Van life continues to get more eco-friendly as Ford has introduced the new Tourneo Connect Plug-In Hybrid in Europe. Set to arrive late this year, the van features a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, a “high-voltage” battery, an electric motor, and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
While Ford was coy on specifics, the company confirmed the model will have a combined output of 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque.
More importantly, the van has an electric-only range of approximately 68 miles (110 km). However, recharging the battery won’t be a quick process as the model only supports a DC fast charging rate of 50 kW. That’s a little low, but at least it’s significantly faster than the AC rate of up to 11 kW.
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To help optimize battery usage, the van has four different settings known as EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later, and EV Reserve. The first three settings are self-explanatory, but EV Reserve “saves a driver-defined level of battery energy for use later.”
The plug-in hybrid powertrain will be available on the five-passenger Tourneo Connect and the seven-passenger Grand Tourneo Connect. The models will also be offered in Trend, Titanium, and Active trim.
Equipment varies, but even the entry-level Trend has a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Customers will also find a host of familiar driver assistance systems including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist.
The Tourneo Connect Plug-In Hybrid will go up for order this summer and deliveries are slated to begin in the fourth quarter. Ford Europe’s Rich Hughes said, “Whether doing the school run, going on adventures or even using it as a work vehicle, Tourneo Connect PHEV’s generous electric driving range means that it can electrify many of the journeys in our customers’ busy lifestyles.”
