In the rapidly evolving world of commercial vehicles, a significant shift is underway in the UK market. Businesses and individuals are increasingly moving away from traditional diesel vans towards more sustainable alternatives, with the Ford Transit Custom PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) leading this transformation. This hybrid powerhouse is changing how businesses approach their fleets, offering a practical bridge between conventional diesel engines and fully electric solutions.
The UK has traditionally been dominated by diesel vehicles, prized for their torque, fuel economy, and reliability under heavy loads. However, with growing environmental concerns, stricter emissions regulations, and the rising cost of fuel, businesses are increasingly looking for alternatives that can deliver similar performance while reducing their carbon footprint.
The Ford Transit Custom PHEV has emerged as a compelling solution, offering businesses a stepping stone between conventional internal combustion engines and fully electric vehicles. Its popularity marks a significant trend in the commercial vehicle sector – one that Swiss Vans, a prominent UK van dealership, has been at the forefront of promoting.
At the heart of this transition is Swiss Vans, a respected name in the UK van market. Founded in 2005 by Ian Hill, Swiss Vans has established itself as a leader in new van sales and customizations, with a particular focus on innovative and sustainable vehicle solutions. Unlike many in the sector who entered with backgrounds in automotive mechanics, Hill’s approach was driven by a genuine enthusiasm for connecting businesses with the perfect vehicles for their needs.
“With the growing concerns related to global warming, the world is steadily moving towards sustainable solutions,” notes a recent article on the Swiss Vans website, reflecting the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
As Managing Director of Swiss Vans, Ian Hill has been instrumental in promoting the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in the UK commercial sector. His expertise in the van industry has made him a trusted authority on vehicle trends and innovations. Hill has been particularly vocal about the transition to electric vehicles, noting in a LinkedIn post that while there may be some hesitation in the market, there’s a “silver lining” that provides “more time to plan EV transitions” and the “potential for better, more refined electric vans.”
The latest Ford Transit Custom PHEV represents a significant advancement over its predecessor from five years ago, offering enhanced refinement and sophistication. It combines a 2.5-litre Duratec petrol engine with an 11.8kWh battery, allowing for an electric-only driving range of up to 35 miles according to Ford.
What makes the Transit Custom PHEV particularly appealing is its versatility. With eight driving modes, including EV Auto, EV Now, and EV Later, drivers can optimize performance based on their specific needs and driving conditions. This flexibility allows for a seamless transition between electric and petrol power, ensuring optimal efficiency in all situations.
The PHEV delivers impressive performance with its 230hp petrol engine, providing plenty of power when needed while maintaining the smooth, responsive driving experience Ford is known for. As What Van? notes in their review, “Performance, handling and ride quality are all up to Ford’s class-leading standards.”
Despite its advanced hybrid technology, the Transit Custom PHEV doesn’t compromise on practicality. The L1H1 version offers a generous 5.8m³ load volume, with a hefty 1,350kg payload capacity. Access is provided via twin rear doors and a nearside sliding door with a step for easy entry. This makes it just as capable as its diesel counterparts for day-to-day commercial use.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Transit Custom PHEV is its economic advantage over traditional diesel vans. With a WLTP fuel consumption of 39.8mpg and CO2 emissions from just 35g/km, it offers significant savings on both fuel costs and emission-based charges. While the initial purchase price is higher than diesel alternatives, the total cost of ownership calculations often favour the PHEV when factors such as fuel savings, maintenance costs, and potential exemptions from low emission zone charges are considered.
The growing popularity of the Ford Transit Custom PHEV is part of a larger trend reshaping the UK van market. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the benefits of electric and hybrid vans, not just in terms of environmental impact but also for their bottom line. Electric motors generate torque instantly, making electric and hybrid vans particularly effective in urban environments, even with full payloads. As Vansales.com notes, “an electric van will be very nippy in urban driving – even with a full payload – compared to a diesel or petrol van, where performance tends to build as engine revs increase.”
For businesses operating in areas with low emission zones, vehicles like the Transit Custom PHEV can mean significant savings by avoiding emissions-based charges. This provides another economic incentive driving the shift away from diesel.
As Ian Hill aptly observes, “The EV revolution isn’t cancelled – it’s just recalibrating.” The Ford Transit Custom PHEV represents an important milestone in
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.