Ford Motor is adding a new electrified option to the Fiesta Van line-up with an EcoBoost Hybrid model which introduces intelligent mild hybrid technology for the automaker’s compact van consumers.
Available to order from August, the Hybrid model is functioned by the automaker’s advanced 48-volt EcoBoost Hybrid powertrain. The new Fiesta Van variant is made for delivering responsive petrol engine performance and decreased cost of ownership for urban hatchback van owners and operators.
Ford’s 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid powertrain provides a compelling alternative for customers seeking petrol engine driveability, with the fuel efficiency improved by using up to 24Nm of electric torque and performance enhanced utilizing up to 50Nm of electric torque at low rpm. The Fiesta Van EcoBoost Hybrid is also made to permit continued access to areas restricting or prohibiting diesel vehicles. The mild hybrid system does not compromise the vehicle’s 1.0m³ load area in any dimension and the payload is 531kg.
“The new Fiesta Van EcoBoost Hybrid is the automaker’s latest step towards providing high-value electrified options across its van range. Advanced, proven mild hybrid technology provides owners with a compact vehicle that’s responsive to drive and cost-effective to operate,” stated Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe.
Furthermore, the Fiesta Van showcases advanced connectivity and driver assistance technologies to assist drivers stay on schedule and prevent costly prangs when operating in busy urban environments.
Since electrified powertrain helps saving fuel, the Fiesta Van EcoBoost Hybrid’s powertrain features technology same as that one introduced to the International Van of the Year award-winning Transit Custom EcoBlue Hybrid last year.
A belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) in place of the standard alternator allows recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48-volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack.
The more powerful BISG also permits the Fiesta Van EcoBoost Hybrid’s Auto Start-Stop technology to operate in a broader range of scenarios for even greater fuel savings, including when coasting to a stop below 15mph and even when the automobile is in gear with the clutch pedal depressed.
The BISG also acts as a motor, integrating with the engine and using the stored energy to provide torque assistance during normal driving and acceleration, and also running the vehicle’s electrical ancillaries.
The intelligent, self-regulating mild hybrid system keeps monitoring how the vehicle is being utilized to figure out when and how intensively to charge the battery for optimal benefit, and when to utilize the stored battery charge to decrease the amount of work needed from the petrol engine.
The technology contributes to fuel performance up to 68.8mpg and CO2 emissions from 93g/km NEDC (55.3mpg and 115g/km WLTP) – a fuel efficiency enhancement of up to six percent compared with the non-hybrid model (NEDC).1
The Fiesta Van EcoBoost Hybrid powertrain also showcases cylinder deactivation technology that further enhances fuel performance by automatically switching off one of the cylinders when whole capacity is not needed, such as when coasting or cruising with light demand on the engine. The system can disengage or re-engage one cylinder in 14 milliseconds without any compromise in performance or refinement.
Fiesta Van EcoBoost Hybrid is available in both the Trend and Sport series and takes the place of the 85PS 1.5-litre TDCi powertrain option. A non-hybrid 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost with six-speed manual transmission is also available, with fuel performance up to 67.2mpg and CO2 emissions from 97g/km NEDC (54.3mpg and 119g/km WLTP).
Technology helps in boosting productivity. The Fiesta Van EcoBoost Hybrid’s interior is well-suited to modern commercial usage. Drivers who use mobile devices to plan routes, track deliveries and stay updated by taking advantage from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility added free-of-charge as part of the standard SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system.
Supported by an 8-inch central touchscreen that can be controlled using pinch and swipe gestures, SYNC 3 showcases a new interface with larger buttons that are more intuitive and simpler to use.
Connectivity to internet is available with standard FordPass Connect modem technology3 – improving productivity with the ability to form a mobile WiFi hotspot and allowing owners to keep their vehicle safe, secure and running efficiently using the FordPass Pro app.4
Technologies consisting Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking,5 Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking5 and Ford’s Lane-Keeping System5 can help Fiesta Van drivers prevent or mitigate the effects of accidents with other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition5 can even help drivers prevent fines and penalties. The technology can adjust the vehicle speed to within legal limits by watching over the roadside and overhead gantries for speed signs.
The advanced Fiesta Van range including the new EcoBoost Hybrid introduces exterior improvements including new LED reflector headlights as standard for Trend models, updated to LED projector headlights for Sport models. Both series also take advantage of new wheel designs; 16-inch steel wheels on Trend and 17-inch seven-spoke alloys on Sport.
As part of the automaker’s commercial vehicle line-up, a range of Special Vehicle Options paint finishes and exterior packs can be ordered to best suit individual business needs.
The Fiesta Van EcoBoost Hybrid joins Ford’s broad range of mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid electrified commercial vehicles.
The automaker last year also revealed 48-volt mild hybrid Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom EcoBlue Hybrid variants, together with the Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom Plug-In Hybrid range.
