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The Ford E-Transit Custom is without doubt the most important Ford van of this century. That's because it will be the future of Ford's vans for decades to come.
It's the electric version of the Ford Transit Custom and ever since it was introduced in 2012, the diesel model has been Ford's best selling van. But as times change and the world adapts to electric and other zero emissions powertrains, despite its popularity, its diesel van model will get left behind.
Enter stage left, the Ford E-Transit Custom, the fully electric version of their medium sized van, primed and ready for an electric future.
Revealed at the IAA in Hannover in 2022 it is part of a new-look line-up that includes an entirely new platform capable of delivering diesel, battery electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the Transit Custom.
Joining the E-Transit Custom will be a second generation of Ford Transit Custom PHEV - which uses a similar powertrain to the Kuga PHEV - and a racy version with aero body kits and huge performance in the shape of the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT.
Aside from adding an electric motor and batteries (more on those shortly) the main changes are to the front of the van. The electric Transit Custom gets a unique grille design to show of its electric capacbilities. These electric looks give a new futuristic looking front grille that replaces the slotted grille design with a short of chrome dot effect.
Less obvious changes include the switch from front-wheel-drive to rear-wheel-drive.
Power comes from an electric motor available in three possible outputs. The entry-level and lowest powered motor is a 100kW (134hp) model that is available on Trend and Limited vans - much more on the trim levels shortly.
Next comes a 160kW (215hp) motor which can be had as either a Limited or Sport model.
The final power output is the 210kW (282hp) available as a Sport or MS-RT E-Transit Custom van.
All three outputs get the same 415Nm of torque.
At launch there's is just one battery version for the E-Transit Custom which is 74kWh with a 64kWh useable capacity. The battery delivers a sensible real world range of 209 miles according to the WLTP official figures.
Doubters will question the size of the battery. That's understandable as competitors have larger batteries as standard. At 64kWh, the E-Transit Custom battery it is well shy of the 77kWh useable battery in the Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo which has a 250 mile range, and also down on the 75kWh battery you’ll find in the Stellantis models like the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, Citroen E-Dispatch, Peugeot E-Partner and Fiat e-Scudo.
The van's WLTP figures flatter the overall range, though where the electric Vivaro’s 217 mile range is almost match by the smaller Ford’s battery which manages an official 209 miles.
In the real world both figures are unrealistic, but the E-Transit Custom is capable of a decent return nonetheless with an average of 2.8kW per mile during our partly laden test drive.
Charging speeds allow the battery to be topped up at speeds of up to 125kW, which is enough to give the battery a recharge from 15-80% in just 41 minutes.
If you want to use a standard 7kW wallbox then a full charge will take 8.5 hours.
| Ford E-Transit Custom charging speeds | ||
| Useable battery capacity | 64kWh | |
| Battery configuration | 82kWh total capacity, 276 cells, NCM Li-ion | |
| Charge speeds | DC fast charge up to 125 kW | |
| 10-80 per cent (DC 125 kW) | Approx. 39 minutes | |
| 0-100 per cent (11 kW) | Approx. 6.7 hours | |
| 0-100 per cent (7.4 kW) | Approx 10.1 hours | |
| Charging cable | Five-metre, Mode 3 32A | |
The 100kW E-Transit Custom feels more than powerful enough while the option of 160kW (215bhp) on Limited or Sport is a significant step up.
Taking things to the next level is the 210kW (282bhp) MS-RT, a ludicrously overpowered but enjoyable Hellraiser capable of turning out an unofficial 0-62mph time of just 7 seconds.
The Transit Custom’s best attribute has always been how it drives and the E-Transit Custom has improved the recipe. The additional battery weight keeps the van planted and inspires more confidence with every aspect of its performance and feel. Its handling without doubt the best in the van world, bettering its diesel sibling which is already the benchmark. It feels balanced no matter how aggressive you are at the wheel or with the throttle. Ride comfort is impressive too, although not noticeably different to the diesel. More work could be done to improve noise levels, but that’s really the only criticism as wind wraps its way around the A-pillar and mirrors, and it’s only noticeable because of the extraordinary silence from the road and driveline and is according to a Ford engineer more apparent compared to the previous generation (despite smaller more aerodynamic mirros) due to slightly thinner glass – a weight saving feature introduced across the new range.
Ford says the E-Transit Custom will also have a class-leading 2,000 kg towing capacity. It also says the Ford E-Transit Custom will have a payload of up to 1,100 kg.
Like the newly revamped Ford Transit Custom it will have a more accesible loadspace.
The E-Transit Custom will also come with new digital solutions for multi-drop deliveries. There'll be 5G connectivity and a flexible workspace. It will also get the squircle shaped steering wheel that includes the ability to fold up and use as a holder for laptops and tablets or as a table.
As the name suggests, the squircle steering wheel is a square-circle steering wheel that's increasing in popularity.
Although many will look at it and say that the Austin Allegro had one of those, the squircle is making a comeback in a number of guieses. From Tesla Cybertrucks to Chevrolet Corvettes, they're everywhere, but they've yet to really find their purpose - until now.
