Ford announces the Transit Connect PHEV, completing the electrification of its compact vans in Europe

Ford continues expanding electrification across its commercial models, which, as we have seen, is already a reality for the E-Transit one-tonne as well as for the lighter E-Transit Custom and E-Transit Courier. Now the final step toward an electrified range belongs to the Transit Connect PHEV, a plug-in hybrid that will go on sale after the conventional diesel engines.

Considering the different professionals who may use the Transit Connect, Ford will offer it in a wide range that includes short and long wheelbase options in bodies with two seats or five seats, the latter called Kombi. Depending on the body chosen, the Transit Connect can be configured in three trim levels called Trend, Limited and Active.

The main design change for the new Transit Connect focuses on the area professionals use most, the cargo area, which now offers greater volume ranging from 3.1 m3 or 3.7 m3 depending on the wheelbase chosen, while the maximum payload is 820 kg and the towing capacity reaches 1,500 kg. In addition, the Transit Connect Kombi introduces a novel flexible seating concept that allows you to switch quickly and easily from a five-seat van to a work van, achieved by quickly folding the seats, which form a full-height protective partition and leave a cargo volume of 2.5 m3 (L1) or 3.1 m3 (L2) in the rear, the latter being enough space for two Euro pallets.

On the technology side, the new Transit Connect also benefits from the latest innovations, including as standard, for example, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster together with a 10-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which offers connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as USB-C ports delivering up to 45 watts. Of course, other features can also be added depending on the trim or as options, such as wireless smartphone charging or heated seats and steering wheel, among others.

The latest advances in safety are also available, with driver assistance systems such as Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning, Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist, all of which are standard. In higher trims you can also have a rear view camera and Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Alert or Reverse Parking Aid with Trailer Tow Pro.

Mechanically, the big news is the Transit Connect PHEV, which combines a 1,500 cc EcoBoost petrol engine with a high-voltage battery and an electric motor to deliver 150 CV and 350 Nm of torque, sent to the front axle through a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch gearbox. In this version, payload is slightly reduced to 770 kg, while towing capacity also drops to 1,400 kg.

The Ford Transit Connect PHEV features three driving modes: EV Now (for driving in electric mode with an estimated maximum range of up to 110 km), EV Auto (which uses both the electric motor and the petrol engine depending on driving conditions) and EV Later (to save energy that can be used later in the city). The battery can be charged using the 11 kW integrated AC charger and even at a 50 kW DC fast charger.

For those who want the traditional diesel engine, Ford will make available for the Transit Connect the 2,000 cc EcoBoost engine, initially with 102 CV paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, but if more power is needed, it will also be available with 122 CV, also offering different transmission options: the six-speed manual gearbox can optionally be fitted with permanent all-wheel drive or, if preferred, the seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission.

The Ford forecast is for the Transit Connect to enter production this spring, while deliveries of the diesel versions will begin in the summer, and the Transit Connect PHEV will reach customers before the end of the year. Later, in early 2025, the range will be completed with the Kombi and permanent all-wheel-drive versions.