Ford is strengthening its stake in the commercial vehicle sector with the announcement of its ground-breaking E-Transit Courier model which brings enhanced connectivity and productivity to compact van customers.
Extending Ford Pro’s line-up of innovative electrified and connected cargo vans, the E-Transit Courier has been completely redesigned around a larger, more flexible cargo area that delivers 26 per cent more load volume than the outgoing model. There is enhanced capability including increased payload and space for two Euro-sized pallets.
Ford is investing more than $50 billion globally in its EV revolution and the new 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.
The vehicle’s all-new body design delivers increased load capacity in all dimensions. Width between the rear wheel arches is 1,220mm, enabling the compact van to carry those two Euro pallets for the first time. Total cargo volume is now 2.9m3 and this can be increased further using the new load-through bulkhead feature, allowing customers to carry items such as planks or pipe stretching more than 2,600mm in length.
The maximum payload for the all-electric E-Transit Courier is 700kg, with a maximum towing weight of 750kg.
The vehicle boasts a bold design along with a spacious, practical interior that has been designed around compact van users’ feedback and requirements with a high standard of equipment.
On-board highlights include a ‘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 instrument panel features a 12-inch digital cluster display and 12-inch centre touchscreen with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 system. Subscription-based Connected Navigation can help boost productivity and reduce driver workload with updates on traffic issues, parking spaces, charging and localised hazards.
There is wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility as standard. And customers can specify the practical and class-unique Office Pack that introduces a foldaway flat work surface and lighting to make using a laptop, filling in paperwork or taking a break in the cab easier.
All models have a built-in modem so it is always connected with the Ford Pro ecosystem and this also enables over-the-air wireless software updates.
After activating the built-in modem, operators can benefit from enhanced vehicle security alerts for collisions and break-ins via Ford Pro Software. And with Fleet Start Inhibit, fleet managers can remotely enable and disable the E-Transit Courier to help prevent theft or unauthorised use outside of working hours.
Standard safety specifications are comprehensive and an additional bundle introduces Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring and Stop & Go, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Intersection Assist and Reverse Brake Assist.
The all-electric powertrain driving the E-Transit Courier has been engineered to deliver uncompromised performance. While full driving performance stats will be confirmed closer to the launch date, the vehicle features a powerful 100kW (136PS) motor along with one-pedal driving capability.
When it comes to charging the vehicle, Ford Pro Charging offers an end-to-end solution for home, depot and public charging, including hardware installation and management software that helps to optimise the charging process. Customers benefit from a simplified billing process and administration via Ford Pro Charging software and this also supports businesses whose drivers take their work vehicle home.
It is thought many E-Transit Courier customers will charge at home and, with that in mind, Ford Pro Charging is targeting a domestic 7.4kW overnight home charge in seven hours. This charging can also be scheduled to take advantage of cheaper overnight energy tariffs via the in-vehicle touchscreen or depot charging software.
In addition, to support public charging, the E-Transit Courier offers DC fast charge capability up to 100kW. Ford expects the system to add 54 miles of range in 10 minutes, and charge from 10-80 per cent in less than 35 minutes.
The vehicle also comes with a year of complimentary access to the BlueOval Charge Network, which is set to include 500,000 public chargers by 2024.
Businesses with five or more vehicles are offered one year of complimentary access to Ford Pro E-Telematics systems. This intuitive set-up uses live data to help maximise productivity, as well as delivering features to support effective and intuitive use of Ford Pro Charging. These include the current charging status, the vehicle-specific state of charge and remaining range with customisable low range alert thresholds.
Plug and Charge allows E-Transit Courier owners to simply plug in and walk away when using compatible BlueOval Charge Network chargers. Charging will start automatically and a bill along with a charge summary are sent to the owner after unplugging. And to go further between charges, cloud-powered Intelligent Range aggregates data to deliver more accurate range figures.
Hans Schep, general manager at Ford Pro Europe, explained: “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 FORDLive.
“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 initially being launched this year with a range of fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines. The line-up features a choice of attractive trim levels including the high-specification Limited and Active models.
In the meantime, the Ford E-Transit Courier, which is scheduled to enter production later in 2024, made its public debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, UK in April.