On Monday, Ford introduced a compact and versatile electric vehicle (EV) that won’t make it to the U.S. market but could serve as a template for success. The Ford E-Tourneo Courier, a small van smaller than the recently withdrawn Transit Connect, features a fully electric powertrain and is set to go on sale in Europe by late 2024.
This is the second generation of a small Ford van initially launched in 2014 (sometimes known as Transit Courier), but it’s the first available as an EV. Gasoline versions will also be available (hitting the market a bit earlier), but this type of vehicle might make more sense as an EV. The E-Tourneo Courier’s 134 hp electric motor provides slightly more power than the 1.0-liter turbo-3 gasoline engine, likely offering smoother propulsion and better driving characteristics.
Ford’s press materials describe the 5-seat E-Tourneo Courier as a “multi-activity vehicle” with a style resembling an SUV to appear more rugged than a traditional van. At approximately 164 inches in length, it’s a very compact vehicle by U.S. standards but could be a strong competitor for models like the Kia Soul or Hyundai Kona—both heavily relying on SUV-style cues, with sliding rear doors and usable cargo space.
While Ford didn’t provide battery specifications or range estimates, it noted that 11 kW AC charging and 100 kW DC fast charging will be available, enabling a 10% to 100% charge in 5.7 hours and a 10% to 80% charge in under 35 minutes, respectively.
In addition to the E-Tourneo Courier, Ford is selling a smaller Explorer in Europe based on the Volkswagen ID.4. These smaller, practical-focused models demonstrate how automakers need to be a bit more inventive with electric vehicles targeting the U.S.
On the U.S. front, Ford is going big with electric vehicles, including the F-150 Lightning and a three-row electric SUV in the pipeline. This strategy aligns with Ford’s heavy focus on trucks in its gasoline vehicle lineup and shows no signs of wavering. The Project T3, teased by CEO Jim Farley as the “Millennium Falcon of trucks,” is also on the horizon for 2025.
Meanwhile, the Ford Mustang Mach-E has become more affordable, but in some eyes, it’s simply not as practical as the vehicles Ford has been introducing for Europe.
