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Published: 18 Mar 2026 | Last reviewed: 18 Mar 2026 | Reviewed by: VanCompare Editorial Team
In 2017, Ford announced a London trial of 20 plug-in hybrid Transit Custom vans, developed through a £4.7m project supported by the UK government-funded Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). The aim was to test whether plug-in hybrid vans could cut tailpipe emissions in city driving without needing a fully mature charging network.
This guide explains what the trial tested, its results, and what it means for UK van drivers in 2026.
What the London trial actually tested
Ford’s trial put plug-in hybrid vans into real fleet work across London. These vans were designed to run on electric power for short urban journeys, with a petrol “range extender” available for longer trips.
The results Ford reported
Ford later published results showing that the vans could complete a meaningful share of mileage in electric mode during urban work:
- 75% of the fleet’s mileage in Central London was completed using pure electric power
- 49% of mileage in Greater London was completed using pure electric power
A TfL case study also reports high electric running in parts of London operation — for example, an average of 62% in Greater London and 96% in the Congestion Charge Zone for that specific TfL use case.
These figures depend heavily on route type, charging access, and driving patterns, but they show why plug-in hybrids were positioned as a “bridge” option for urban fleets.
What happened after the trial
By September 2019, Ford said the Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid was available to order, with first deliveries expected before the end of that year.
What this means for UK van drivers in 2026
Driving into London regularly
London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) applies to vans up to and including 3.5 tonnes. If your vehicle doesn’t meet the ULEZ emissions standards (and isn’t exempt), you pay a £12.50 daily charge. [5]
Plug-in hybrids and electric vans are often used to help businesses avoid daily charges, but always check your vehicle’s specific compliance.
Grants and incentives
The UK government’s plug-in vehicle grants confirm that some small zero-emission vans can be eligible for a discount of up to £2,500 if they meet the criteria. [6] Eligibility depends on the specific model and weight class, and the grant is applied via the seller/manufacturer rather than claimed by the buyer directly.
Insurance considerations for hybrid and plug-in vans
Whether you run diesel, PHEV, or electric, the basics still matter: correct use class (social/domestic/pleasure vs business), accurate mileage, declared drivers, and security.
For PHEVs in particular, keep good records for:
- Any fitted charging equipment or electrical accessories added to the van
- Any specialist conversions (racking, refrigeration, campers)
- Servicing history (helpful if there’s a claim dispute over condition/maintenance)
Van Compare lets you compare van insurance options from multiple providers. Always read the policy wording to ensure the cover matches how you use your van.
Sources
- Ford Media (20 Jan 2017) — London trials and £4.7m APC support: View source
- Ford Media (8 Jul 2019) — Trial results (75% Central London / 49% Greater London electric): View source
- Ford Media PDF — TfL PHEV case study: View source
- Ford Media (23 Sept 2019) — Transit Custom PHEV available to order; deliveries before year end: View source
- Transport for London — ULEZ overview and daily charge (vans up to 3.5t): View source
- GOV.UK — Plug-in vehicle grants (vans): View source
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
- Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
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