Ford Transit Custom PHEV Conversion

Ford Transit Custom PHEV Campervan Conversions

A plug-in hybrid campervan lets you do shorter journeys on electric and longer ones on petrol. It’s greener than diesel – but only if your driving pattern actually uses the electric mode. The Ford Transit Custom PHEV campervan gives you around 35 miles of electric range. If a meaningful proportion of your miles fit within that – regular shorter trips, local exploring during holidays – those miles happen on electric, and the longer drives use petrol.

It’s not for everyone. But for the right situation, it’s a genuine way to reduce your environmental impact without the limitations of full electric.

The Best Alternative to a VW Transporter Campervan

If you’ve been looking at VW Transporter campervans, you should know: the Ford Transit Custom and VW Transporter T7 are built on the same platform through a Ford-VW partnership. This means that the VW Transporter is the equivalent to a Ford Transit Custom PHEV conversion.

From the windscreen backwards, they’re essentially identical – same chassis, same body, same interior dimensions, same powertrains. The differences are cosmetic: grilles, badges, dashboard styling.

The VW Transporter eHybrid (PHEV) isn’t available in the UK yet – it’s expected sometime in 2026. The Ford Transit Custom PHEV is available now. Same platform, same conversion, available today.

When the VW version arrives, we’ll convert that too. For now, if you want a PHEV campervan on this platform, Ford is the option.

Why choose the Ford Transit Custom (PHEV) Campervan?

There’s a strategic reason Ford has the PHEV ready first. In the Ford-VW partnership, each company leads where they have the most expertise:

• VW leads on car-based PHEV technology — the Caddy uses VW’s 1.5 TSI hybrid system, the same tech they’ve been fitting to Golfs and Tiguans for years.
• Ford leads on commercial van PHEV technology — the Transit Custom uses Ford’s 2.5L Atkinson hybrid, the same proven system from the Ford Kuga PHEV.

Ford has been developing PHEV technology for commercial vans since 2019, when the first Transit Custom PHEV launched. They know this system inside out. When the Transporter eHybrid arrives in 2026, it’ll use exactly the same Ford hybrid system, just with VW badges.

For servicing, this matters: Ford dealers have been maintaining the 2.5L Atkinson hybrid in Kugas for years. They know these systems. That expertise transfers directly to the Transit Custom PHEV.

For the full story on who makes what in the Ford-VW partnership, see our blog: The Ford-VW Partnership Explained

Is a PHEV Campervan Right for You?

A PHEV makes sense if:

• You have home charging. Without this, you’ll rarely charge it and the electric mode goes unused. Home charging is essential.
• A decent proportion of your miles fit within electric range. Regular shorter trips from home, or lots of local driving during holidays — exploring, day trips, finding places to eat. If enough of your journeys are under 25-35 miles, they happen on electric.
• You want to reduce your environmental impact. This is the main reason to choose PHEV over diesel. Fewer emissions, cleaner miles — but only if you’re actually using the electric mode.
• Full electric doesn’t suit your situation. Maybe you do longer tours where charging infrastructure doesn’t work. Maybe you camp in remote places. The petrol engine means you’re never dependent on finding a charger.

A PHEV probably isn’t worth it if:

• You don’t have home charging
• Most of your miles are long motorway journeys
• The environmental benefit isn’t a priority for you

If those apply, diesel is simpler and cheaper. There’s nothing wrong with that choice.

If full electric might work for your situation, take a look at our e-Scudo and ID Buzz conversions. Many customers love them.

What You Get with This Platform

Year-Round Off-Grid Capability

We can install a Propex gas heater in the Transit Custom PHEV, giving you reliable off-grid warmth from a small gas bottle. No draining your leisure battery, no relying on campsites with hook-up. Wild camp in February if you want to.

Genuine 4-Berth for Families

The Transit Custom’s generous interior width (~1,780mm between wheel arches) means comfortable sleeping space for two adults downstairs. Add a Reimo pop-top roof and you have genuine 4-berth capability: two adults below, two more in the roof.

Reimo German Engineering

We fit Reimo pop-top roofs and Reimo Vario rock’n’roll beds — both designed specifically for this platform by the German manufacturer. Reimo has been making campervan components for over 40 years. Their engineering is proven, their quality is excellent.

The Familiar Layout

If you’ve owned a VW Transporter campervan before — a T5 or T6 — this layout will feel immediately familiar. Same proportions, same practical campervan configuration.

Two Designs for the Ford Transit Custom (PHEV) Campervan

We offer two proven designs, each with a different bed and seating configuration. Both include the same quality of craftsmanship, materials, and finish.

