FORD

New brand van comes up electrified
Ford's electric offensive is on the march. Although the manufacturer has been betting for a long time in the electrification, now it has decided to take a step forward and in an organized event in the city of Amsterdam showed numerous innovations that soon will reach the dealers. One is the plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Tourneo Custom.
The new Ford Tourneo Custom Plug-in Hybrid comes on the scene to capture the attention of the public who needs a spacious vehicle to carry more than five passengers and who wants to begin their particular transition to electric mobility. This mechanic will be available in the line of the Tourneo Custom from the end of this year of 2019. It will then begin its commercialization in Europe. With a capacity of up to eight passengers, the new Ford Tourneo Custom Plug-in Hybrid will be positioned as an alternative to the traditional minibuses that have in their line of a hybrid mechanic. Although the offer is not very varied, it has been a long time for many brands that the vans have become the new minibuses. The launch of the Tourneo Custom PHEV is part of the first phase of a Ford offensive product for the old continent. The plug-in hybrid system that drives the Ford Tourneo Custom is comprised of a 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine that acts as an autonomy extender and a small electric motor that acts on the front axle, which is powered by the energy stored in a battery of 13.6 kWh lithium ions. In addition, it has a system of energy recovery during braking. It announces a 50 km range in full electric mode, and if the internal combustion engine is used, the total autonomy rises to 500 kilometers.


The battery is under the floor of the trunk and has a liquid cooling system. The system allows the driver to choose between four modes to adapt the operation of the plug-in hybrid system to the momentary needs:
-EV Auto: This operating mode provides the optimum combination of performance and efficiency. Depending on the battery power levels and the current scenario, the system will decide whether to activate the range extender.
-EV Now: It prioritizes operation in 100% electric mode using the battery charge.
-EV Later: The battery charge is reserved for later use and the gasoline engine is used at all times.
-EV Charge: In this driving mode the standby extender is in operation to charge the battery and to be able to use EV Now mode later.
On the other hand, using the power socket on the front bumper can recharge the battery. Using a 240-volt power outlet will take 5.5 hours to complete the charge.

As with the Ford Tourneo Custom with diesel engine, the plug-in hybrid version maintains the adaptability of the interior intact and can be modified to accommodate the two rear rows. The instrument cluster has been adapted to this electrified mechanics since the spindle has been replaced by a power / charge indicator as well as a small indicator that shows the state of the battery. Autonews