Ford Transit Custom PHEV Review: What 6 Months and 10,000 Miles Revealed
The Ford Transit Custom PHEV can go 310 miles in total, and 35 of those miles run on pure electric power. We put this hybrid van through its paces for six months and clocked 10,000 miles. Now we're ready to share our detailed review of Ford's plug-in commercial vehicle.
Our testing pushed the van's 1,350kg payload capacity to its limits and tracked its ground fuel economy at 42.4mpg. The van's performance changed by a lot between seasons. It gave us 25 miles of electric range in warm weather and dropped to about 15 miles when it got cold.
This plug-in hybrid van starts at ￡39,985 and pairs a 2.5-liter Duratec petrol engine with a 13.6 kWh battery electric motor. The biggest question we need to answer: does this innovative powertrain setup deliver what it promises on the ground? Let's take a closer look at what we learned from our extended time with the Transit Custom PHEV.
Ford Transit Custom PHEV: First Impressions
The Transit Custom PHEV catches your eye with its subtle styling. A charging port flap under the headlight sets it apart while the van keeps Ford's classic commercial look with modern design touches.
Original Setup and Delivery
Ford made the Transit Custom PHEV setup simple by providing a standard Type 2 cable and a three-pin plug socket charging lead. The trip computer showed 99.9mpg early on because we mostly ran on electric power. All the same, like any plug-in hybrid, you need a regular charging routine to get the best performance.
The van charges flexibly. A standard wall socket takes about 4.3 hours for a full charge, while a 7.2kW wallbox cuts this time to 2.7 hours. The central SYNC4 multimedia screen lets you pick drive modes for better fuel economy, slippery roads, towing, or sporty driving.
Key Features Overview
The Transit Custom PHEV stands out from other commercial vehicles with some impressive features. The van carries up to 1,350kg, which beats many diesel versions. It also pulls 2,300kg - perfect for businesses that need extra hauling power.
The cabin deserves a special mention. Ford's 13-inch SYNC 4 infotainment touchscreen works alongside an 8-inch digital information screen. A clever flat floor design makes moving around easier, and the seats feel great on long trips.
The load space stays generous at 5.8 cubic metres for the L1 model, and the L2 version gives you an extra cubic metre. The van includes:
A 2.5-litre Duratec petrol engine pairs with an 11.8kWh battery. This gives you three driving modes: EV Auto handles power distribution smartly, EV Now runs purely on electricity, and EV Later saves battery power for specific areas or situations.
Ford added a clever geofencing feature that switches to battery power automatically in low-emission zones. This smart technology, plus the van's ability to supply 2.3kW of power for tools and equipment at work sites, shows Ford's dedication to practical innovation in commercial vehicles.
Real-World Performance Data
The Transit Custom PHEV showed its true colours during our thorough testing in different conditions. We collected data over 10,000 miles to learn about this hybrid van's real capabilities.
Daily Driving Range
The electric-only range changes a lot with the seasons. Summer drives gave us 25-30 miles of pure electric power. Winter temperatures cut this down to about 15 miles. We tried our best with careful driving and maximum regenerative braking in 'L' mode, but reaching the official 35-mile electric range was tough.
Fuel Economy Results
Battery charge levels and driving conditions play a big role in fuel efficiency. The Transit Custom PHEV keeps up at 40mpg with an empty battery, which matches diesel variants. Regular charging and city driving can push this up to more than 100mpg.
Our long-term tests showed:
Charging Times and Costs
The van offers simple charging options:
Money-wise, it makes sense. A full charge costs about ￡1.60 on standard electricity rates and gives you up to 20 miles of electric range. The same distance in petrol would cost around ￡3. Night-time electricity rates can save you even more.
Towing Experience with 2300kg Capacity
The van pulls its weight with a 2,300kg braked towing capacity. This matches many diesel models and shows the hybrid system doesn't hold it back. Heavy loads were no problem during our tests, though towing did affect fuel economy.
Geofencing technology helps a lot with towing. It manages power delivery based on your location and works best when you enter low-emission zones. The van switches naturally between electric and hybrid modes and performs well no matter the load.
Our extended tests prove the Transit Custom PHEV works well in many situations. The electric range might not hit official numbers, especially in cold weather, but the van's efficiency and practical features make it great for city businesses. Quick charging times and reasonable running costs, especially with night-time electricity rates, make it an attractive choice for commercial use.
Seasonal Performance Variations
Temperature changes affect the Transit Custom PHEV's performance a lot. The battery's efficiency changes with the seasons. Our long-term tests show exactly how the van performs in real-life conditions.
Summer vs Winter Range
The electric range varies quite a bit between seasons. The van runs 25-30 miles on pure electric power during perfect summer weather. The range dropped to the low 20s during the recent heatwave. This shows that extreme temperatures at either end affect how well the battery works.
The battery pack has a thermal management system to keep it at the right temperature. You can still notice the seasonal changes though. A full battery charge typically gives you:
The range display showed lower numbers in hot weather. The actual driving distance stayed steady until later in the day. This means the display might be more cautious than real-life performance.
Battery Performance in Cold Weather
Cold weather creates unique problems for the Transit Custom PHEV's battery system. The range drops by a lot when temperatures fall below 5°C. The electric-only range fell to about 15 miles in January and February. Some really cold days saw it drop to just 8 miles.
