By Ian Strachan.
The smallest and cheapest of Ford’s Transit range has now widened its appeal with a fully electric vehicle. The Ford Transit E-Courier, powered by a 43kWh battery, this load carrier will appeal to urban users and small businesses.
It has a reasonable range of up to 186 miles and a 10-80 per cent charging time of 23 minutes, which means it won’t delay business for too long for those looking for roadside charging.
Despite being a van, the electric Courier is enjoyable to drive, comfortable and well-equipped. It’s longer and higher than early Courier’s so can accommodate 2.9 square metres of cargo, with a 1.8 metre length. There’s also useful storage under the bonnet where the engine used to be!
Van drivers now rightly expect some creature comforts. In the case of the Ford Transit E-Courier they won’t be disappointed. It comes with a range of features you’d expect to find on an upmarket saloon. You get a good eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Apple Carplay, Bluetooth and steering wheel-mounted controls. You also get cruise control, reverse parking aid, a heated multi-function steering wheel, climate control, heated front seats with a range of adjustment and smart machined alloys.
This van has a solid appearance, with a purposeful stance on the road. Loading is easy through a large sliding side door or 60:40 split rear doors. In addition there’s storage wherever you look in the spacious cabin.
You get a nice airy internal environment and great visibility. Large powered door mirrors help rear visibility. Driving position is good – quite high if you raise the driver’s seat – and instruments are large, simple and clear, with much of the car’s function controlled from the touchscreen.
Despite its height this van still handles well. Cornering is crisp and positive and the ride is soft without being too wallowy.
The Transit E-Courier’s battery pumps out an adequate 136 horsepower. Inside the car it feels quiet and smooth, with minimum road noise, good flexibility and power whenever you need it.
Safety aids include lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist and pedestrian and cyclist detection.
The Ford Transit E-Courier gives you a lot of vehicle for your cash – which is £28,000 on the road excluding VAT. My test car came with £4,000 worth of options including a driver assistance pack with satellite navigation (£1,000) attractive Digital Aqua Blue paint (£600), a steel spare wheel (£250), load compartment lights, mud flaps and rubber load floor cover (£175)
