Review | First drive
Ford Transit Custom PHEV T
On Sale: December 2024 Key Rival: LEVC VN5
he Ford Transit Custom covers all bases when it comes to means of propulsion, from the all-conquering
diesel models to pure electric vans to the mild MHEV and plug-in PHEV hybrid versions – the latter of which is tested here. Te first Custom PHEV, which appeared five years ago, was a bit rough around the edges but this one has stepped up in terms of refinement and sophistication. Te PHEV combines a 2.5-litre Duratec
petrol engine with an 11.8kWh battery that allows an electric-only driving range of up to 35 miles, according to Ford. Fuel consumption on the WLTP cycle is 39.8mpg with emissions from 35g/km. Te battery also provides the useful addition of 2.3kW of power for tools and equipment on work sites and it can be
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charged from 10% to 100% at home in less than four hours. Te charging port is found at the front of the van on the offside while the petrol refill point is between the passenger door and side loading door. Like the all-electric E-Transit Custom, the PHEV, which is front-wheel drive, drives like an automatic thanks to its single-setting continuously variable transmission. Te Custom PHEV comes with eight
driving modes, five of which it shares with its diesel sibling. Tese are: Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/haul, which are all pretty self- explanatory but its worth noting that the van can tow a trailer of up to 2.3-tonnes. Te hybrid functionality means it also gets three more modes: EV Auto, where the van chooses between electric or
petrol power depending upon the driving environment, EV Now, which keeps the motor in electric mode and is the one for urban driving, and EV Later, which preserves the battery range when petrol power is in use. Te most versatile (and lazy) option is to stick in EV Auto. Performance, handling and ride quality are all up to Ford’s class- leading standards. Te PHEV is quieter than the diesel
Custom but a bit noisier than the E-Transit Custom, although this never becomes intrusive even when a satisfying, throaty rumble emanates from beneath the bonnet when the petrol engine kicks in. Tere’s no denying the steering wheel is oddly shaped, Ford calls it a ‘squircle’. It is squared off so that if you opt for the
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