While van numbers grow, there is increasing regulatory pressure to reduce emissions and improve local air quality. The European Union (EU) requires that by the end of this decade new vans emit 31 percent average less CO2 than today.
Recently launched Transit Custom Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), the reigning International Van of the Year 2020 has gained geofencing technology as part of its FordPass Connect telematics package. This enables the vehicle to automatically switch to zero-emission driving on “EV Now” mode when entering a low-emission zone, or a user-specified geofenced area.
FordPass Connect modems will feature as standard on all Ford commercial vehicles – Fiesta Van, all Transit and Tourneo family models and Ranger Pick-up, and as an aftermarket option for Courier. This technology will help ensure businesses comply with emissions zone requirements and reduce the likelihood of charges or penalties.
Fleet Van & Utility can exclusively reveal that Fiesta Van will later this year be available with mild-hybrid (mHEV) technology on 125PS variants of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost, targeting CO2 emissions of 96g/km and fuel economy of 56mpg (NEDC). This is a limited volume model, most of which will be sold in the UK with a small number in France, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, Greece, Hungary and Finland. The new Fiesta Van mHEV variant will deliver responsive petrol engine performance and improved fuel efficiency for the urban hatchback van market.
The Fiesta Van EcoBoost Hybrid expands Ford’s range of electrified commercial vehicles which already includes the Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom Plug-In Hybrids, plus 48-volt diesel mild hybrid Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom EcoBlue Hybrid variants. These vehicles are among 18 new electrified vehicles Ford is introducing to Europe by the end of 2021. In addition, as previously reported the Ford Transit will enter a new electrification phase in Europe with an all-electric Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), which will also be sold in the US.
