The Ford Transit Custom covers all bases when it comes to means of propulsion, from the all-conquering diesel models to pure electric vans, via the mild hybrid (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions – the latter of which is tested here.
The 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.
The 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 CO2 emissions from 35g/km.
The battery also provides the useful addition of 2.3kW of power for tools and equipment on work sites and it can be charged from 10% to 100% at home in less than four hours. The 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.
Performance and drive
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.
The Custom PHEV comes with eight driving modes, five of which it shares with its diesel sibling. These are: Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/haul, and Slippery, which are all pretty self-explanatory, but it’s worth noting that the van can tow a trailer of up to 2.3t.
The 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.
The 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.
The PHEV is quieter than the diesel Customs 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.
There’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 Mobile Office pack, which we didn’t, it can be tilted up to hold a laptop or pushed flat to transform into a lunch table with a clip-on plastic cover when in Park mode. Happily, when used for its primary purpose (pointing the van in the direction you want to go) the steering is excellent – light and easy around town and offering plenty of feedback when taking corners out on the open road. Thanks to the 230hp petrol engine, which Ford also uses in the Kuga passenger car, there is no shortage of power on tap when the opportunity arises to put the PHEV through its paces.
Loading and interior
Aside from its impressive performance and road manners, we can attest that the Custom PHEV is also a practical load lugger, having relied upon it to undertake a house clearance mission.
The L1H1 van we tested combines a 5.8m3 load box (plump for L2 and you get an extra cubic metre) with a hefty 1,350kg payload. The load area is accessed via twin rear doors opening to 90º through to 180º and also via a nearside sliding door with a step to ease entry. Half a dozen tie-down loops in the load bay help to secure loads and a full-height steel bulkhead protects the cabin from items that may come loose in the load bed.
In the cabin the dashboard features Ford’s 13in Sync 4 infotainment touchscreen plus an 8in digital information screen, which sits within the driver’s eyeline. An electric handbrake is found between the two central air vents below the hazard lights switch and the gear selector is located on the right-hand steering wheel stalk. This arrangement allows for easy cross-cab access and means the middle passenger in the three-seat cab has plenty of legroom, which is a comfort Ford takes more care over than most of its competitors.
The cab also provides two USB ports and a 12v socket as well as three cup holders. There are two open storage spaces on the dash top and practical storage provision in the doors. We did find the interior lacked oddment storage spaces though, for small items like keys or coins.
The PHEV line-up starts off with Trend specification, steps up to Limited, then Sport and culminates with the motorsport-inspired MS-RT trim, which adds visual extras such as an aerodynamic front bumper, lowered side skirts, rear spoiler and leather steering wheel. This version is clearly aimed at owner-drivers but all derivatives are well equipped.
Our Sport van came with front and rear parking aids and a rearview camera as standard but this was upgraded with the Navigation Plus pack (£1,675 ex-VAT), which includes a 360º camera. Pairing a smartphone with Bluetooth is a simple procedure and we preferred to use the Apple Maps satnav this enables rather than the in-built navigation. Our van also got the impressive Smart Digital Rear View, which is available as a £900 ex-VAT option. It effectively functions as a rearview mirror, something a van with a full bulkhead and solid rear doors would usually have to do without.
The Transit Custom line-up is laden with safety kit – Euro NCAP has given it the top Platinum rating – with features including the Collision Mitigation System, intelligent speed limiter, lane keeping aid, speed sign recognition and wrong way alert to name but a few.
The driver’s seat in the Sport is electronically-adjustable with six settings and both driver and passengers can banish winter chills with heated seats.
| Model | Ford Transit Custom PHEV Sport 320 panel van L1H1 |
| Price (ex VAT) | £43,684 |
| Price range (ex VAT) | £39,985 – £54,435 |
| Warranty | 3yrs/100,000mls |
| Service intervals | 2yrs/25,000 mls |
| Load length | 2,602mm |
| Load width (min/max) | 1,392mm/1,777mm |
| Load bay height | 1,427mm |
| Gross payload | 1,350kg |
| Load volume | 5.8m3 |
| Engine size/power | 2,488cc/230hp |
| Combined fuel economy | 39.2mpg |
| CO2 | 65g/km |
| On sale | December 2024 |
| Key rival | LEVC VN5 |
| Verdict | The Custom PHEV is refined, practical, accomplished, and offers a stepping stone between ICE and BEV. |
| Score | 9/10 |
