Ford Motor Co has launched a new electric Courier van for European business customers in an attempt to compete with electric van startups such as Arrival SA.
According to Ford, the revamped lineup of smaller commercial vans for the European market will also include gasoline and diesel models.
The chief of Ford Pro,Ted Cannis explained that the electric Courier is 25 per cent larger than the current model and will be able to carry heavier loads.
The aim of this new van is to cater to commercial customers in cities like Paris, where officials have plans to prohibit combustion vehicles from city centers.
Reuters reported that the electric Courier is expected to be launched next year, but Ford will still offer petrol Couriers with new models coming this summer.
Cannis stated that European countries are not shifting to electric vehicles at the same pace, and “Country by country, it’s dramatically different.”
This is why petrol Couriers will remain in the lineup, and Ford will mix and match all options market by market, which is what makes it challenging for new players.
In his words, “You have to mix and match all options market by market, Which is what makes it so different for new players.”
Meanwhile, Ford expects many U.S. commercial fleet customers to receive $7,500 tax credits if they purchase electric Transit vans.
However, new U.S. government rules will reduce the tax credit for retail buyers of electric Transit vans to $3,750 as of April 18.
According to the report, Ford is collaborating with Ernst & Young to advise U.S. commercial customers on whether they will qualify for $7,500 tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.
