This 5-Seat Mini-MPV Could Interest Quite a Few US EV Shoppers
Ford reveals E-Tourneo Courier for Europe, with plans to start production in 2024.
The battery-electric model offers room for five and a relatively modest footprint, making it ideal for urbanites who need lots of cargo space.
The new EV will be powered by a 134-hp motor positioned up front, though battery and range details have not been released just yet.
Ford already has two electric hits on its hands with the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning. But soon fans of the blue oval across the Atlantic will be able to buy one other EV.
The automaker took the wraps off the E-Tourneo Courier this week, revealing a mini-MPV that could interest quite a few EV shoppers in America, and will probably remind some of the Skoda Yeti with its SUV-style looks.
The new five-seat EV combines an urban-friendly footprint with plenty of versatility, making it an appealing weekend getaway vehicle.
"We designed E-Tourneo Courier to help customers get the most out of life—whether out with family and friends or coming home with the rear seats flipped and bikes in the back—and the exterior design expresses that 'no-nonsense' character," said Amko Leenarts, design director of Ford Europe.
Revealed in Copenhagen, Denmark, the E-Tourneo Courier is one of 10 EVs that Ford plans to offer across the pond by 2024, with this small "multi-activity vehicle," as the automaker calls it, due to go on sale the same year.
Powered by a 134-hp motor positioned up front, the pocket MPV is expected to receive a battery smaller than the 75.7-kWh unit found in the Mach-E—Ford is still keeping a lid on the powertrain details.
But it should be less expensive than the Mach-E, with a simpler and more rugged interior and a smaller battery underneath.
The automaker does promise that the model will support 100-kW DC fast-charging, which will enable it to soak up 54 miles worth of range in 10 minutes. A 10-80% charging session, meanwhile, will take just 35 minutes, so the battery we're talking about will probably land around the 55-kWh mark at most. So this battery won't set any records for range, but it should drive the E-Tourneo for at least 200 miles in the WLTP cycle.
The EV's main attraction, of course, will be the tall and roomy interior, in addition to a 14.4-foot overall length, making it a city-friendly runabout that can still carry plenty of cargo thanks to 60-40 folding seats.
"The SUV‑inspired design is rugged outside and roomy inside, while the modern EV details add exclusivity and clearly announce E‑Tourneo Courier as part of Ford's electric revolution," Leenarts added.
Ford hasn't hinted at pricing for the E-Tourneo Courier, but it should land well south of the $50,000 mark, as it will have to compete with other roomy hatches with comparable range and power. Ford's offering should also be among the roomiest in a current crop of pocket electric crossovers.
Of course, there are still plenty of unknowns including battery, price, and range, but Ford appears to have found an interesting niche that has been popular in Europe for some time. Whether it could translate well to North America remains to be seen.
Should Ford offer this EV stateside, or is it mainly suited well to Europe? Let us know in the comments below.
