Up to 20 prototypes of the forthcoming Ford Transit plug-in hybrid will be trialled across five public and private sector fleets this autumn.

The 12-month trial aims to explore how lower-emission plug-in hybrid electric vans could support cleaner air targets, at the same time as boosting productivity for operators in urban conditions – the toughest working environment for commercial vehicles.

A plug-in hybrid version of the iconic Transit van is set to go on public sale from 2019, but before then, Ford wants to see how an electrified commercial vehicle would represent real-world value to businesses driving in and out of Britain’s cities every day.

Each plug-in Transit will be fitted with a telematics system to collect data on the vehicle’s financial, operational and environmental performance to help understand how the benefits of electrified vehicles could be maximised.

The Metropolitan Police will operate two Transit PHEV vans: one marked for second response to traffic accidents and one unmarked as a forensic support unit, while Transport for London will use three of the vans for freight duties.

Vehicle supplier Clancy Plant, taxi firm Addison Lee and British Gas make up the trial’s three remaining fleets.

Jiggs Bharij, head of fleet services at the Metropolitan Police, said: “[We] are committed to a sustainable fleet of vehicles [and are] delighted to be working with Ford on this innovative PHEV Transit trial working towards a cleaner London.”

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: “The business benefit of operating hybrid vehicles is well documented, with reduced running costs and lower environmental impact. It’s heartening to see Ford adapting the concept for commercial vehicles.”