Ford Pro has revealed the E-Transit Courier, a new all-electric commercial vehicle for the European market. Ford says the E-Transit Courier is the next step as the company electrifies its Transit family of commercial vehicles, joining the larger E-Transit and E-Transit Custom models in the Ford Pro portfolio. The new E-Transit Courier is fully integrated with Ford Pro’s platform of software and connected services that includes charging solutions and management tools from Ford Pro Software.
E-Transit Courier’s all-electric powertrain includes a 100-kW motor and one-pedal driving capability. Full performance and range details will be confirmed closer to launch. Ford Pro says it expects 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, the company says.
The vehicle offers DC fast charge capability up to 100 kW. Ford expects the system to add 87 km (approx. 54 miles) of range in 10 minutes, and charge from 10-80% 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.
Ford Pro Charging offers an end-to-end solution for home, depot and public charging, including hardware installation and management software, the company says. Simplified billing and administration via Ford Pro Charging software also supports businesses whose drivers take their work vehicle home, as well as streamlining public charging, Ford Pro says.
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 provides info related to current charging status, vehicle-specific state of charge, and remaining range with customizable low-range alert thresholds.
Plug and Charge enables E-Transit Courier owners to 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. Cloud-powered Intelligent Range aggregates data to deliver more accurate range figures, the company says.
The E-Transit Courier’s new body design delivers increased load capacity in all dimensions. The width between the rear wheel arches is 1,220 mm (approx. 48 in.), enabling the van to carry two Euro pallets for the first time. Total cargo volume is now 2.9 m3 (approx. 9.5 sq.ft.), 25% 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 (approx. 102 in.) long. The maximum payload for the all-electric model is 700 kg (approx. 1,543 lbs.), with a maximum towing weight of 750 kg (approx. 1,653 lbs.).
The “digiboard” instrument panel contains a 12-inch digital cluster and 12-in. center touchscreen with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 system. Subscription-based Connected Navigation can provide updates on traffic, parking, charging and local hazards. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard.
Driver and cargo safety are paramount concerns for van operators and Ford Pro, the OEM noted. E-Transit Courier offers a suite of advanced driver assistance systems as standard. An optional further bundle includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring and Stop and 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, 10 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.
The 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. Customers will be able to order petrol- and diesel-engine Transit Courier models from summer 2023 for delivery before the end of the year.
