Commercial GreenFleet January 2020

JANUARY 2020

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER COMMERCIAL FLEETS

HAULAGE & LOGISTICS

STRIVING FOR ZERO-EMISSIONS What needs to happen for the logistics industry to achieve zero-emissions within the next few decades?

NEWS

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

ROAD TEST

I n t r o d u c i n g t h e f u t u r e o f c o m m e r c i a l t r a n s p o r t : t h e N e w Tr a n s i t C u s t o m P l u g - i n H y b r i d .

I t f e a t u r e s a n e l e c t r i c - o n l y ( e s t i m a t e d *) r a n g e o f u p t o 3 5 m i l e s a n d a n a w a r d - w i n n i n g 1.0 l i t r e E c o B o o s t e n g i n e t h a t e x t e n d s t h e v a n ’ s r a n g e t o o v e r 3 1 0 m i l e s .

T h e N e w Tr a n s i t C u s t o m P l u g - i n H y b r i d i s b u i l t t o h e l p y o u w o r k m o r e e f f i c i e n t l y t h a n e v e r.

*Based on full charge. Estimated range using Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) applies to an available configuration. Actual range varies with conditions such as external elements, driving behaviours, vehicle maintenance, and lithium-ion battery age. Final WLTP figures will be available in 2020.

SEARCH: NEW TRANSIT CUSTOM PLUG -IN HYBRID

Commercial Vehicle News

AIR QUALITY

Mayor of London’s van scrappage scheme doubled The Mayor of London has announced he will double payments for his van scrappage scheme to £7,000, with £9,500 also now available to those switching to electric vans.

The increased funding will enable more van owners to switch to cleaner vehicles, while helping businesses prepare for the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) up to the north and south circular next year, and the tightening of the London-wide Low Emission Zone standards this October.

The Mayor has also announced that he is broadening the eligibility for the van scrappage scheme so that more businesses can benefit. Previously firms with fewer than 10 employees, defined as micro businesses, were eligible. Now small businesses, those with 50 or fewer employees, are also included.

To help clean up the heavy vehicle fleet, the van scrappage scheme will open to small businesses operating heavy vehicles later this year. TfL is finalising the details of the scheme, but it is expected that it

will be in the form of a grant of around £15,000 for each polluting heavy vehicle, up to a maximum of three vehicles.

To further support businesses to prepare for the ULEZ, as well as to help clean up local high streets, the Mayor has also announced a further £1.75 million in London economic action partnership (LEAP) funding to deliver six more businessled Low Emission Neighbourhoods.

Projects to be funded include the installation of one of the UK’s first ultra-fast electric vehicle charging depots in partnership with EON, providing multiple fast charging points, and the provision of additional zero emissions delivery services.

These projects have so far delivered targeted pollutioncutting measures in pollution hotspots across London, such as the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Streets in Shoreditch, a 16 per cent reduction in older more polluting vehicles parking in the Marylebone LEN, and new clean air routes to destinations such as Guys Hospital and Regents Park which help pedestrians reduce their exposure to pollution by up to 60 per cent.

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/uhxvfuj

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Mitie celebrates 250th electric vehicle

Hyundai, Kia and Arrival partner to develop electric vans

Facilities management company Mitie has reached another landmark in its electric vehicle (EV) rollout, having taken delivery of its 250th EV. The Nissan e-NV200 van will be based at Heathrow Airport and joins the 200 electric cars and 49 electric vans already in Mitie’s fleet.

This takes Mitie closer to its commitment to switch 20 per cent of its small van and car fleet to electric by the end of 2020.

Mitie marked its 100th EV at the end of October and has since accelerated its rollout, resulting in 150 more electric cars and vans joining the fleet in less than three months. With 400 more vehicles already on order and set for delivery in the first quarter of 2020, Mitie is well on track to meet its 20 per cent by 2020 commitment.

The van is not the first electric vehicle Mitie has deployed onto the Heathrow contract. It joins the 16 other electric cars and vans the company already uses on site. Mitie has focused on upgrading its vehicles based at the Airport to electric to support the ambitious Heathrow 2.0 Sustainability Strategy which includes a goal to establish an airside ultra-low emissions

zone by 2025 and a target to become a zero-carbon airport as quickly as possible.

Mitie says that the lack of availability of larger vans remain key barriers to EV uptake.

