recent commercial vehicle sale at Manheim showed strong demand for two used AshWood hybrid Transits, with the vans achieving significant premiums over their standard cousins.

During the Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicles auction at Manheim Haydock, two vans – both hybrid conversions – were fought over both in the hall and online, by franchise and non-franchise buyers alike.

The two vans, both 10/10 plate Ford Transit 330 115ps SWB low roof panel vans, were fitted with AshWoods range extending technology.

A silver 17,000 mile example sold for 131% of CAP average, equating to an additional £2,250, whilst the second, finished in white with 29,000 miles, sold for 125% of CAP average, equating to an additional £1,775 in monetary terms.

James Davis, director of commercial vehicles at Manheim, said: “There is no doubt electric and hybrid vans are still very rare in the wholesale van market.

“With the laws of supply and demand playing out I believe that canny dealers are now looking to stock something entirely different to draw in new buyers.

“In a nutshell, the technology fitted on these two vans re-utilises braking energy to extend vehicle range. This offers used operators the best of both worlds, as they gain confidence from the proven diesel technology without the perceived risks, and outlay, of a used electric van which comes with allied considerations of payload, battery life, range and charging point availability.”