Mandalay

Reimo pop-top roof with Reimo Vario rock’n’roll bed — up to 5 belted seats

From £27,599 inc VAT

The Mandalay is our most versatile conversion for this platform. The Reimo Vario bed converts from rear-facing seats during the day to a double bed at night — with two three-point seatbelts, giving you up to five belted travelling seats in total (three in the front, two in the rear).

The Reimo pop-top roof adds genuine 4-berth capability: two adults downstairs, two more (typically children or smaller adults) in the roof bed.

Mandalay includes:

• Reimo elevating pop-top roof with choice of canvas colour
• Reimo Vario 2-berth rock’n’roll bed with two three-point seatbelts (up to 5 belted seats total)
• Hand-built wooden furniture in your choice of finish
• Solid wood worktops and removable table
• Natural fibre insulation and carpet lining
• Luxury upholstery in your choice of fabric
• Blackout curtains in your choice of colour
• Vinyl flooring in your choice of style
• Leisure battery and battery-to-battery charging system
• USB/USB-C and 240V sockets
• LED lighting throughout
• Water tank and stainless steel sink
• Fridge
• Hob (gas or induction — see packages below)

Optional extra pricing:
Propex gas heating £1,680
Solar panels £960
Opening window £348
Inverter to power a laptop (off-grid) £228
Portaloo

Chamonix

Reimo pop-top roof with extendable bench/slat bed — 3 belted seats

From £23,999 inc VAT

The Chamonix features an extendable bench that converts to a double slat bed, with three belted seats in the front. Without a rock’n’roll bed in the rear, the layout offers a different interior configuration — some customers prefer the simplicity and the slightly different use of space.

Chamonix includes:

• Reimo elevating pop-top roof with choice of canvas colour
• Extendable bench/double slat bed (2-berth)
• 3 belted seats (front only)
• Hand-built wooden furniture in your choice of finish
• Solid wood worktops and removable table
• Natural fibre insulation and carpet lining
• Luxury upholstery in your choice of fabric
• Blackout curtains in your choice of colour
• Vinyl flooring in your choice of style
• Leisure battery and battery-to-battery charging system
• USB/USB-C and 240V sockets
• LED lighting throughout
• Water tank and stainless steel sink
• Fridge
• Hob (gas or induction — see packages below)

Optional extras: Propex gas heating, solar panels, extra windows, portaloo, pop-top roof bed (2-berth)

Optional extra pricing:
Propex gas heating £1,680
Solar panels £960
Opening window £348
Inverter to power a laptop (off-grid) £228
Portaloo

Gas or Electric Package

Within both designs, you choose between two equipment packages for cooking and electrical systems.

Gas Package (Included)

• Gas hob
• Standard leisure battery
• Battery-to-battery charging system

The gas package keeps things simple and cost-effective. Your cooking is independent of your electrical system, so you can cook regardless of battery state. This is the traditional campervan approach — proven, reliable, and familiar.

Electric Package (+£2,160 inc VAT)

Everything in the gas package, except:

• Induction hob (instead of gas hob)
• Lithium battery (instead of standard leisure battery)

Plus:

• 2000W pure sine wave inverter
• Solar panel system

The electric package lets you cook without any gas on board — fully electric camping. The lithium battery and inverter provide the power needed to run an induction hob, while solar panels help keep everything topped up off-grid.

Which to choose? The gas package costs less and offers simpler, more reliable cooking. The electric package appeals to those who want to avoid gas entirely. Both packages can have Propex gas heating added as an optional extra — this is separate from your cooking choice.

Propex Gas Heating

For year-round off-grid camping, we recommend adding Propex gas heating to your conversion.

The Propex heater runs from a small gas bottle (separate from cooking gas if you’ve chosen a gas hob, or standalone if you’ve chosen the electric package). It provides reliable warmth without draining your leisure battery — essential for winter camping or Scottish adventures.

If you plan to camp off-grid in cold weather, gas heating transforms what’s possible.

The Sunbox Campers Quality

At Sunbox Campers, we build beautiful campervans by hand — more atelier than factory. Every conversion is crafted by skilled joiners at our East Sussex workshop using sustainable materials.

Handcrafted Interiors

Our vans feature hand-built wooden furniture throughout. No flat-pack, no shortcuts. Skilled carpenters create solid wood worktops, cabinets, and tables that are built to last and lovely to live with.

Sustainable Materials

We use FSC-certified wood, Thermafleece natural insulation (sheep’s wool for superior thermal and acoustic performance), and quality fabrics including Chieftain Earthly (100% recycled) for customers who want them. Sustainability matters to us — we believe you can build beautiful campervans without compromising on environmental responsibility.

Your Personal Touch

Every conversion includes choices that make it yours:

• Flooring: Style and colour from our Polyflor range
• Upholstery: Fabric from our curated selection
• Wood finish: Multiple stain and treatment options
• Interior lining: Carpet or wood in various colours
• Curtains: Blackout curtains in your choice of colour

Transit Custom PHEV Specifications

Vehicle Sourcing

We can help source your Transit Custom PHEV. We’re building relationships with Ford dealers and can help you find a competitively priced base vehicle that fits your ideal specification.

