Ford E-Transit Courier unveiled

Ford Pro has revealed the E-Transit Courier, a ground-up new all-electric commercial vehicle bringing enhanced connectivity and productivity for compact van customers.

Part of Ford’s more than US$50 billion global EV push, the E-Transit Courier is the next step as the company electrifies its iconic Transit family of commercial vehicles, joining the larger E-Transit and E-Transit Custom models in the Ford Pro portfolio.

Speaking last week at the online launch of the E-Transit Courier, Ford experts said the new model’s all-electric powertrain has been engineered to deliver an “uncompromised driving experience” for customers, including a powerful 100 kW motor and one-pedal driving capability.

They added that performance, range and price details will be confirmed closer to launch.

The new E-Transit Courier will make its public debut later this month at the CV Show in Birmingham.

It is scheduled to enter production later in 2024, and customers will be able to order petrol- and diesel-engine Transit Courier models from summer 2023 for delivery before the end of the year.

The line-up features both van and double-cab-in-van bodystyles, and includes a choice of attractive series including the high-specification Limited and Active models.

All models will be built in Craiova, Romania, by Ford Otosan, the manufacturer of the Transit Custom and E-Transit.

Space
The E-Transit Courier’s all-new body design delivers increased load capacity in all dimensions. Width between the rear wheelarches is 1,220 mm, enabling the compact van to carry two Euro pallets for the first time.

Total cargo volume is now 2.9 m3, 25 per cent more than the outgoing model. This can be further increased using the new load-through bulkhead feature, which enables customers to carry items such as planks or pipe over 2,600 mm long.

Maximum payload for the all-electric model is 700 kg, with a maximum towing weight of 750 kg.

The E-Transit Courier has a distinctive exterior design and a spacious, practical interior designed around compact van users’ needs.

The all-new model offers a very comprehensive standard equipment specification including unique cabin features with ‘squircle’ steering wheel design to improve leg room and visibility for the driver, as well as a column-mounted gear shifter, push-button ignition and an electronic handbrake to deliver increased configurable storage space.

Charging
Ford Pro expects the E-Transit Courier to be popular with customers who charge at home; Ford Pro Charging is targeting an 11 kW AC overnight home charge in 5.7 hours, and charging can be scheduled to take advantage of cheaper overnight energy using the in-vehicle touchscreen or depot charging software.

To support efficient public charging, the vehicle offers DC fast charge capability up to 100 kW. Ford expects the system to add 87 km of range in 10 minutes, and charge from 10-80 per cent in less than 35 minutes.

The E-Transit Courier also comes with a year of complimentary access to the BlueOval Charge Network, which is set to include 500,000 public chargers around the world by 2024.

Connectivity
Extending Ford Pro’s line-up of innovative electrified and connected cargo vans, the all-new E‑Transit Courier is fully integrated with Ford Pro’s platform of software and connected services to further drive efficient operation including end-to-end charging solutions and management tools from Ford Pro Software.

Customers with five or more vehicles can also benefit from one year of complimentary access to the tailored features of Ford Pro E-Telematics. The system uses live data to help maximise productivity, as well as delivering features to support effective and intuitive use of Ford Pro Charging. These include current charging status, vehicle-specific state of charge, and remaining range with customisable low range alert thresholds.

Plug and Charge enables E-Transit Courier owners to simply plug in and walk away when using compatible BlueOval Charge Network chargers. Charging begins automatically, and a bill and charge summary are sent to the owner after unplugging.

To go further between charges, cloud-powered Intelligent Range aggregates data to deliver more accurate range figures.

The new E‑Transit Courier’s ‘digiboard’ instrument panel contains a 12-inch digital cluster and 12-inch centre touchscreen with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 system. Subscription-based Connected Navigation can boost productivity and reduce driver workload with updates on traffic, parking, charging and local hazards.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard. A class-unique ‘Office Pack’ includes a foldaway flat work surface and lighting to make using a laptop, filling in paperwork or taking a break in the cab easier and more comfortable.

Safety
Driver and cargo safety are paramount concerns for van operators and Ford Pro. The E-Transit Courier offers a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems as standard.

An optional further bundle includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring and Stop & Go, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Intersection Assist and Reverse Brake Assist for more peace of mind in urban driving.

Every E-Transit Courier features a built-in modem as standard, enabling always-on connectivity with the Ford Pro ecosystem and wireless software updates that can evolve the vehicle’s capability over time without requiring a dealer visit.

After activating the built-in modem, operators can benefit from enhanced vehicle security alerts for collisions and break-ins via Ford Pro Software. With Fleet Start Inhibit, fleet managers can remotely enable and disable E-Transit Courier to help prevent theft or unauthorised use outside of work hours.

To improve security without the time and cost of aftermarket solutions, Ford Pro partnered with vehicle security experts TVL to offer factory-fit lock packs for the E-Transit Courier.

The packs include secondary hook locks to mitigate against “peel and steal” attacks, as well as auto-locking for the sliding side door to reduce driver workload and shave seconds off each delivery.

Maintenance
Ford Pro Service expects the E-Transit Courier’s non-scheduled maintenance costs to be at least 35 per cent lower than on diesel-powered models.

The all-new van is backed by the same comprehensive Ford Pro Service network – including an expanding Mobile Service capability, the unique FORDLiive connected uptime system and Europe’s largest dedicated commercial vehicle dealer network – as the rest of the Transit family.