As signatories of the EV100 commitment, Mitie has pledged to convert its entire fleet to electric by 2030. However, until Government and local authorities make improvements to the UK’s charge point network and manufacturers improve vehicle availability and model range, these issues remain major blockers for the UK’s EV transition.

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/ut5cz2e

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation have announced an investment of £85 million in a new partnership with Arrival to make electric vans.

The vans will be competitively priced small and mediumsized and the partnership will see the creation of other products for logistics and on-demand ride-hailing and shuttle service companies.

Arrival’s scalable electric platform can be adapted for multiple vehicle categories and types which Arrival, Hyundai and Kia will explore for development of a range of Purpose Built Vehicles (PBV).

Albert Biermann, President and Head of Research and Development Division for Hyundai Motor Group, and Denis Sverdlovsk, Chief Executive Officer of Arrival, signed a contract for investment and the joint development of electric vehicles at the headquarters of Hyundai and Kia in Seoul.

Of the total investment, Hyundai will contribute €80 million and Kia €20 million.

“The eco-friendly vehicle market in Europe is expected to grow

rapidly due to the introduction of further environmental regulations,” said Biermann.

“Through the joint development of electric commercial vehicles with Arrival, we will be able to gain a competitive advantage and progressively establish our leadership in the global ecofriendly vehicle market, with Europe at the forefront.”

Arrival’s CEO Sverdlovsk added: “Arrival has created a game changing product category - Generation 2.0 electric vehicles. Hyundai and Kia have been making amazing vehicles with uncompromising quality and share our vision for an electric mobility future.

Our Strategic Partnership with Hyundai and Kia means we will scale Generation 2 electric vehicles globally and importantly – in the very near future.”

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/qpsxfrl

January 2020 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

3

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DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER COMMERCIAL FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net/commercial

Commercial Vehicle News

COMMENT: FTA

LOGISTICS

UPS and Trinity College Dublin announce partnership Logistics firm and the University of Dublin’s Trinity College Dublin have announced a five-year partnership to create sustainable delivery initiatives to reduce number of vehicles in Dublin.

The new partnership sees the launch of two initiatives at Trinity College Dublin’s campus in the city centre. A UPS ‘urban eco package hub’ will act as a mini distribution centre for parcel deliveries, which are now distributed on foot and via UPS electrically-assisted cargo cycles.

Meanwhile, Trinity students and staff can collect their online shopping parcels on campus any time of day or night thanks to newly installed lockers operated

by Parcel Motel, a UPS company.

The introduction of the on‑campus urban eco package hub complements UPS’s existing eco package hub on Wolfe Tone Street operating since 2017, and allows the company to make up to 720 delivery stops a

day via more environmentallyfriendly vehicles in Dublin.

Through these hubs UPS has eliminated the use of five diesel vehicles in the city centre, easing congestion and reducing CO2 emissions by up to 45 per cent.

UPS has developed these ‘last mile’ solutions in response to the rise in e-commerce, which has led to an increase in delivery stops, causing challenges in busy urban cities.

Under the new partnership, Trinity College Dublin students will also have the opportunity to participate in UPS internships and graduate programmes at any one of its European locations, along with a range of sustainability workshops and projects being developed by the organisations to generate sustainable ideas for the future.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/yx62qj3l

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

Nicholls Transport opens on-site LNG refuelling station Nicholls Transport has opened its own Gasrec refuelling station for liquified natural gas (LNG) at its Kent base, which will be used to support an initial order for 10 IVECO Stralis NP 460 6x2 tractor units from local dealer Haynes Trucks.

The LNG refuelling station is the first of its kind in Kent and is perfectly situated for freight traffic bound for the continent, being less than five miles from Junction 5 of the M2 – with Nicholls making the site available to third parties by arrangement.

Paul Nicholls, Managing Director of Nicholls Transport, says: “Moving to alternative fuels has been high on our agenda – but gas is currently the only technology that’s ready for 44-tonne operation.

Gasrec has been hugely proactive and gave us the confidence to switch fuels, following experiences with demonstrators organised through IVECO and Haynes.”

Commenting on the benefits of LNG, he adds: “Moving to natural gas shows how much we care about our planet. It’s our collective responsibility as an industry to do something to tackle climate change and make road transport more sustainable, and by opening this LNG station and investing in the Stralis NP fleet, we’re showing our customers and competitors that’s possible to do today. We very much hope other local businesses in North Kent share our vision for a sustainable future and buy in to LNG in the same way. As an industry, we really need to make this happen.”