The van lacks battery heating technology. This limitation affects three main areas:
Pre-conditioning helps get the best winter performance. This uses about a quarter of the battery for a 20-minute session. You need to add 65 extra minutes for pre-conditioning and topping up the charge in cold weather.
You can try some tricks to get better range in cold weather. Heated seats use less power than the cabin heater. Charging right after driving works better because the battery's still warm. Regular use of regenerative braking helps keep the battery temperature up.
These seasonal changes mean you need to adjust your driving and charging habits based on the weather. Learning these patterns helps you plan your trips better and keep the van running efficiently all year round.
Total Running Costs Breakdown
Running costs are a vital factor to evaluate the Transit Custom PHEV's practicality for business operations. Our detailed analysis shows what it all means for operating this hybrid van in different scenarios.
Monthly Fuel Expenses
Fuel costs vary based on charging habits. A full battery charge on standard electricity tariffs costs about ￡1.60 and gives you up to 20 miles of electric range. The same distance in petrol would cost roughly ￡3.
The yearly fuel costs tell an interesting story:
The van reaches peak efficiency with proper management. Official figures show fuel economy of 176.6 mpg in optimal conditions. Real-life testing shows efficiency drops to around 40 mpg without regular charging.
Maintenance Requirements
The Transit Custom PHEV needs more frequent servicing than its diesel counterparts. Service intervals happen every:
The maintenance schedule has:
Ford's Variable Oil Service intervals adapt to how each vehicle is used and protect the engine better. The Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor tracks oil condition and suggests changes before reaching maximum service intervals.
Charging Infrastructure Setup
A proper charging setup is key to getting the most from your PHEV. Home charging options give you:
Up-to-the-minute charging capabilities and smart EV tariffs can lower operating costs. Ford's partnership with Octopus Energy lets you access special EV tariffs that help optimise charging times and save money.
The BlueOval Charge Network gives access to over 33,000 charge points across the UK. Business customers with multiple vehicles get:
The Transit Custom PHEV's total cost matches or beats diesel alternatives. The van qualifies for an 8% Benefit-in-Kind rate, while diesel variants face 30-37%. Businesses can also claim First-Year Allowance for 100% tax relief on purchases.
Light commercial vehicle road tax stays at ￡260 yearly. The PHEV variant makes financial sense in the long run, especially for businesses that do regular urban deliveries and can charge overnight.
Business Benefits Analysis
Businesses can save money by choosing a Ford Transit Custom PHEV. The hybrid commercial vehicle offers tax incentives and helps cut costs in city operations. Let's look at why this makes good business sense.
Tax Advantages
Company vehicle operators get excellent tax benefits with the Transit Custom PHEV. The van has an 8% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate, which is much lower than diesel vans that pay between 30-37%. This difference saves both employers and employees money each year.
Limited companies get even more financial perks. They can claim better capital allowances and write off up to 100% of the vehicle's cost against profits in year one. Companies also pay less in National Insurance because lower BiK rates mean reduced taxable benefits.
The government supports sustainable transport with added incentives. Companies can get grants that cover 75% of workplace charging point costs, including installation. Each site can get support for up to 40 sockets. This helps businesses cut down their fleet electrification costs.
Clean Air Zone Savings
The biggest money-saving advantage comes from Clean Air Zone (CAZ) exemptions. England now has seven clean air zones, and more cities plan to add them. The van's electric-only mode proves valuable in these areas.
Built-in geofencing technology switches to electric power when the van enters low-emission zones. This smart feature keeps the van compliant without driver input. The system also shares encrypted data with local authorities to prove compliance.
These exemptions add up to real savings:
The Transit Custom PHEV stays ahead of changing city regulations. It runs in pure electric mode for up to 35 miles, which helps businesses meet stricter emission controls.
Real-world tests show how well the van works in cities:
The van also powers tools and equipment at work sites with its 2.3kW output. This feature saves money by removing the need for separate generators while cutting emissions in urban areas.
Businesses can create their own "green zones" around schools, playgrounds, and warehouses. This smart approach reduces costs and shows environmental responsibility, which attracts eco-conscious clients and partners.
Conclusion
Our six-month, 10,000-mile test of the Transit Custom PHEV shows it works well as a practical solution for urban businesses. The van's electric range doesn't quite reach Ford's claimed 35 miles, which drops further in winter months. Yet the complete package brings valuable benefits to the table.
The numbers tell a compelling story about savings. Smart route planning and regular charging help businesses save money, especially in clean air zones. Companies can save up to ￡27.50 daily just from ULEZ and congestion charge exemptions. The van's 8% BiK rate makes it an attractive choice for company vehicle operators.
Businesses should look at their day-to-day needs carefully. The best returns come from companies that run regular urban routes and can charge overnight. The van's geofencing technology switches power sources automatically, which adds real value for mixed-route operations.
Our extensive testing leads us to recommend the Transit Custom PHEV to urban-focused businesses that want to go electric without worrying about payload capacity or range. This van combines practical features, tax benefits, and future-ready technology in a package that's worth its premium price tag.
Hi Ian. Slightly confused here! The review seems to mix elements from both the previous and current generations of Custom PHEV, for example mentioning the old 1.0 Ecoboost engine, then later the larger unit in the latest van. Also, geofencing is mentioned but, whilst available on the old van it's not, as far as my Ford friends have told me, available yet on new generation.