Ford is upgrading its popular E-Transit Custom electric van for the 2026 model year with increased range, faster charging, and a new all-wheel-drive option. These improvements address key demands from commercial users, particularly those operating in challenging conditions.
Longer Range and Faster Charging
The updated E-Transit Custom will feature a larger 71kWh battery, replacing the previous 64kWh unit. This change boosts the van’s maximum range from 209 miles to 232 miles – a significant improvement for businesses relying on daily deliveries or longer routes.
Ford has also increased the maximum DC fast-charging speed to 125kW, cutting the time to recharge from 10% to 80% to 29 minutes. Existing E-Transit Custom owners will also benefit from over-the-air software updates that reduce charging times by 14 minutes, down to 25 minutes for a comparable charge.
All-Wheel Drive Capability
For the first time, the E-Transit Custom will offer all-wheel drive (AWD). The system adds an electric motor to the front axle, supplementing the standard rear-mounted motor. This dual-motor configuration provides enhanced traction in slippery conditions, such as icy roads, gravel trails, or muddy construction sites.
The AWD system is available in two power outputs: 214bhp and 281bhp. It will be offered across various Transit Custom body styles, including standard vans, Kombis, Double-cabs, and Multicabs. The higher-output version is exclusive to the Sport and MS-RT trims, though it will also be available on the E-Tourneo Custom passenger van.
What This Means for Businesses
The E-Transit Custom’s upgrades address practical concerns for commercial fleets. Extended range reduces range anxiety, especially for businesses with unpredictable routes. Faster charging minimizes downtime, improving operational efficiency. The addition of AWD opens up new use cases for the van, enabling it to operate reliably in tougher environments where a traditional rear-wheel-drive van might struggle.
Pricing has not yet been revealed, but the updated E-Transit Custom is expected to command a premium over the current model, which starts at around £43,000. The upgrades position Ford to compete more effectively in the growing electric commercial vehicle market, where reliability and versatility are paramount.
The E-Transit Custom is a key vehicle in Ford’s electrification strategy, and these improvements demonstrate the company’s commitment to delivering practical, high-performance electric vans for businesses across Europe.
