There has been a big push over the last few years by the UK Government to phase out diesel engines, and sales of electric and hybrid passenger vehicles have been steadily increasing year on year. With diesel prices recently hitting a record high, many commercial vehicle owners have started to investigate alternatives, and one alternative that many are considering is the Ford Transit Custom 2.0 Ecoblue.

For those who live in cities and commute primarily on motorways, a hybrid Ford Transit is a possibility, and if you are feeling very confident, you may even choose to take the plunge with a hydrogen van. But these vehicles are only practical if you are able to easily charge them and the infrastructure doesn't currently cover the whole of the UK. If your trade takes you off the beaten track on a regular basis, you may feel that sticking to the trusty diesel is probably safest for now.

Improving Economy with the Ford Transit Custom 2.0 Ecoblue

Just because you have to keep a diesel Ford Transit or similar commercial vehicle in order to do your job effectively, this doesn't mean that you need to be saddled with an expensive gas guzzler. The Ford Transit Custom 2.0 Ecoblue is a perfect example of this. The modern diesel engine fitted to this vehicle is not only more efficient than previous Duratorq TDCi versions but complies with Euro6 emissions standards, rendering it exempt from London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges.

In addition to performing more economically than previous iterations, the EcoBlue also delivers increased power, reduced noise at idling and up to 20% more low-end torque, creating an improved driver experience. This makes coping with everyday driving challenges such as low speed traffic or overtaking easier and more comfortable.

How It Works?

The EcoBlue engines have a selective catalytic reduction system that uses a fluid called AdBlue® to convert harmful nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions into nitrogen and water. The particulate filter in the exhaust system then reduces the emissions by up to 99% when compared to previous models. This means that these vehicles are considerably cleaner to run, better for the environment and for other road users. AdBlue® is a water based urea fluid that is added to the AdBlue® tank on the engine during routine services and as indicated by the dashboard warning light.

The engine on these vehicles has been thoroughly modernised with new innovations, including modular camshafts, an off-set crank and belt-in-oil technology. The inlet manifold is designed in a mirror-image and the low-inertia turbocharger delivers greater torque in low gears and at low speeds. The engine structure has been remodelled to reduce noise at idling by up to 4 decibels.

These changes have created a commercial vehicle that rivals passenger cars for comfort, economy and performance without compromising on towing capability or weight carrying capacity.

Why This Is A Game Changer?

The changes made to the 2.0 Ecoblue Ford Transit Custom set it apart from the competition in terms of performance, economy, fuel efficiency and driver comfort. The auto start-stop and real time calibration correction ensure that fuel economy is maximised at all times, and less money spent on diesel corresponds to greater profits for tradespeople.

Downsides To The EcoBlue Engine

On the surface, there is much to like about this engine. It offers all the functionality that you would expect from a Ford diesel engine but with improved performance figures and considerable savings to be made from the need for less frequent refuelling and exemptions from Low Emissions Zones.

The only downside, if you're being really picky, is that the ECU on these engines is resistant to re-mapping, so for those people who had previously chosen to have their Ford Transit ECU remapped to improve its performance and fuel economy, the inability to do so with this new van could be a source of frustration.

Arguably, the fuel economy and performance is already an improvement over its predecessors, but for those who want more from their engine, alternative products do exist that not only extract additional horsepower but can improve its mpg, and all without exceeding the engine's mechanical capabilities. By successfully capitalising on these additional gains, the Ford Transit Custom 2.0 Ecoblue really does become a diesel game-changer.