Ford starts trial of Transit PHEV in Valencia

Ford has announced it will be testing its Transit Custom PHEV in Valencia, Spain.

The project is a collaboration between Ford Smart Mobility, the regional government of Valencia and the Valencia City leadership. The aim is to see how Transit Custom PHEV fleets could contribute to cleaner air targets in the city.

The trial in Valencia will focus on the small and medium fleets using Transit Custom PHEVs that are driven solely by an electric motor, with a zero-emission target range of more than 31 miles.

Ford is already testing the Transit Custom PHEV in London, working with Transport for London and a variety of fleet customers, ranging from the Metropolitan Police to courier services and construction firms.

Steven Armstrong, president and CEO, Ford of Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: “As no two cities are alike, it is vital that we look at the mobility issue from a variety of perspectives. Our research in Valencia will help us gain a meaningful understanding of the benefits that small and medium fleets running primarily on electric power can bring.”

Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine serves as a range extender, eliminating range anxiety by charging the on-board batteries when longer trips are required.

Ford’s Transit PHEV is scheduled for volume production in 2019.