READ MORE tinyurl.com/v4od7vw

The Importance of fuel-efficient training in logistics Reducing a company’s Becki Kite, environmental impact is a shared environment policy manager, FTA and collaborative responsibility amongst all employees; an organisation’s team of drivers has the potential to make significant savings in both fuel costs and emissions. By adopting positive driving habits, such as reducing engine idling and avoiding harsh braking, drivers of HGVs and vans can improve their fuelefficiency by as much as 15 per cent. In this article, Rebecca Kite, Environment Policy Manager at FTA, the business organisation representing the UK logistics industry, shares her advice on how companies can foster safe and fuel-efficient driving practices within their organisations

There are several fuel-efficient driving courses available on the market but possibly the best known is the Safe and Fuel-Efficient Driving (SAFED) training programme. Developed by a steering group of industry experts on behalf of the Department for Transport (DfT), the course is designed to help drivers of HGVs and vans improve their overall fuel consumption. While there is a cost associated with the programme, previous attendees saw an mpg improvement of five per cent on average, with some experienced drivers achieving up to a 15 per cent growth in fuel efficiency. Reported additional benefits include lower accident rates, reduced damage to vehicles, less unproductive downtime, lower maintenance costs, and reduced insurance premiums. In today’s climate of rising fuel costs and environmental pressure, FTA believes that no fleet manager should ignore any possible route to savings and reduced emissions.

Even the most experienced professional drivers can benefit from refresher training; there is always something new to learn, and more efficient techniques to perfect. It is also vital drivers are familiar with all aspects of their vehicle’s controls. An effective starting point, in the view of FTA, is reading the driver’s handbook relating to each vehicle thoroughly; this will certainly appraise the driver on what controls, features and equipment are fitted to a vehicle and will highlight subtle variations in layout and driving options from vehicle to vehicle. It is also worth offering drivers additional training; for example, many vehicle manufacturers and supplying dealers provide driver familiarisation training packages at no extra cost.

Reducing engine idling unnecessary or severe accelerating and harsh braking can have an immediate effect on fuel consumption.

Training in how to avoid wasteful practices like this can help drivers overcome poor habits while fostering new, helpful techniques, such as maintaining a constant speed and limiting the use of air conditioning. In the view of FTA, attending a training programme gives drivers the best opportunity to establish positive driving habits which will save purse and planet.

Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to Government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.fta.co.uk

January 2020 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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Haulage & Logistics Written by Rebecca Kite, environment policy manager, FTA

6

How can the logistics industry reach zero emissions?

The logistics sector is determined to meet the government’s target of becoming a zero-emission industry within the next few decades, but needs certain things to happen first. Rebecca Kite, environment policy manager at FTA explains further The logistics sector is determined to meet the government’s target of becoming a zero-emission industry within the next few decades, but this cannot be achieved without the right support. With a newlyformed government in place, FTA, which represents the sector, is renewing its calls for politicians to design their decarbonisation policies with the needs of logistics businesses in mind. The post-election period provides FTA with an ideal opportunity to highlight the value of logistics to every constituency and region of the UK; in the opinion of the organisation, businesses operating within this sector deserve a decarbonisation framework that is effective and sustainable, while fostering growth and opportunity.

In this article, Rebecca Kite, FTA’s environment policy manager, shares the business organisation’s three key ‘asks’ of the government, which include: supporting the development and use of alternatively-powered vehicles; agreeing a definition of an Ultra-Low Emission Truck (ULET); and igniting a mode shift to rail.

Alternatively fuelled vehicles Ultra-low emission definition In the view of FTA, the road transport FTA is calling for the government to actively industry can only reach zero-emissions if support and develop the alternatively fuelled commercial vehicle operators successfully vehicle market so that it becomes a viable shift to greener alternatives, such as option for businesses of all sizes. And the electric vehicles (EVs), from their current first step, according to FTA, is to develop a diesel or petrol run counterparts. definition of an Ultra-Low Emission Truck.

