It’s all about hardware and software these times at Ford Pro, which revealed the new Transit Courier, its new compact van that comes powered by combustion engines initially with an all-electric model next year. Collectively they bring enhanced digital connectivity and productivity to and for customers.
With the all-new E‑Transit Courier, Ford Pro’s line-up of innovative electrified and connected cargo vans, is extended. The 1-tonne and 2-tonne sectors are covered with the E-Transit Custom & E-Transit. Built on Ford’s own platform that is shared with the Puma car E‑Transit Courier offers a suite of software and connected services to further drive efficient operation.
To further boost productivity, the new Transit Courier family has been completely redesigned around a larger, more flexible cargo area that delivers 25 percent more load volume than the outgoing model, plus enhanced capability including increased payload and space for two Europallets.
The all-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-engined Transit Courier models from Summer 2023 for delivery before the end of the year.
Before the introduction of the zero-emission version, all-new Transit Courier offers a range of proven Ford turbocharged engines. Customers can specify Ford’s advanced 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine in 100 PS and 125 PS variants, or a 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with 100 PS; a six-speed manual transmission is standard, while the 125 PS petrol engine is also available with a new seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Auto Start-Stop and an Active Grille Shutter are standard for maximum efficiency.
E-Transit Courier’s all-electric powertrain includes a powerful 100 kW motor and one-pedal driving capability. A Ford Pro Charging installed system offers an end-to-end solution for home, depot and public charging, including hardware and management software that helps to optimise the charging process. 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.
If charging at home, Ford Pro Charging is targeting an 11 kW AC overnight charge in 5.7 hours, and to support efficient public charging, the vehicle offers DC fast charge capability up to 100 kW. Ford expects the system to add 87 km of range in 10 minutes, and charge from 10-80 per cent in less than 35 minutes.
Customers with five or more vehicles can also benefit from one year of complimentary access to the tailored features of Courier’s all-new body design delivers increased load capacity in all dimensions. Width between the rear wheel arches is 1,220 mm, enabling the compact van to carry two Euro pallets for the first time. Total cargo volume is now 2.9 m3, 25 percent 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 long. Maximum payload for the all-electric model is 700 kg, with a maximum towing weight of 750 kg, while the petrol/diesel accommodates 750kg and 1,100 kg respectively.
The all-new model offers a very comprehensive standard equipment specification including unique cabin features with “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.
One the electric the “digiboard” instrument panel contains a 12-inch digital cluster and 12-inch centre touchscreen with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 system. Subscription-based Connected Navigation can boost productivity and reduce driver workload with updates on traffic, parking, charging and local hazards. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard. An innovative, class-unique Office Pack includes a foldaway flat work surface and lighting to make using a laptop, filling in paperwork or taking a break in the cab easier and more comfortable.
Every E-Transit Courier features a built-in modem as standard, 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.
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.
To improve security without the time and cost of aftermarket solutions, Ford Pro 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 to reduce driver workload and shave seconds off each delivery.
All models will be built in Craiova, Romania, by Ford Otosan, the manufacturer of the best-selling Transit Custom and segment-leading E-Transit in Turkey. Ford Otosan is Europe’s largest producer of commercial vehicles, with annual production set to exceed 900,000 units by 2025.
