Ford has announced that it will deliver more than 150 versions of its Transit Connect plug-in hybrid van to Sky.
The media firm, which already has a large fleet of diesel Transit Connect vans, was part of Ford’s prototype trials testing its first hybrid van, and will now have more than 151 PHEVs join its fleet.
It’s part of Sky’s drive to bring its fleet to zero emissions by 2030, along with producing net zero carbon by the same date.
Neil Wilson, Ford fleet director, said: “Our new plug-in Ford Transit works for businesses driving in towns because its development included input and learnings from city-based fleets including Sky.
“They had one of the 20 prototypes Ford loaned 17 London fleets in total, to understand real-world usage by collecting data on the test vans’ performance. I’m delighted that this early access impressed Sky enough for Ford to win this important and valued order.”
The Transit Custom was the first van in its class to be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and combines a 1.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and battery – allowing the vans to run as an EV for 35 miles.
They also feature a geofencing module that allows the vans to automatically switch from petrol to electric when they enter a low emission zone or city centre, for example. An £8,000 government grant is also available for the vans, too.
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