2023 Ford E-Tourneo Courier Review: A Practical and Spacious Electric Van

Ford has unveiled the E-Tourneo Courier, a fully electric version of its compact van that will be produced in the Ford Otosan factory in Craiova, Romania. The E-Tourneo Courier is part of Ford's plan to electrify its entire European commercial vehicle range by 2024, and it promises to offer a practical and spacious solution for urban delivery and mobility services.

Electric powertrain and performance

The Ford E-Tourneo Courier is powered by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 37.3 kWh, which is located under the floor of the vehicle. The battery feeds an electric motor that delivers 134 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, enabling the van to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 11.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 99 mph.

The E-Tourneo Courier has a range of 150 miles on a single charge, according to the WLTP cycle, which is enough for most urban journeys. The van can be recharged using a Type 2 AC connector or a CCS DC connector, with the latter allowing for fast charging up to 80% in 45 minutes at a 50 kW station.

The E-Tourneo Courier also features a regenerative braking system that recovers energy when decelerating or braking and a drive mode selector that allows the driver to choose between Normal, Eco, and Slippery modes. The Eco mode reduces the power output and optimizes the climate control system to extend the range, while the Slippery mode enhances traction on low-grip surfaces.

Practical and spacious design

The Ford E-Tourneo Courier is based on the same platform as the regular Ford Tourneo Courier, which means it retains its compact dimensions and agile handling. The van measures 165 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 67 inches high, with a 104-inch wheelbase. The electric powertrain does not compromise the interior space or cargo capacity, as the battery is cleverly integrated into the chassis.

The Ford E-Tourneo Courier can seat up to five passengers, with a sliding rear door on each side for easy access. The rear seats can be folded or removed to create more room for cargo, resulting in a maximum load volume of 58 cubic feet. The van also has a flat load floor and a low loading height of 23 inches, making it easy to load and unload items.

The E-Tourneo Courier has a modern and functional cabin with a digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. The infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as Ford's own SYNC 4 software that allows for over-the-air updates and cloud-based navigation. The van also has a range of connectivity features, such as FordPass Connect, which enables remote access and control via a smartphone app, and Ford Telematics, which provides fleet management solutions for businesses.

Safety and convenience features

The 2023 Ford E-Tourneo Courier is equipped with a number of advanced driver assistance systems that enhance safety and convenience on the road. Some of these features include:

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Keeping System
Blind Spot Information System
Cross Traffic Alert
Active Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Traffic Sign Recognition
Intelligent Speed Limiter

The E-Tourneo Courier also has an innovative feature called eCall Plus, which automatically contacts emergency services in case of an accident and provides information about the vehicle's location, battery status, and number of occupants.

Pricing and availability

The 2023 Ford E-Tourneo Courier will be available in two trim levels: Trend and Titanium. The Ford E-Tourneo Courier Trend model will start at around $32,000 (excluding VAT), while the Titanium model will cost around $34,000 (excluding VAT). The electric van will go on sale in Europe in mid-2023, with deliveries expected to start in late 2023.

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Conclusion

The 2023 Ford E-Tourneo Courier is a compelling option for urban delivery and mobility services and private customers who value practicality, efficiency, and connectivity. The van offers a decent range, a spacious interior, and a host of smart features that make it easy and enjoyable to drive. The E-Tourneo Courier is also part of Ford's commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and offer more sustainable mobility solutions.

The E-Tourneo Courier is not Ford's only electric van in store for the European market. The automaker also plans to launch the Ford E-Transit, a larger and more powerful electric van that will compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter and the Volkswagen e-Crafter. The E-Transit will have a range of 217 miles, a payload of 3,800 pounds, and a Pro Power Onboard system that can supply up to 2.3 kW of electricity for tools and equipment.

Ford is also working on developing a new electric platform in collaboration with Volkswagen, which will underpin a range of future electric vehicles, including a small SUV and a midsize pickup truck. The platform will leverage Volkswagen's Modular Electric Drive (MEB) architecture, which is already used by models such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and the Volkswagen ID.4.

With these initiatives, Ford aims to achieve its goal of making all its passenger vehicles in Europe zero-emissions capable by mid-2026 and fully electric by 2030. The E-Tourneo Courier is an important step in this direction, as it demonstrates Ford's ability to deliver affordable and versatile electric vehicles that meet the needs and expectations of different customers.