Ford E-Transit Courier Review – Electric Van Test & Rating

The Ford E-Transit Courier makes electric power accessible for small businesses taking their first steps away from petrol and diesel vans. This all-electric version joins the conventional models launched last year – and it’s brought some serious upgrades to Ford’s smallest commercial vehicle.

Built in Romania on the same platform as the Ford Puma SUV, the E-Transit Courier delivers a car-like driving experience that sets it apart from typical cramped city vans.

The electric model replaces the previous Fiesta-based Courier with something bigger and more capable. Ford’s kept things simple with just two trim levels and one battery setup.

That simplicity works. The E-Transit Courier directly targets urban delivery companies, tradespeople, and small fleet operators who need reliable electric range without complexity.

Interior Technology and Cabin Space

The cabin feels modern and well-thought-out. Ford’s 12-inch touchscreen with SYNC4 software comes standard, paired with a digital instrument cluster that’s easy to read on the move.

The climate controls buried in screen menus get frustrating when you’re driving – physical buttons would be better here.

Ford’s smart move was sticking with a two-seat layout instead of cramming in a third middle seat. The gear selector moved to a steering column stalk, which opens up storage space between the seats.

There are plenty of cubbyholes throughout the cabin. Some could use lids to keep small items secure.

Taller drivers might find the seat doesn’t slide back quite far enough. Most people will get comfortable without much adjustment, but if you’re over six feet, test the driving position before buying.

Electric Motor and Battery Performance

Every E-Transit Courier uses the same setup: a 134bhp electric motor powered by a 43kWh battery pack. Ford claims up to 181 miles of WLTP range.

That’s behind the 205 miles promised by Stellantis group vans like the Citroen e-Berlingo, Peugeot E-Partner, and Vauxhall Combo Electric. But Ford says 86% of small van drivers won’t need more than 181 miles per day.

If you’re in that 14% who regularly drive longer routes, electric power probably isn’t right for your business yet.

Charging is straightforward with an 11kW onboard charger. That means a full charge in about 5 hours 40 minutes with three-phase power – useful if your depot has faster charging infrastructure. On a standard home charger, expect just over seven hours.

The 100kW DC rapid charging option handles 10% to 80% capacity in under 25 minutes. That gives roughly 125 miles of range.

The instant torque makes city driving enjoyable. You can nip through traffic gaps easily, and the regenerative braking works well in ‘L’ mode for smooth one-pedal driving.

It’s impressively quiet and comfortable – you can tell this shares underpinnings with the Ford Puma rather than being built purely as a commercial vehicle.

Load Space and Payload Capacity

Ford’s made the new Courier much more useful than its predecessor. Load volume reaches 2.9m³ with a maximum length of 1,803mm – just 14mm shorter than a Vauxhall Combo Electric, though that larger van offers 3.3m³ total capacity.

The optional load-through bulkhead extends maximum length to 2,661mm. That’s perfect for pipes, planks, or other long materials.

You can fit two Euro pallets in the standard load area, though you’ll need to plan the arrangement carefully.

Payload capacity hits 698kg in Trend specification and 682kg in Limited trim. That’s more than any other version in the Courier range, including petrol and diesel models.

The van can tow up to 750kg with a braked trailer. There’s also a handy 44-litre storage compartment up front for charging cables or tools.

Ford offers one body style: panel van with single sliding side door and split rear doors. The rear doors open to 180° or 270°, with an optional tailgate available if you prefer that setup.

Pricing and Equipment Levels

The E-Transit Courier starts at £27,000 plus VAT and on-the-road costs for Trend specification. Limited trim costs £28,000.

That’s not the cheapest in class, but it undercuts the Vauxhall Combo Electric while including generous standard equipment.

Even the entry Trend includes climate control, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Ford’s full infotainment system. Limited adds heated seats, heated steering wheel, and heated windscreen – probably worth the £1,000 upgrade during winter months.

Safety equipment is comprehensive across both trims:

Lane keeping assistance
Adaptive cruise control
Pre-collision assist
Traffic sign recognition

Servicing intervals stretch to two years with no mileage limits. The three-year/60,000-mile warranty is less generous than some competitors – Toyota offers 10 years on the Proace City Electric.

Ford Pro provides telematics and charging management services for fleet operators who need detailed cost control.

Against rivals like the Renault Kangoo E-Tech or Toyota Proace City Electric, the Ford competes well on running costs. Toyota’s extended warranty might appeal more to owner-operators.

The E-Transit Courier succeeds as an electric van that doesn’t feel like a compromise. It’s genuinely enjoyable to drive, well-built, and practical enough for most small business applications.

The 181-mile range limitation only matters if you regularly drive longer routes. For urban delivery work, local trades, or city-based services, it provides plenty of capability.

Ford’s main challenge might be internal competition – the E-Transit Courier does its job so well that stepping up to the larger Transit Connect becomes harder to justify.