Ford Transit Connect and Volkswagen Caddy PHEVs to qualify for PiVG
Wed, 11 Sept 2024
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants of the new Ford Transit Connect, as well as the Volkswagen Caddy that uses the same engine and motor combination, are set to be eligible for the government's plug-in van grant (PiVG).
The PiVG means qualifying electrified small vans receive a grant of up to £2,500 off the list price, while £5,000 can be deducted from the cost of a larger van.
To qualify for the scheme, a commercial vehicle must have total CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and achieve a zero-emission range of at least 60 miles on a single charge.
Both companies have confirmed that the new plug-in hybrid models will meet these targets — Ford quotes an electric range of 'at least 68 miles' for the Transit Connect PHEV, with VW claiming a range of 'up to 75 miles' for the Caddy eHybrid.
The two vans were developed together as part of a joint venture between the brands, with the electrical system and its 19.7kWh battery pack working in conjunction with VW's 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine.
Ford has already said it will be type-approving the Ford Transit Connect PHEV for the PiVG, with short wheelbase models expected to qualify for the £2,500 grant and long wheelbase versions the £5,000 grant.
Ford has confirmed that the Transit Connect PHEV is expected to go on sale for the 2025 model year, suggesting order books should open before the end of 2024, while Volkswagen has yet to announce a launch date for its Caddy eHybrid.
