Ford prepares for incoming plug-ins

Wednesday, 16 September 2020

Ford has showed off the first examples of the Puma and Escape SUVs, as well as the plug-in hybrid Transit Custom van.

With its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models on the horizon - including a challenger to the segment-leading Mitsubishi Outlander - Ford New Zealand is preparing its dealer network to support plug-in models.

Ahead the arrival of the new Escape PHEVs and Transit PHEVs, Ford New Zealand has partnered with Singer Group Limited to install dealership charging stations and also offer home and business charging solutions.

The new Escape model line-up will include PHEV models in standard and high-grade ST Line X models priced at $60,990 and $66,990 respectively. Those prices have already increased by $2000 over the indicative prices announced in February.

The Escape (left) is one of two new Ford models to get a plug-in hybrid variant this year.

Four versions of the Escape with conventional powertrains are expected to arrive in October with the PHEV models now due to follow before the end of the year.

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Expect around 50km of pure-electric driving range in the plug-in Escape.

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* Ford Escape models and prices revealed

John Andrew Ford in Auckland is the first to get a Singer-installed charge point, capable of 22kW of output.

* Road test review: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

* Why does NZ have a mental block about plug-in hybrids?

Ford claims a 56km EV driving range for the Transit Custom SWB PHEV van.

The Escape PHEV has a 2.5-litre petrol engine and 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery to provide combined power output of 167kW and an EV driving range of more than 50km.

Commercial operators will soon be able to purchase a Transit Custom SWB PHEV van and an eight-seater Transit Tourneo Titanium PHEV. Arrival timing and prices are still to be confirmed.

Ford claims a 56km EV driving range for the Transit Custom SWB PHEV van which pairs electric drive with the 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine.

Phase one of the Ford and Singer partnership includes installing on-site charging stations at dealerships. John Andrew Ford in Auckland was the first install completed with the rest of the Ford New Zealand dealer network underway and scheduled to be completed before the arrival of Ford’s new PHEVs.

“The new Ford Escape PHEV has already made a big impact in Europe, quickly becoming the best-selling PHEV on the continent so we are especially excited to be prepping our dealerships for its arrival,’’ said Simon Rutherford, managing director, Ford New Zealand.

“Partnering with Singer for our dealer network charging station installs and customer referral program made great sense.’’

“They have a successful track record of installing chargers for both businesses and homes and providing fantastic aftersales support, and they can work with our customers to assess the best options for them.’’

The Singer installed charging stations are compatible with both Type I and Type II connections. Most Ford dealerships will be installing the faster 22kW AC chargers on their forecourts, future proofing for future full electric vehicles.

The forecourt chargers are for customer use and most sites will also have a second charging station in the service areas. Each dealership showroom will also have a non-live demo unit on display to show customers just how simple it is to plug in their new Ford PHEV. The Ford Head Office will also be installing a charging station.

The charging stations can be networked back to Singer, where they can monitor and report back on consumption as well as lock or unlock the station remotely.

“It’s a fairly simple procedure and straightforward charging unit, which is another reason we went with Singer,’’ said Rutherford.

“Our focus is always on the customer experience and we want to ensure the charging process is simple and easy to use. And it is. If you can plug in a TV, you can plug in your Ford.’’

Ford sales and service teams will be able to refer customers to Singer for their home or business installations. Singer will conduct site assessments with the customer and put together a plan for installing a charging station at their site.