Ford's current electric van lineup

Ford makes two electric vans: the E-Transit and the E-Transit Custom. The E-Transit is the larger commercial van, built for delivery fleets and trades work. The E-Transit Custom is smaller and newer, aimed at businesses that need something between a cargo van and a full-size truck bed.

Both are purpose-built electric vehicles, not conversions of gas models. They come with Ford's standard three-year, 36,000-mile warranty, plus an eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty. Pricing starts around $43,000 for the E-Transit and $38,000 for the E-Transit Custom, though final cost depends on configuration, battery size, and your location.

Neither van is sold to individual consumers through Ford's regular dealer network. You order them as a business customer, and they're typically delivered 6 to 12 weeks after order. Some dealers maintain demo units you can see in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The E-Transit is Ford's full-size electric cargo van with up to 126 miles of range per charge, while the E-Transit Custom offers up to 167 miles and is better for tighter urban spaces.
  • Both vans may have access to for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 if your business meets IRS requirements, which can significantly lower your actual cost.
  • Charging at home on a Level 2 charger takes 8 to 10 hours for a full battery; public fast chargers can add 150 miles in 30 minutes.
  • Operating costs are roughly one-third the cost of a comparable gas van when you factor in fuel, maintenance, and oil changes over the vehicle's life.
  • You'll need to plan routes around charger locations and build in charging time, which changes how you schedule deliveries or service calls.

Range, battery size, and real-world driving distance

The E-Transit comes in two battery sizes: a standard 67 kWh battery with 126 miles of EPA-estimated range, and an extended 92 kWh battery with 170 miles. The E-Transit Custom offers a 52 kWh battery (up to 167 miles) and a 68 kWh option (up to 217 miles). These are EPA estimates under controlled conditions; actual range depends on load weight, driving speed, weather, and terrain.

A fully loaded van loses range faster than an empty one. If you're carrying tools, materials, or cargo regularly, expect 15 to 25 percent less range than the EPA figure. Cold weather also cuts range by 20 to 40 percent, which matters if you operate in northern climates during winter.

Most businesses using these vans plan routes that keep them within 80 percent of the battery's range from a charger. That means a 126-mile E-Transit is practical for roughly 100 miles of actual driving before you need to recharge. For longer routes, you'll need access to a fast charger or a second vehicle.

Charging options and time required

At home or at your business, a Level 2 charger (240 volts) adds about 20 to 30 miles of range per hour. A full charge on the standard E-Transit battery takes 8 to 10 hours overnight. The extended battery takes 12 to 14 hours. Level 2 chargers cost $500 to $2,000 installed, depending on your electrical panel and whether you need a new circuit.

DC fast chargers at public stations add 150 miles in roughly 30 minutes on the E-Transit, though charging slows as the battery approaches full capacity. A 10-minute stop at a fast charger typically adds 50 to 80 miles. Fast charging is useful for longer routes but costs more per kilowatt-hour than home charging.

Ford's FordPass app shows nearby chargers and their availability. The van also works with third-party networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and Chargepoint. Subscription costs for public charging vary by network and location, typically $10 to $20 monthly for unlimited access, or pay-per-use rates of $0.25 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour.

Federal tax credit and state incentives

Businesses can claim a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 on the purchase of an E-Transit or E-Transit Custom. To may have access to, your business must be a for-profit entity, and the van must be used for business purposes. The credit applies to the purchase price, reducing your actual cost dollar-for-dollar on your tax return.

Some states offer additional rebates or tax credits. California, New York, and Colorado have their own electric vehicle incentive programs that may stack on top of the federal credit. A few states also offer grants for charging infrastructure if you install chargers at your business location. Check your state's energy office website for current programs.

The federal credit is not a rebate you receive at purchase; it's a tax credit you claim when you file your business taxes. You'll need to keep the purchase documentation and vehicle registration to prove the van was used for business.

Operating costs compared to gas vans

Electricity costs roughly one-third the price of gasoline per mile. A gas van averaging 12 miles per gallon costs about $0.25 per mile in fuel alone (at $3.50 per gallon). An E-Transit costs roughly $0.08 per mile in electricity (at $0.15 per kilowatt-hour). Over 100,000 miles, that's a $17,000 difference in fuel costs.

Maintenance is also lower. Electric vans have no oil changes, spark plugs, transmission fluid, or timing belts. Brake pads last longer because regenerative braking captures energy when you slow down. Tire wear is similar to gas vans. Most owners report maintenance costs of $500 to $1,000 annually, compared to $2,000 to $3,000 for a comparable gas van.

The trade-off is higher upfront cost. An E-Transit costs roughly $15,000 to $20,000 more than a gas Transit before incentives. After the federal tax credit and factoring in fuel and maintenance savings, most businesses break even in 5 to 7 years of regular use. Businesses with high mileage or high fuel costs break even faster.

Payload capacity and interior space

The E-Transit can carry up to 4,600 pounds of payload, compared to 4,800 pounds on the gas Transit. The battery adds weight, which slightly reduces how much cargo you can load. The interior cargo area is identical to the gas version: up to 487 cubic feet in the standard wheelbase, or 558 cubic feet in the extended wheelbase.

The E-Transit Custom has a maximum payload of 2,200 pounds and 135 cubic feet of cargo space. It's designed for lighter loads and urban delivery, not heavy tools or materials. If you regularly carry more than 2,000 pounds, the full-size E-Transit is the better choice.

Both vans have the same roof height and door configurations as their gas counterparts, so they fit in standard loading docks and parking spaces. The lower center of gravity from the floor-mounted battery actually improves handling on curves compared to gas vans.

Dealer availability and ordering process

E-Transit vans are ordered through Ford's commercial sales channel, not the regular consumer website. You'll work with a Ford commercial dealer or fleet manager who handles business orders. Not every Ford dealer stocks or orders commercial vehicles, so you may need to contact multiple dealers to find one that handles E-Transit orders.

The ordering process typically takes 6 to 12 weeks from order to delivery. You can customize battery size, wheelbase length, roof height, and interior configurations. Some dealers have demo units available for a test drive, which is worth scheduling if you're considering a purchase.

Financing is available through Ford Credit and most commercial lenders. Many businesses lease E-Transits instead of buying them, which shifts the battery warranty responsibility to the lessor and reduces upfront cost. Lease terms typically run 24 to 60 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge an E-Transit at a regular household outlet?

Yes, but it's impractical. A standard 120-volt outlet adds only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour, so a full charge would take 40 to 60 hours. A Level 2 charger (240 volts) is the minimum for regular business use. Most businesses install one at their location.

What happens if the battery dies while I'm driving?

The van doesn't suddenly stop. As the battery depletes, the power output gradually decreases, and you'll see range warnings on the dashboard. You'll have time to locate a charger. The van's navigation system alerts you when you're approaching the limit of your remaining range.

Does Ford offer a warranty on the battery if it degrades?

Yes. The battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Ford covers defects and degradation beyond normal wear. Most E-Transit batteries retain 80 to 90 percent of their capacity after 100,000 miles, so significant degradation within the warranty period is rare.

Can I use an E-Transit for personal use, or is it business-only?

Ford sells E-Transits only to businesses. They're not available through consumer sales channels. If you need an electric vehicle for personal use, Ford offers the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning as consumer options.

What's the difference between the E-Transit and E-Transit Custom?

The E-Transit is larger with more payload capacity (4,600 pounds) and cargo space (487 cubic feet), designed for heavy commercial work. The E-Transit Custom is smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable in cities, with a lower starting price. Choose the E-Transit for trades and heavy deliveries; choose the Custom for urban last-mile delivery and lighter loads.