This is the new Ford E-Transit Courier, the smallest member of the brand’s range of all-electric vans. It was revealed alongside the similarly fresh Transit Courier, that’s available with petrol and diesel power, and the pair have since been joined by the Tourneo Courier and E-Tourneo Courier – passenger carrying versions of the same vehicle.
Ford announced plans to introduce a series of electric vans by 2024, the newcomers comprising the E-Tourneo Custom, E-Tourneo Courier, this E-Transit Courier, and the E-Transit Custom. The E-Transit Courier will enter production in the later stages of 2024, although diesel and petrol models can be ordered this summer in time for a late 2023 delivery.
Underpinning the E-Transit Courier is a heavily modified version of the B2E platform found under the Ford Fiesta and Puma. It’s been adapted for full electrification, and while Ford hasn’t said what battery sizes will be offered in the E-Transit Courier, it has revealed it’ll use a 134bhp/290Nm front mounted electric motor with up to 100kW DC fast charging.
Ford claims a recharge speed of 10 to 80 per cent in under 35 minutes and that 54 miles of range can be added in 10 minutes. One pedal driving is possible on the EV model, but detailed specifications regarding battery sizes and range have not been confirmed. However, this adapted platform will also be used under the forthcoming electric version of the Puma, due in 2024.
As for the internal combustion engine offerings, there’s a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol with 123bhp or a 1.5-litre diesel engine with 99bhp. A six-speed manual comes standard with both, though the petrol has the option of a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Some markets will get a 99bhp petrol engine, but that won’t come to the UK, neither will a double-cab van – so single-cab will be the only bodystyle here.
In terms of design there’s not much between the E-Transit Courier and the petrol and diesel versions. The electric model gets its own headlight signature and grille, but other than that, they’re visually identical at the front. The petrol and diesel models feature an ‘active grill shutter’ which can close when cooling isn’t needed to improve drag coefficient.
Crucially, the E-Transit Courier’s load space has improved over the old model. There’s an increase of 182mm in the length of the floor, an extra 200mm between the wheelarches and 9mm in height. The EV model comes with some added practicality in the shape of a 44-litre ‘frunk’. The E-Transit Courier’s payload stands at 700kg, while the petrol and diesel versions come with 678kg with the option to increase this to 845kg.
The new Courier gets a technology boost over the old model. Chief among which are the twin 12-inch screens – one sitting as a central infotainment unit, the other as a digital instrument panel. The infotainment is the latest Ford SYNC4 system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Ford will offer the ‘Office Pack’ which includes a foldaway table and extra lighting. The Courier can be specced with safety systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind spot warning, reverse brake assist and pedestrian alerts.
Pricing hasn’t been revealed for the new Courier, although the outgoing model starts from £18,050 excluding VAT, so expect a price increase over that model when it goes on sale in the coming months.
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