In August 2019, FTA conducted a survey This would incentivise manufacturers to for the Department for Transport (DfT) invest more resources into developing these to identify the challenges operators face vehicles; testing new technology can be when introducing EVs into their commercial expensive but a ULET definition would provide fleets. Research for the report revealed clear parameters and stimulate demand. that businesses’ principal concerns are And with local governments across the UK ‘range anxiety’, a lack of charging facilities implementing low emission zones, a clear across the road network and limited grid definition would provide authorities with capacity; respondents are also frustrated a criterion that can be applied consistently with the limited choice of vehicle types. across the UK, preventing the patchwork of To address these concerns, FTA is calling standards we are seeing emerge in places for the government make substantial, such as Oxford and Hackney. swift investments in infrastructure, FTA will continue to assist the including the installation of authorities in developing fast charging stations across a single, clear and The the road network and a workable definition for definitio nationwide upgrade of the ultra-low emission n of an Ultra-Lo National Grid to cope with truck and vans. w Emissio Truck w the increased demand n from the sudden uplift manufa ould incentivise cturers in electric vehicle use. to into dev In addition, FTA is eloping invest asking the government to vehicles these support the development of a broader range of vehicles; design a regulatory regime that is consistent; and subsidise the second-hand market for alternatively fuelled vehicles.

Meanwhile, businesses within the logistics

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER COMMERCIAL FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net/commercial

Haulage & Logistics

FTA’s additional policy asks of the newly formed government include: the protection of the seamless movement of goods post-Brexit; investing in road and rail infrastructure; the provision of sufficient driver facilities; backing for the Heathrow expansion plan; changing the Apprenticeship Levy to a Skills Levy to release much needed funds and train the workforce of tomorrow; making longer semi-trailers a permanent fixture; and granting continued access to European workers post-Brexit.

Vital to the UK Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers. L FURTHER INFORMATION For more information please visit www.FTA.co.uk Logistics for Britain can be viewed at fta.co.uk/campaigns

Businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint by transitioning from road transport to rail wherever possible.

Rail freight is, per tonne/km, the lowest environmental polluter when compared to other forms of surface transport sector have not rested on their laurels, devising and implementing emissions reduction strategies through the Logistics Emissions Reduction Scheme (LERS). Run

by FTA, LERS is free to join and open to all companies with at least one commercial vehicle. With members achieving an impressive four per cent average reduction in their GHG emissions in one year alone, the success of the scheme demonstrates real change is possible for all of us. Further information about the voluntary scheme, and how to join it, can be found here: lers.org.uk Support mode shift to rail Businesses can also significantly reduce their carbon footprint by transitioning from road transport to rail wherever possible.

Rail freight is, per tonne/km, the lowest environmental polluter when compared to other forms of surface transport. And with every freight train able to carry the same amount of cargo as up to 60 HGVs,

in the view of FTA, the government should incentivise businesses to shift to this more environmentally-friendly mode of transport as an urgent priority.

By electrifying the network, rail can become almost completely decarbonised; FTA is calling for government to prioritise this electrification at the earliest possible opportunity. With many freight diesel locomotives now approximately half-way through their life cycle, rail freight operators need a clear, long-term electrification strategy to be able to make informed decisions about locomotive replacements.

This is an ideal time for the government to adopt a refreshed electrification strategy.

According to FTA, it is also vital that the government implements a transparent system for bidding to unlock rail capacity; it is vital for the future success of logistics movements on the rail network that capacity already allocated to freight is not promised to passenger franchises.

FTA launches strategic supply chain consultancy FTA has strengthened its consultancy offering for businesses across the supply chain with the launch of a new strategic consultancy arm.

FTA’s new team of specialist staff will bring unparalleled experience and strategic insight gained across the supply chain, which will complement the organisation’s transport operations consultancy team.

Core consultancy services offered by the new team will include warehouse improvement and optimisation, including process mapping and review, manpower modelling, systems functionality assessments and cost evaluations, as well as a full warehouse design and automation service. This will include operational profiling, modelling for storage and pick method design, warehouse sizing and layout design and staffing requirements.

To discover more, please visit www.fta.co.uk/consultancy

January 2020 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

7

Electric Trucks

DAF CF Electric clocks up 93,000 electric miles

The city of Rotterdam and Cure will also trial the vehicles in 2020 with a fully electric 6x2 garbage truck fitted with a loader crane.

All of these vehicles are equipped with a VDL E-Power driveline. The fully electric superstructure is supplied by VDL Translift.

