Ford Pro has revealed the E-Transit Courier, a ground-up all-electric commercial vehicle fully integrated with Ford Pro’s platform of software and connected services, including end-to-end charging solutions and management tools from Ford Pro Software.
Ford says the E-Transit Courier is part of its USD$50bn global push to lead the EV revolution. All models will be built in Craiova, Romania, by Ford Otosan, the manufacturer of the Transit Custom and E-Transit. Ford Otosan is Europe’s largest producer of commercial vehicles, with annual production set to exceed 900,000 units by 2025.
Powertrain & Charging
E-Transit Courier’s all-electric powertrain includes a 100kW (136PS) motor and one-pedal driving capability. The E-Transit Courier has been completely redesigned around a larger, more flexible cargo area that delivers 26 percent higher load volume than the outgoing model, plus enhanced capability including increased payload and space for two Euro pallets.
Ford Pro Charging is targeting an 11 kW AC overnight home charge in 5.7 hours, 3 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 100kW.
“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.”
BlueOval Charge Network
The E-Transit Courier will make its public debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, UK, on April 18, 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.
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.
Updated Technologies
Width between the rear wheel arches is 1,220mm, enabling the compact van to carry two Euro pallets. Payload capacity 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.
The “digiboard” instrument panel contains a 12in digital cluster and 12in centre touchscreen with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 system. Every E-Transit Courier features a built-in modem as standard, enabling always-on connectivity with the Ford Pro ecosystem and wireless software updates.
Safety & Security
The E-Transit Courier also features an optional bundle of safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring and Stop & Go, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Intersection Assist and Reverse Brake Assist.
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.
Ford Pro has partnered with vehicle security experts TVL to offer factory-fit lock packs for 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.
