Ford Aiming to Dominate European Electric LCV Market
Ford is hoping to establish a dominant role in the European all-electric LCV market with the unveiling of a compact model aimed at urban deliveries and tradesmen.
Its new E-Transit Courier is a ground-up new commercial BEV bringing improved connectivity and productivity potential to the compact van sector. It joins the existing full-size E- Transit in Ford Pro’s European line-up and is integrated with Ford Pro’s platform of software and connected services aiding efficient operation including end-to-end charging solutions and management tools from Ford Pro Software.
E-Transit Courier’s powertrain includes a powerful 133bhp electric motor and one-pedal driving capability. Full performance and range details will be confirmed closer to launch. The automaker expects the model to be popular with customers who can charge at home. These will able to take advantage of 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.
To support efficient public charging, the vehicle 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% in less than 35 minutes. It also comes with a year of complimentary access to the BlueOval Charge Network, which hopes to include 500,000 public chargers by 2024. To further boost productivity, E-Transit Courier has been completely redesigned around a larger, more flexible cargo area that delivers 26% more load volume than the outgoing model, plus enhanced capability including increased payload and space for two Euro pallets.
Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe, said: “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. 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 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 still be able to order gasoline and diesel powered Transit Courier models from summer 2023 for delivery before the end of the year.
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
