Ford Courier goes electric
Ford Pro are certainly moving at a pace with the electrification of their commercial vehicle range with the recent announcements on the E-Transit and then E-Transit Custom, its the turn of the Ford E-Courier and its all part their $50 billion+ global push to lead the EV revolution.
Charging Overview
Whilst the in-depth details the of range and performance have not been released we do know its all-electric powertrain includes a 100kW (136PS) motor and one-pedal driving capability. Ford Pro expects E-Transit Courier to be popular with customers who charge at home with domestic 7.4kW overnight home charge in 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 public charging, the vehicle offers DC fast charge capability up to 100kW and the system could add 54 miles of range in 10 minutes, and charge from 10-80 per cent in less than 35 minutes. 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 by 2024.
Customers with five or more vehicles can also benefit from one year of complimentary access to the tailored features of Ford Pro E-Telematics, which has 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 as 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.
E-Courier weights and dimensions
E-Transit Courier’s all-new body design delivers increased load capacity in all dimensions with width between the rear wheel arches is 1,220mm, enabling the compact van to carry two Euro pallets for the first time. Total cargo volume is now 2.9 m3, 26 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 2,600mm long. Maximum payload for the all-electric model is 700kg, with a maximum towing weight of 750kg.
E-Courier Specification
The all-new model offers 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.
The “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, and charging. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard and it includes 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.
E-Transit Courier has a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems as standard with 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.
Improved security and cost of ownership
After activating the built-in modem, operators can benefit from enhanced vehicle security alerts for collisions and break-ins via 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 E-Transit Courier with packs including 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.
Ford Pro Service expects 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.
“E-Transit Courier moves its segment up a level with uncompromised EV performance, higher load capacity and fully connected support including end-to-end charging solutions, Ford Pro E‑Telematics and uptime-boosting FORDLiive,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “Ford Pro’s long-standing market leadership gives us unrivalled insight into customers’ needs and means we can help them get big productivity from their compact vans with more connectivity and capability than ever before.”
The all-new Transit Courier is first available in 2023 with a range of fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines. and the line-up features a choice of attractive series including the high-specification Limited and Active models. All models will be built in Rumania by Ford Otosan the same manufacturer of the best-selling Transit Custom and segment-leading E-Transit. All-new E-Transit Courier will make its public debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, UK, from April 18-20, and is scheduled to enter production later in 2024.