Or source your own. If you find a Transit Custom PHEV yourself, we’re happy to convert it. We can advise on what to look for.

Base vehicle pricing: [TBC]

Warranty and Aftercare

Conversion warranty:

• 24-month warranty on our conversion (workmanship and installed components)

Vehicle warranties:

• 3-year / 100,000-mile Ford warranty on the vehicle
• 8-year / 100,000-mile battery warranty on the high-voltage PHEV battery

What you can expect from us:

• Comprehensive handover with full walkthrough of all systems
• Ongoing support — we’re here to help long after your van leaves our workshop

The Conversion Process

1. Consultation

We discuss your needs, budget, and how you’ll use the camper. This helps us recommend the right design, package, and options — and whether PHEV, full electric, or diesel makes the most sense for your situation.

2. Base Vehicle

Either we help source your Transit Custom PHEV, or you bring us a van you’ve found yourself.

3. Design Choices

You select your flooring, upholstery, wood finish, lining, and curtains from our range of options. This is where your campervan starts to feel like yours.

4. Build

Our skilled craftspeople convert your van at our Newhaven workshop. Build time depends on specification and current order book — we’ll give you realistic timelines from the start.

5. Handover

Comprehensive walkthrough of all systems, handover documentation, and the keys to your new campervan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ford Transit Custom PHEV really the same as the VW Transporter?

Yes — they share the same platform through a Ford-VW partnership. Same chassis, same body (from windscreen back), same interior dimensions, same powertrains. The differences are cosmetic: front-end styling, badges, some dashboard details. For a campervan conversion, they’re identical.

When will the VW Transporter eHybrid be available?

VW has indicated 2026, but hasn’t confirmed exact timing. The Ford Transit Custom PHEV is available now. When the Transporter eHybrid arrives, it’ll use the same Ford PHEV system — just with VW badges.

Why choose Ford over waiting for the VW?

Two reasons: availability and expertise. The Ford is available now; the VW isn’t. And because Ford developed this PHEV system (it’s the same 2.5L Atkinson hybrid they use in the Kuga), Ford dealers have years of experience servicing it. When the Transporter eHybrid arrives, it’ll be Ford’s system with VW badges — so Ford dealers will still know it best.

Should I choose PHEV, full electric, or diesel?

PHEV makes sense if you have home charging, a decent proportion of your miles fit within electric range, and reducing your environmental impact matters to you. Full electric is best if charging infrastructure works for your situation. Diesel is simpler and cheaper if you don’t have home charging or most of your miles are long journeys. We’re happy to talk through your specific situation.

What’s the difference between Mandalay and Chamonix?

Mandalay has a Reimo Vario rock’n’roll bed (converts from seats to bed) with up to 5 belted seats — three in the front, two in the rear. Chamonix has an extendable bench/slat bed with 3 belted seats in the front only — no rear seats.

Can you install gas heating in the Transit Custom PHEV?

Yes — we install Propex gas heaters that run from a small gas bottle, providing reliable off-grid warmth year-round.

How far can I drive on electric only?

The official WLTP figure is up to 35 miles electric-only range. Real-world range depends on driving style, temperature, and load — expect 25-35 miles in typical conditions. For longer journeys, the petrol engine takes over seamlessly.

Where do I get the vehicle serviced?

At any Ford dealer. The Transit Custom comes with Ford’s warranty and is serviced through Ford’s dealer network. Ford dealers have extensive experience with the 2.5L Atkinson PHEV system from years of servicing the Kuga PHEV.

How long does a conversion take?

Typically 4-6 weeks depending on specification and current order book. We’ll give you realistic timelines when you join our build queue.

Next Steps

Get in touch to discuss your requirements. We’re happy to talk through whether PHEV, full electric, or diesel makes the most sense for your situation — there’s no hard sell, just honest advice.

Think full electric might work for you? Take a look at our e-Scudo and ID Buzz conversions.

Want to understand the Ford-VW partnership? Read our blog: The Ford-VW Partnership Explained

We’re easy to reach from London and the South East, with customers coming from across the UK. You’re welcome to visit our workshop to see completed conversions and discuss your project in person.

Interested in a Ford Custom conversion?

We’d love to hear from you! Please drop us an email or give us a call to organise a consultation.

Email: hello@sunboxcampers.co.uk

Phone: 07973 687950

Our workshop is in Newhaven, East Sussex. We’re easy to reach from London and the South East, with customers coming from across the UK. You’re welcome to visit our workshop to see completed conversions and discuss your project in person or over a video call.