New Ford Transit Connect plug-in hybrid to be eligible for government plug-in grant

Ford introduces new Transit Connect with diesel and plug-in hybrid engines
New Kombi model has foldable second row of seats
Closely linked to the VW Caddy panel van

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Every Transit Connect gets a large colour touchscreen.

Written by Jake Groves Published: 20 August 2024

The plug-in hybrid version of the new-generation of Ford Transit Connect is set to go on sale towards the end of 2024 as the brand completes the offering on its new small van.

As well as two wheelbase lengths and a Kombi version with five seats, the new Transit Connect includes new engines and fresh technologies to this sector.

The keener eyed will spot the fact that this new Transit Connect shares a lot with the current generation of Volkswagen Caddy and that is because the two vans are fundamentally the same vehicle, thanks to the two brands partnership that has seen them create a series of commercial vehicles in recent years. But, for now at least, Ford is offering some alternatives to broaden the appeal of its Transit Connect compared to the mechanically-similar VW.

What engines can you get with the new Ford Transit Connect?

As part of the brand’s efforts to provide an electrified version of its commercial vehicle range at every size, the new Transit Connect can now be had with a plug-in hybrid powertrain as well as a conventional diesel engine. The Connect PHEV combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine, battery and electric motor to develop 150hp and 330Nm and comes with a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Ford Transit Connect PHEV offers 68 miles of electric-only range.

Ford says the 19.7kWh battery is big enough to allow for up to 76 miles of electric range and, like most plug-in hybrids, the Connect PHEV features modes that allow you to control the use of the electric power yourself. On top of that, Ford says that the Connect PHEV can be charged at up to 11kW AC, or even via a fast 50kW DC charger.

You might have noticed that this 76-mile range is sufficient to take the Ford over the minimum threshold required to be eligible for the government’s plug-in van grant. This isn’t confirmed at the time of writing, as Ford is yet to get type approval for the vehicle, but if all goes to plan then the shorter version should qualify for a £2,500 discount while the longer model should be able to get £5,000 off.

If that’s not your style, Ford also offers two power variants of a more familiar 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine. A 102bhp version features a six-speed manual gearbox, while a 122hp model can be had with that or a seven-speed automatic. Ford claims up to 58.8mpg for the diesel models.

All-wheel-drive Transit Connects are on the way.

Keen to also appeal to European markets with tougher climates, Ford has confirmed there will also be all-wheel drive models of its Transit Connect available soon.

Ford says orders will open in the spring of 2024, with the first deliveries of diesels launching first and plug-in hybrids arriving towards the end of the same year.

What specs and equipment are available for the new Ford Transit Connect?

Three trims will be available: Trend, Limited and Active. Trend features the essentials and is aimed more for fleet use; Limited is for the panel van only and features touches like larger wheels and more technology on board, as well as features that enable the van to be used as a mobile office. Active, meanwhile, is for the Kombi only and features rugged styling, bespoke wheels and LED lights.

Every Transit Connect features a 10-inch instrument cluster and 10-inch infotainment screen, and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Options include navigation, heated seats and steering wheel and supportive seats.

What sizes and payloads can you get with the new Ford Transit Connect?

There are two wheelbase lengths of both the standard two-seat panel van and five-seat Transit Connect Kombi model, with the long-wheelbase models having enough space for two Europallets.

Besides the wheelbases, however, the Kombi model features a neat party trick. The second row of seats can be folded away, acting as a bulkhead between the cabin and the load area, and allows you to expand the space available at the expense of the additional seats and vice versa depending on what is required.