DAF CF Hybrid Innovation Truck DAF has also developed a hybrid version of the CF for driving electrically with zero emissions in urban areas, while offering a much longer range for distance driving. This is thanks to the latest, ultra-clean diesel technology. The combination of electric and diesel power The DAF CF Electric truck is being trialled by several companies ensures the highest logistical efficiency. and has achieved 93,000 electric miles, which is almost four The DAF CF Hybrid features an efficient 10.8 litre PACCAR MX-11 engine (330 kW/450 hp), times around the world. We explore the truck in more detail a ZF electric motor (75 kW/100 hp / peak: 130 kW/175 hp), in combination with a dedicated ZF TraXon gearbox for hybrid drivelines.

The electric motor is powered by an 85 kWh battery pack, which allows for a full electric, zero emission range of 18-31 mile, depending weight. The batteries can be charged by the diesel engine during on-highway operations, and by using a DC charger at a charging location.

The The vehicle is designed with DAF CF a fast charge capability Electric that takes 30 minutes for w as named a full charge and only G 20 minutes for a charge Logistic reen Truck s of up to 80 per cent.

S o 2019 fo lu Outside urban With more cities requiring emissions-free days a week from r its em tion erging techno areas, the CF Hybrid and silent vehicles in their city centre, six in the morning lo is powered by the the DAF CF Electric is being proven as until midnight, on can cle gy that clean and efficient a viable alternative to diesel trucks. mainly short trips. an up PACCAR MX-11 diesel Six trucks are being trialled by several DAF “The CF Electric is as logistic s engine, where the hybrid customers and they have collectively driven reliable as any other DAF technology provides additional 93,000 electric miles during the past year. truck,” says Eveline Manders, cofuel savings thanks to the smart The DAF CF Electric was named Green director of Tinie Manders Transport. energy management. Regenerative energy Truck Logistics Solution in June 2019, which “Planning and driving an electric truck is captured during braking and when using is a prestigious award for the deployment requires a different mindset. You have to make speed-related controls like Down Hill Speed of promising, emerging technologies for sure that the route fits the truck – and not Control and Predictive Cruise Control. This innovative, sustainable logistics in Europe. the other way around. Moreover, in order to energy can be used by the electric motor Richard Zink, member of DAF’s Board of optimally use the truck, it is important that to operate in conjunction with the diesel Management said: “The CF Electric tractor you can charge the batteries during loading engine to further reduce fuel consumption. unit is now available for customers in and unloading. If you take these two matters The battery pack of the hybrid system the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany’s into account, the electric truck can be a powers the electric driveline, the electric North Rhine-Westphalia. Depending on great alternative for urban distribution.” air compressor, as well as the optional the local battery charging infrastructure intelligent e-PTO. The e-PTO can be used to and after-sales possibilities, sales in other DAF CF Electric truck drive refrigeration equipment on semi-trailers parts of Europe will be considered.”

The DAF CF Electric is a fully electric 4x2 for temperature controlled transportation tractor, developed for distribution applications further enhancing low noise operation.

Gaining experience in urban areas with single or double-axle Companies Jumbo, Simon Loos and Tinie trailers and GVWs up to 37 tonnes.

DAF LF Electric Innovation Truck Manders Transport from the Netherlands and The truck is based on the DAF CF The LF Electric is another electric truck by Rhenus Group from Germany have all been ‘International Truck of the Year 2018’ DAF. It is an 19 tonne fully electric truck for using the CF Electric to see whether it fits in - and operates fully electric, thanks zero emissions city distribution. The truck their day-to day operations. At first, drivers were to VDL’s E-Power Technology. features Cummins technology with a 195 only using a limited part of their CF Electric’s The core of the intelligent powertrain is a kW/266 hp electric motor (peak: 250 kW/340 62 miles of range, but now some transport 210 kilowatt electric motor, which receives hp). The motor is powered by a battery pack operators have been able to drive around 155 its energy from a lithium-ion battery pack of up to 222 kWh, providing a range of up miles a day, made possible with fast charging. with a total capacity of 170 kilowatt-hours. to 136 miles when the truck is fully laden.

“It is a matter of planning your trips The CF electric has a range of approximately As the battery pack is modular, capacity cleverly,” said Richard Zink. “The ability 62 miles, making it suitable for transporting can be scaled to the range required by to quickly charge the batteries – with high volumes within urban distribution. customers. For city distribution the 136 mile the right equipment fully charged in just range of the DAF LF Electric is ideal. L over 30 minutes – means that additional Waste collection miles are available quickly if required.”

