E-Transit Courier and E-Tourneo Courier Get Range-Enhancing Battery Boost

DUNTON, UK - With their smart design and advanced powertrains, E-Transit Courier and E-Tourneo Courier are designed to make switching to electric straightforward. Now they’ve been updated to include increased battery capacity for more driving range as well as enhanced connectivity to help reduce downtime and boost productivity.

Here, Alan Ross, brand manager for E-Transit Courier and E-Tourneo Courier in Europe, explains what’s new and what’s better on both vehicles.

Q: What is the main change to the enhanced E-Transit Courier?

Firstly, we’ve increased the battery capacity from 43 kWh to 46 kWh. The enhanced battery means you can drive further – range is now up to 334 km, which is over 10 per cent more than before.

The productivity benefits don’t stop there; the updated battery also means you can use Pro Power Onboard for longer. This handy 400W system turns the whole vehicle into a giant battery, so you can power tools and equipment through the 230-volt AC socket in E-Transit Courier’s dashboard. The battery makes light work of recharging tools or powering devices, and the in-cab touchscreen shows remaining energy for peace of mind

Q: What else is new on the latest models?

Every E-Transit Courier now comes with a faster 5G modem for enhanced connectivity on the move. The modem means you can contact customers and stream audio, as well as use built-in connected features to find chargers and plan the most efficient routes

Van operators tell us they rarely use public charging, but it’s still handy for those unplanned scenarios or longer diversions. We recently partnered with Electroverse to give you access to over a million public chargers across Europe. You can use the app on your phone or on E-Transit Courier’s touchscreen to locate the most convenient charger and check availability, power and cost.

We’ve also upgraded the Driver Alert System in E-Transit Courier to make it capable of detecting instances of impaired driving such as drowsiness, distraction, sudden illnesses or impaired driving.  This supports fleet managers meet their duty of care requirements and can help to mitigate against incidents for drivers while at work.

Q: You’ve also increased battery range on the E-Tourneo Courier. How far can it go on a single charge?

This is the number one question we get from customers considering an electric vehicle. With our latest updates to the battery, the E-Tourneo Courier can cover up to 320 km (198 miles) on a full charge.

Think of it this way: even drivers in Holland – who reportedly have Europe’s longest commutes at 40 km per day – could go well over a week before needing to recharge the battery.

Q: What's E-Tourneo Courier like on the road?

If you’ve only ever driven petrol or diesel cars, you’ll notice how quiet and smooth electric driving is. E-Tourneo Courier also has a selectable “one-pedal driving” mode that simplifies urban driving and maximises efficiency by recharging the battery when you slow down.

In one-pedal mode, it feels like you’re gently braking as soon as you lift off the accelerator until you come to a complete stop. It soon becomes second nature and can make driving in traffic less stressful. There’s still a brake for more sudden stops or for drivers who prefer separate pedals.

Q: Is it easy to live with?

Electric motors have fewer moving parts than an engine, so there’s less to stay on top of. E-Tourneo Courier only needs a routine service every two years, no matter how far you’ve driven in that time, and it can be done at any Ford dealer.

Just like on a phone, E-Tourneo Courier can be updated to add new or improved features wirelessly. This offers the latest software and performance without needing a trip to the dealer.

For day-to-day driving, the Ford app will tell you where your vehicle is, how much battery charge it has and can even remotely lock and unlock it. The app can also give maintenance alerts if it detects problems such as low tyre pressure.