The Ford E-Transit Custom uses the squircle to devasting effect, combining it with a tilting steering mechanism and a removable table top.
Ford apparently first considered the squircle wheel as a premium option only available for the models with the tilting wheel function. The top of the wheel has to be flattened off so that when the wheel is adjusted into a horizontal position it isn't obstructed by the instrument cluster binnacle.
Ultimately, the squircle wheel has ended up being put on all models. With cost saving in mind, it's more effective to have all the models getting the same kit.
It uses a 400-volt architecture with an 82kWh battery with a 64kWh useable capacity.
The battery itself is made up of 82 Ah pouch cells and is shared with the Ford F-150 Lightning.
The new battery also has 12% more energy density than the E‑Transit enabling it to acheive the impressive 209 mile range.
The batteries are direcly mounted to the body improving durability and reducing weight.
The drive motor is fitted directly to the vehicle’s rear floor, removing the need for a dedicated subframe. High voltage components have been rotated 90 degrees, moving from the top of the motor assembly to the rear of it. This helps to maximise loadspace and reduce weight and complexity.
E-Transit Custom gets an 11kW AC three-phase onboard charger. This allows the E-Transit Custom to fully recharge the battery in 6.7 hours. Using a 7kW wallbox on a single-phase domestic supply will take 10 hours.
Charging status will also be trackable through the FordPass Pro app.
For fast DC charging, the E-Transit Custom also supports speeds of up to 125kW. That's enough to give it a 15-80% top up in 39 minutes.
In testing it added 38 km of range in just 5 minutes of charging using a 125 kW charger.
For added piece of mind, Ford Pro customers will also get access to the Blue Oval Charging Network, the largest in Europe. At the time of writing it gives access to more than 450,000 chargers.
On the inside, the Ford E-Transit Custom is fitted with a 13‑inch landscape touchscreen that is angled towards the driver.
It uses Ford’s SYNC 4 system and is paired with a 5G modem for better connectivity to the Ford Pro ecosystem.
The 13-inch screen is really high quality and can be used for controlling the majority of the van's settings, from driving modes and one-pedal driving to infotainment and climate control.
Because the heating and cooling controls are buried within a menu, Ford has also rather sensibly put in a row of physical buttons for the most commonly used functions.
As well as important functions like hazard lights, there's a quick access button for the heating controls which brings up the menu on the infotainment screen to control temperature, fan speed and direction. You'll also find heated seats and heated steering control options here too.
The other screen in the cab is the instrument cluster directly ahead of the driver. Here an 8-inch digital screen is used to relay the all-important electrical driveline data. Either side of the digital screen are two LCD displays for battery charge levels.
Also, thanks to a built-in 5G modem fleet managers can also access everything from vehicle charging status to security alerts remotely, with the help of Ford’s ever evolving Ford Pro connected services.
Replicating the dizzying array of body types and combinations comes next with standard panel vans, double cab, Tourneo passenger versions, and even a Multicab with an L-shaped bulkhead to provide seating for up to five people.
There’s also trim levels for (nearly) all budgets, skipping the entry-level Base and starting the range with the safety system packed Trend, that includes lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera. Highlights of the Limited trim include electric heated seats and LED lights, while Sport vans will largely be recognised for their standout bonnet stripes. But, it’s the the outrageously ostentatious MS-RT version that will turn the most heads with its Marmite colour options and aero styling package.
A chunky kerb weight of 2255kg for the standard van leaves a payload of 970kg, close to the 1000kg capacity of its most obvious rival the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric.
Unusually for a medium-sized Ford van, power is pushed through the rear wheels just like in the large Transit. To increase ground clearance and reduce loading sill height, the motor, available in power ratings of 100kW, 160kW and 210kW, and its high voltage components have been reconfigured. Where control units would normally sit stacked on the motor, they’re now positioned behind it making the assembly more compact and suitable for this size of van. As a result, there’s no compromise between either the load volume or the ground clearance – an important factor for when a twin-motor all-wheel-drive model goes on sale.
Short and long-wheelbase models, with the promise of other body variants to come, mean that even as an electric there’s an E-Transit Custom for everyone. Even those that need to tow haven’t been neglected, thanks to a 2,300kg towing capacity.
Starting prices of £43,380 ex VAT make the E-Transit Custom a pricey option when the diesel van starts at £32,350 and an equivalent power and trim model just £2000 more. In comparison to rivals, though, it’s no more expensive than the £43,105 entry-level Vivaro Electric. Your Average Joe will baulk at the MS-RT versions £60,490 price tag but for owner drivers looking to make a statement it will surely find plenty of homes, and most importantly of all so too will all the other models because the E-Transit Custom has every chance of, eventually, being just as successful as its best-selling sibling.
The medium-sized van in Ford’s range, the new all-electric Custom is more than just a box ticking zero-emission offering. Before long, this will likely not only be Ford’s best-selling electric van but in the years to come its best-selling model, replacing the diesel-engined Transit Custom that has become a favourite working tool for everyone from plumbers and builders to huge multi-national Blue Chips.
