The hybrid technology can be fitted to any rear-wheel drive Transit panel van, chassis cab or minibus. At the moment there are no plans to fit vans from other manufacturers.

The company claims that the system reduces CO2 emissions and fuel use by up to 20% on the combined cycle and by 33% on the urban drive cycle (predominantly town/city-based driving).

It also reduces NOx and particulates.

Fleet customers for the Hybrid Transit include the Environment Agency, Royal Mail and Transport for London, plus local authorities across Scotland, Wales and England.

Ashwoods is the sole supplier to phase two of the Government’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP), which will see 500 Hybrid Transits deployed in public sector fleets over the next 12 months.

Via the LCVPP, the Department for Transport is offering grants of more than £3,400 to public sector fleets which, claims Ashwoods, means they will be able to make a return on investment within a year.

Prices start at £20,935 exc VAT for the 330SWB low roof Transit.

That’s actually lower than Ford’s list price of £22,995, although with marketing programmes and dealer discounts, the official figure will drop below £19,000 in many cases.

Fleets can also buy a retro-fit hybrid conversion for £5,500.

“The market is a difficult place at the moment because of the economy,” says Roberts.

“In the public sector you can get a grant which will, in most cases, cover the difference between the hybrid and a standard diesel.

“The private sector is more difficult because of the lack of funding, but the benefits are reaching companies now.”

In 2010, Ashwoods started developing its own batteries and components, which allowed the new, second-generation Hybrid Transit to be developed in-house.

“We learned how to get some costs out of the manufacturing process so we made our own technology, which has made us more competitive for pricing,” says Roberts.