DAF Trucks has introduced its CF Electric with Tinie Manders has been putting the electric 6x2 rigid chassis, which will be trialled later FURTHER INFORMATION truck through its paces. The tractor has already this year as garbage trucks by the Dutch www.daf.com done more than 18,500 miles and runs seven public waste disposal firms HVC and ROVA.

January 2020 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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Ford Transit Trend Double Cab-in-Van mHEV L3H2

Written by Richard Gooding

Road Test

FIRST DRIVE

Richard Gooding discovers that the re-engineered Ford Transit debuts segment-first mild-hybrid technology and has undergone a strict lightweight diet for improved efficiency What is it?

Reinstated for a contemporary advertising campaign, Ford’s ‘the backbone of Britain’ headline used to apply to the single Transit range. Now encompassing the whole of the US fims’s passenger car and van range, the 55-year-old Transit nameplate is now applied to small, medium and large vans.

The Transit Courier starts things off, followed by the Transit Connect. The one-tonne Transit Custom picks up where the original Transit left off, the model now bearing the simple ‘Transit’ badge being the much larger two-tonne vehicle on test here.

The fourth-generation Transit first appeared in 2013, but has been constantly refreshed and updated, the most recent revitalisation being in the autumn of 2019. The appearance may be familiar but a far-reaching host of upgrades – most notably applied to the powertrain – bring gains in efficiency, and the arrival of mild-hybrid technology with a brace of new diesel mHEV EcoBlue Hybrid models is a first in the van segment.

How practical is it?

The range of Ford Transit EcoBlue Hybrids starts with the ‘L2H2’ models which have a usable load length of 2,900mm and a 10m3 load capacity. Moving up through’ L2H3’ and ‘L3H2’ versions, the most commodious mild-

10

hybrid full-sized Transit is the ‘L3H3’. With a usable load length of 3,350mm, there’s an 11.5m3 of load capacity. The largest ‘L4H3’ Transit is only available with Ford’s more efficient range of 104, 128, and 168bhp EcoBlue diesel units. The only Transit engine available in the UK with mildhybrid technology is the 128bhp variant, but it’s worth noting that the smaller Transit Custom does have the option of the 168bhp unit on test here in the larger van.

As well as standard panel vans, there is also what Ford calls a ‘Double Cab-in-Van’, which has an extra row of seats, and is sometimes also referred to as a ‘kombi’ or crew van. In L3H2 Double Cab-in-Van specification as tested, that translates as a wheelbase of 3,954mm, an overall length of 5,981mm, 11.5m3 of load capacity, as well as a net payload of 1,043kg with a 75kg driver on board.

Overall, Ford’s new full-sized Transit range comes in three load lengths with a choice of two roof heights.

How clean is it?

With the mild-hybrid technology added to its 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, Ford claims average fuel consumption savings of around three per cent, up to eight per cent in urban driving cycles.

A belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) replaces the standard alternator, and a 48V, 10Ah lithium-ion battery pack stores recaptured energy upon deceleration or under braking. The stored energy then provides electrical torque assistance on acceleration, as well as powering the vehicle’s electrical ancillaries, saving more fuel. An enhanced auto stop-start system brings additional fuel saving benefits when the vehicle is stationary but in-gear, and also under deceleration at speeds under 7.5mph. A comprehensive diet of weight saving has also been undertaken to improve the Transit’s efficiency (see panel), and selectable driving modes help fuel consumption further.

With all these engineering efficiencies, the Transit Trend Double Cab-in-Van MHEV L3H2 EcoBlue Hybrid has CO2 emissions of 165g/ km, which equates to a CO2 reduction of

The d refresheave h TransitsrdPass new Fo ct onConne odem board mology techn

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER COMMERCIAL FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net/commercial

7-14g/km, depending on gearbox specification on an equivalent front-wheel drive 128bhp EcoBlue diesel engine-equipped model.

How does it drive?

Mild-hybrid mHEV versions of the new Transit look little different to their EcoBlue dieselengined counterparts. Only an ‘EcoBlue Hybrid’ badge on the nearside rear door differentiate the 48V models. Painted in the Diffused Silver finish, the Double Cab-in-Van Transit appears an upmarket load-lugger, and the addition of another row of windows breaks up the vast expanse of side metalwork.

