Ford is to begin a trial of 20 new Ford Transit plug-in hybrid vans in London.
Ford is to begin a trial of 20 new Ford Transit plug-in hybrid vans in London.
The 12-month pilot will test how the vehicles could contribute to improving air quality as well as boosting productivity.
The Ford Transit plug-in hybrid can run fully on electric power. It is hoped the majority of city trips will be run this way.
The first five fleets signed up to the trial are: TfL, the Metropolitan Police, Addison Lee, British Gas and Clancy Plant.
“There is a strong pull from our customers – fleet and individuals – for a solution that delivers improved emissions, avoids diesel and tries to improve air quality,” said Mark Harvey, director of electrified urban programmes at Ford.
Ford confirmed the Metropolitan Police will take two Transit PHEV vans and use one for second response to traffic accidents and the other as an unmarked forensic support unit.
TfL, however, will use three of the vans for freight duties across the city.
The petrol-only range will have a range of about 400km, while the electric range will be dependent on use-cycles, Harvey said.
By Dan Parton