Ford is to extend research into the use in urban areas of plug in hybrid electric vans that run solely on electric power for most city trips by working with Valencia’s regional and city government to better understand benefits both for the environment and for customers.
The automaker’s Transit Custom vans, already on trial in London, have an advanced electric powertrain with a petrol powered, one-litre EcoBoost engine to extend battery range.
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The collaboration between Ford Smart Mobility, the regional government of Valencia and the Valencia City leadership, is designed to see how Transit Custom PHEV fleets could contribute to cleaner air targets and enhanced productivity, the partners said.
“We are committed to tackling urban mobility challenges, moving people and delivering goods and services through innovation and technology,” said Steven Armstrong, president and CEO, Ford of Europe, Middle East & Africa. “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.”
Partnerships with the Generalitat Valenciana and the city of Valencia complement testing in London and is part of the $11bn the automaker is spending to offer 40 electrified vehicles globally, including 16 full battery electric vehicles, by 2022.
The focus in Valencia will be more regarding the use of small and medium fleets of Transit Custom PHEVs that are driven solely by an electric motor with a zero emission target range of more than 50km (31 miles). The 1.0 litre petrol engine serves as a range extender, eliminating range anxiety by charging the on board batteries when longer trips are required.
Equipped with telematics and geofencing technology, 20 Transit Custom PHEV vans are being used for the 12 month trial in London that Ford launched earlier this year, working with Transport for London and a variety of fleet customers, ranging from the Metropolitan Police to courier services and construction firms.
