emissions and improve air quality.
The Advanced Propulsion Centre is driving a low carbon change within the UK automotive industry, to reduce emissions and increase productivity.