Ford will be unveiling the production version of its new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Transit Custom at the coming IAA Show in Hannover later this month, as well as a 48 volt mild hybrid (mHEV) powertrain.

The new Transit Custom PHEV has a battery electric system that will have a zero emission range of up to 31 miles. it will have a 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine as a range extender. This engine will charge on-board batteries when longer trips are required between charging stops. In theory this plug-in hybrid system will give a range of more than 300 miles.

The battery system is a liquid called lithium ion battery pack that will be located on the load floor, preserves the full cargo volume as compared to a fossil fuel powered van. It will have a completely new interior design, that includes dedicated information displays for the PHEV.

Meanwhile the Transit 48V mHEV technology is to be used on manual transmission this vehicles and will further improve fuel efficiency in stop start urban driving. It captures energy on deceleration into a 48 V lithium battery, using the stored energy to help drive the engine and its electrical ancillaries.

“Hannover will mark the arrival of an exciting new family of Transit commercial vehicles that are ‘born connected’,” said Hans Schep, general manager, commercial vehicles, Ford of Europe. “Advanced connectivity, and our game-changing electrified vehicles, will create extensive new opportunities to create value for our customers.”