Inside, the cabin has been given a makeover, with the two-tonne Transit gaining the onetonne Transit Custom’s dashboard. More driver-focused than before, there are higher quality materials (but its van origins and ‘workaday’ personality are still present) and the addition of Ford’s SYNC 3 eight-inch touchscreen technology brings increased connectivity.

On the move, the Transit mHEV feels very responsive, with initial acceleration boosted by the electrical assistance. The powertrain is smooth and free-revving, if still immediately identifiable as a diesel. However, responsive steering and slightly firm suspension ensure that, as with its passenger cars, Ford has provided the Transit with one of the most engaging driving experiences when compared to its rivals. In-cabin storage is plentiful, and the colour touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard has very clear and smooth transitions between menus.

The refreshed Transits have new FordPass Connect on-board modem technology which allows operators to maximise efficiency through a brace of apps. Aimed at small businesses, the FordPass Pro smartphone app enables management of up to five vehicles. Health, location and status of each vehicle can be checked, and an alarm notification advises of any ill-wanted activity. Designed for larger operators, the full-scale Ford Commercial Solutions telematics suite can be tailored to customers’ needs or have its data exported to third party software. To help the decarbonising and ‘greening’ of fleets, fuel and emissions reporting will appear later.

What does it cost?

The cheapest Ford Transit EcoBlue Hybrid is the L2H2 Leader at £32,100.83 excluding VAT, with the Double Cab-in-Van £1,450 more.

Leader trim-equipped Transits have Bluetooth connectivity, electric windows, fold-out passenger seat table, Ford SYNC system with

4.2-inch TFT screen, remote central locking, and a side wind mitigation system as standard.

Move up the range to Trend, auto headlights and wipers, cruise control, front fog lights, an eight-inch Ford SYNC system, and a heated windscreen are added, along with parking sensors, and projector-style headlights. The Trend Double Cab-in-Van mHEV L3H2 as tested here is priced at £35,820.83. Metallic paint is priced at £650 extra excluding VAT, and 16-inch alloys are £550.

The top-spec Limited is the plushest Transit yet, and gains a body-coloured front bumper, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, and a side park assist system. The Transit Limited mHEV EcoBlue Hybrid starts at £35,455.83 in L2H2 van configuration.

As all Transits – even with mild-hybrid technology – are diesel-engined and are not classed as low emission vehicles, they attract the standard £260 light goods vehicle VED charge.

Why does my fleet need one?

With an updated and more technologyladen cabin, the new Transit is a much more comfortable and practical place to spend time.

The enhanced and comprehensive focus on efficiency has also resulted in a vehicle which is more aware of the environments in which it operates. On the whole, the improvements add up to an exhaustive re-engineering of Ford’s long-standing and much-loved commercial vehicle star. But by not removing any of the driving enjoyment that has defined previous versions, the balance Ford has struck is a very amiable one. L

Road Test

Lightening the load

Using aerospace industry CAD software, savings of up between 48kg and 80kg appear on selected new Transits when compared to their predecessors.

An aluminium bonnet saves 5.4kg compared to a steel equivalent, and an optional high-strength composite bulkhead is 4.4kg lighter over the standard steel version. Further savings of 6.1kg are made from the fuel tank, the use of aluminium brake dust shields save 2.3kg, and 4.9kg is shaved off the front bumper beam.

A major saving of 14.7kg was achieved by redesigning the rear axle for rear-wheel drive models.

Even the steel wheels have been made 5.5kg lighter (across a set of five) thanks to the use of a spinning manufacturing technique which achieves greater strength using less metal. Electric powerassisted steering technology appears for the first time in addition to low-rolling-resistance tyres. The lighter vehicle weights mean larger net payloads, with 3.5-tonne models now capable of carrying up to 1,418kg. Overall, more than 4,600 upgraded components sit alongside the new Transit’s advanced powertrain technologies.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.ford.co.uk

Ford Transit Trend Double Cab-in-Van mHEV L3H2 NET PAYLOAD:

1,043kg

LOAD VOLUME:

11.5m3

ENGINE: 1,996cc, four-cylinder diesel with electric torque assistance / 48V beltintegrated starter/generator / 10Ah battery pack CO2:

165g/km

MPG (WLTP):

32.1

VED:

£260

PRICE (ex VAT): £35,280.83 (£36,480.83 as tested)

January 2020 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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