What the London ULEZ Expansion Means for Van Drivers
London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has expanded again, covering all London boroughs. This means tradespeople, delivery drivers, and business owners now face stricter emissions rules whenever they enter the capital.
If your van does not meet Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol standards, you pay a daily £12.50 charge on top of other operating costs (see the official guidance here).
For many, that is not just a nuisance but a direct hit on profits. Over the course of a year, the ULEZ charge can easily add up to thousands of pounds. For this reason, choosing a ULEZ-compliant van is no longer optional, it is essential for any business working in or around London.
Ford Transit Engine Options and Euro 6 Compliance
The Ford Transit has long been one of the UK’s most popular vans, thanks to its versatility and reliability. But the big question today is whether the new Transit is ready for London’s ULEZ rules.
Here is what you need to know about its engines:
- Diesel Euro 6 engines: All new diesel Transit models meet Euro 6 standards, meaning they are fully ULEZ compliant.
- Mild Hybrid options: Some Transits now include mild hybrid (mHEV) engines, designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in stop-start city driving.
- Electric Ford E-Transit: The E-Transit offers zero-emission driving, making it exempt from ULEZ charges and congestion charges. It is ideal for businesses frequently working in London.
- AdBlue technology: Ford uses AdBlue to reduce NOx emissions, another factor helping it stay within Euro 6 limits.
By contrast, older Transit models registered before September 2016 may not comply, so many drivers are upgrading to avoid ULEZ costs.
How the New Ford Transit Meets ULEZ Standards
The new Ford Transit is fully designed to comply with emissions standards. Whether you choose a diesel or electric model, it will save you money compared with running older, non-compliant vans.
Key compliance features include:
- Euro 6 certification across the diesel range.
- Electric option (E-Transit) for businesses going green.
- Improved fuel efficiency from advanced engine design.
- Reduced CO2 and NOx emissions for city driving.
Here is a quick comparison of the Ford Transit Diesel vs Ford E-Transit:
| Feature | Ford Transit Diesel (Euro 6) | Ford E-Transit (Electric) |
| ULEZ Compliant | Yes | Yes (zero emissions) |
| Fuel | Diesel with AdBlue | 100% Electric |
| Best For | Businesses needing long range and high payloads | Trades working mainly in urban areas |
| Running Costs | Fuel and AdBlue, but lower than non-compliant vans | No fuel, no ULEZ or congestion charges |
| Range | Long distance, good for city and motorway | Around 196 miles WLTP (ideal for daily city work) |
| Purchase Price | Lower than electric | Higher upfront but big long-term savings |
Fuel Efficiency and Cost Savings in the City
ULEZ compliance is not the only factor. The new Ford Transit also reduces total cost of ownership through efficiency:
- Start-stop systems help conserve fuel in urban traffic.
- Electric models avoid both fuel and ULEZ charges.
- Improved aerodynamics cut emissions on motorway runs.
- Long service intervals reduce downtime for trades.
For many tradespeople, the shift to a Euro 6 or electric Ford Transit has meant saving thousands annually compared with older, non-compliant vans.
Is the Ford Transit the Right Choice for Your Business?
The Transit has always been about flexibility, and the new generation continues this tradition while meeting strict London ULEZ standards.
Best for tradespeople who need:
- A proven workhorse with a variety of body types.
- High payload and load volume for tools and equipment.
- The choice between diesel and electric for different budgets.
- Reliability backed by Ford’s reputation.
At Discount Van Sales, you will find the full range of new Ford Transits available to buy or lease, including small vans like the Transit Connect (see small vans here) as well as full-size Transits and the E-Transit.
We also offer tailored finance options to make upgrading affordable for businesses that want to avoid daily ULEZ charges without tying up too much cash.
Ready to Upgrade to a ULEZ-Compliant Ford Transit?
The London ULEZ expansion is here to stay, and the cost of running an older van will only rise. The new Ford Transit gives tradespeople peace of mind, combining compliance with reliability and excellent running costs.
Discount Van Sales has helped UK businesses save money and upgrade to new vans for over 20 years. Get in touch with our team today to explore our deals on the latest Ford Transits and keep your business moving in the city.