Reflex Vehicle Hire powers cleaner fleets with hybrid welfare van

Reflex Vehicle Hire has introduced The EcoBlue Hybrid welfare van to its welfare van range.

The van is based on the Ford Transit 350 L3 H3 Leader, which has 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine that uses Euro 6 technology. The drivetrain is supported by a 48-volt mild hybrid system to optimise and enhance fuel efficiency.

The standard alternator has been replaced with a belt-driven starter/generator that provides assistance while the vehicle is moving to reduce fuel use, particularly when accelerating.

During braking, energy that may have been wasted is used to recharge the 48-volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack.

The EcoBlue Hybrid welfare van is also fitted with stop/start technology, so the engine can automatically shut down and restart while stationary or while coasting to a stop. The driver can adjust the coasting speed at which the automatic stop/start system operates, between 7mph and 12mph.

Lisa Spong, Reflex Vehicle Hire sales director, said: “Our fleet customers are leading the way in adapting their fleets to support the Government’s Road to Zero ambitions. We are working with our business customers to help with this transition by providing an extended range of fuel options for our specialist vehicles, not just standard vans.”

The first fleet vehicle, that can seat seven crew including the driver, is being used by a fleet operator working in the rail sector.

The welfare unit features a kitchen with sink and microwave, a crew area, storage, water heater, electrical system with plugs and USB charging ports along with a built-in toilet. Reflex oversaw the design, build and signwriting process of the new hire vehicle.

The welfare van is part of Reflex Vehicle Hire’s ‘Ready to Work’ range, which focuses on providing pre-configured vehicles to meet the operational and compliance needs of fleets.