The Ford Transit You Can Plug In
Based on the Ford Transit Custom, the PHEV prototype is a replacement for the standard van’s 2.0-litre diesel engine, only it uses electric motors and a range-extender petrol engine. This PHEV is currently being tested as a part of a trial of 20 prototypes, and Ford describes this model as purpose-built to help you work more efficiently than ever.
The Transit Custom PHEV can be charged via cable. This will take 3 hours to fully charge on a standard fast charger, or 5 hours on a domestic charger. This enables you to drive 31 miles on electric power, or up to 300 miles once the petrol engine kicks in and generates electricity from the fuel tank. The Transit Custom PHEV's driven rear wheels aren't connected to the petrol enginge. A three-cylinder engine is instead used to charge the batteries, which power the electric motor.
As you may imagine, the van produces very little sound, other than a humming noise. The petrol engine doesn't kick in while starting the car or speeding up, making this perhaps the most silent Transit van yet. A smart van in every sense, the Transit Custom PHEV will apparently incorporate geofencing technology, meaning that the van will recognise where it is and charge its batteries if needed, thanks to drivers specifying areas that are best driven around on electric power, such as London in the Congestion Charge Zone.
The Transit Custom PHEV drives a low like a traditional automatic. There are four driving modes depending on how the petrol range extender is used on the go: EV Auto, EV Charge, EV Now and EV Later. Auto is the automatic setting that works out for you when to charge the batteries, and Charge commits to maximum charging. The Now setting switches the van to full electric power, and as the name suggests, the Later option keeps your current charge for using the battery later.
The result of the Transit Custom PHEV is that it feels like the future of the iconic brand without being too much of the classic feel of a Transit van; the interior for example is virtually untouched. This version is still in its infancy, but full production should start next year.
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Image courtesy of autoexpress.co.uk
