Van experts from across Europe have been getting to grips with the new all-wheel drive version of our electric E-Transit Custom for the first time.
We invited them to snowy and slippery Flaine in the French Alps — the perfect place to discover just how capable our new van can be, whether you're trying to do business through wintry weather, on gravel trails or across muddy construction sites.
Here are five reasons we think our E-Transit Custom AWD 1 is the van for the job when temperatures drop and the going gets tough...
Electric all-wheel drive
E-Transit Custom 2 already had a high-power electric drive unit for the rear wheels. For the all-wheel drive model, we added one at the front too.
Each drive unit can deliver the van’s full power output independently for maximum flexibility and control — and together they can deliver up to 630 Nm of total motor torque from a standstill. That’s more than 50 per cent more torque than the RWD version — making it effortless to tow trailers up to 2,300 kg. 3, 4
To ensure it was ready for hard work in the hands of our customers, we tested the new AWD technology in extreme real-world conditions in regions including Finland, Sweden and the Italian Alps.
“We've fine-tuned E-Transit Custom's clever all-wheel drive system to work hand-in-hand with its advanced traction control.”Jeff Harris, brand manager for Transit Custom in Europe
Advanced electronic control systems
We've fine-tuned E-Transit Custom's clever all-wheel drive system to work hand-in-hand with its advanced traction control and electronic stability control systems 5 for optimised grip — but also for energy efficiency.
By assessing wheel slip up to 50 times every second, the AWD system can make real-time adjustments by varying the torque delivered to the front and rear wheels, and also to the left and right. This can help when a driver pulls away from a slippery verge or encounters uneven ice or puddles on the road.
But when driving at lower speeds, such as urban delivery routes, the van can also use its two drive units to capture up to 50 per cent more regenerative braking energy than the RWD model — harnessing energy that would otherwise be lost so the van can drive further before recharging.
Scheduled Pre-Conditioning
Few things get the day off to a worse start than windows that need de-icing on a dark winter morning. Using the in-vehicle display, owners can programme Scheduled Pre-Conditioning to warm E-Transit Custom AWD’s cabin to a comfortable temperature with a frost-free windscreen for a faster getaway.
But Scheduled Pre‑Conditioning is about more than saving windscreen scraping time. It also allows the van's battery to be warmed to optimal temperatures while the van is plugged into the charger. That means the battery uses less of its own energy to reach the ideal temperature for performance — helping maximise driving range in cold conditions.
Heated seats and steering wheel
Once you're on the road, how do you stay warm at the wheel when — like busy multi-stop delivery drivers — you need to open the door every few minutes, which lets in the chilly outside air?
The answer is to heat the driver directly, which is more efficient than using energy to warm the cabin space. That's why E-Transit Custom AWD offers a heated driver's seat and a heated steering wheel for maximum comfort.
Innovative heat pump
Speaking of clever ways to boost efficiency on cold days, we've also equipped every E-Transit Custom AWD with our patented heat pump technology.
Our innovative Vapour-Injected Heat Pump is extra-efficient at capturing “free” heat energy from the air outside — even at temperatures far below minus 10°C.
This reduces the battery power consumed to keep drivers warm and comfortable and to maintain an optimum temperature in the battery pack — meaning more energy in the battery for getting the job done.
Spare a thought for our engineering team: They endured real-world temperatures as low as minus 34°C to develop the technology.
Jeff Harris is brand manager for Transit Custom in Europe
Ice Drive Experience
1 Up to 342 km driving range based on full charge of E-Transit Custom all-wheel drive 2026 model year. Estimated range using Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
2Up to 373 km driving range based on full charge of E-Transit Custom rear-wheel drive 2026 model year.
Figures shown are for comparability purposes and should only be compared with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Actual range varies due to factors such as temperature, driving behaviour, route profile, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age and condition.
3Torque and towing are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
4When properly equipped. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.
5Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.
