2026 performance boosts for the Ford E-Transit Custom

Ford’s E-Transit Custom is the electric version of Europe’s best-selling van, and for 2026, it receives a series of performance upgrades. 

The E-Transit Custom is getting some upgrades in 2026, including increased driving range, faster charging, and — new for the 2026 model year — the option of all-wheel drive. The improvements aren’t limited to new vehicles either, with existing E-Transit Custom drivers set to benefit from faster charging via over-the-air software updates.

What’s new for the 2026 E-Transit Custom?

Battery upgrades on 2026 E-Transit Custom vans increase usable capacity from 64 kWh to 71 kWh. In real-world terms, this delivers a 10% range improvement, extending driving range to up to 231 miles. For hard-working crews, that means fewer charging stops and greater flexibility to cover larger working areas with confidence.

Charging performance also improves. On 2026 models equipped with the 71 kWh battery, a 10–80% charge takes just 29 minutes using a 125 kW DC fast charger. A 10-minute rapid-charge stop can add around 66 miles of range, allowing drivers to top up during planned breaks or admin time without disrupting the working day.

For tradespeople operating in tougher conditions, optional all-wheel drive is now available for 2026. The system combines a high-power front-wheel electric drive unit with the rear drive to precisely manage torque across all four wheels, improving traction on muddy sites, uneven ground and rural routes.

Existing models get an upgrade

Existing E-Transit Custom vans with the 64 kWh battery and over-the-air update capability will also see charging improvements. A software update will reduce 10–80% DC charging time by 14 minutes, cutting it from 39 minutes to just 25 minutes when using a 125 kW DC charger. This is good news for anyone who is back-to-back with jobs and only has a short break scheduled for lunch.

Designed with trades in mind, the E-Transit Custom is available in van, double-cab-in-van, Kombi and MultiCab configurations, with a towing capacity of up to 2,300 kg. It also includes smart EV features such as cab pre-conditioning and the optional Pro Power Onboard system, which allows the van to function as a mobile power source on site.

Contributors

Jess Shanahan (author)

Jess Shanahan is a data storyteller, journalist and speaker specialising in electric vehicles, energy and technology. She turns complex topics into stories that inspire adoption and challenge misconceptions.

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