Ford E-Transit Custom MS-RT is a high-performance electric van for lightning-fast callouts

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Ford made a road-going example of its Electric SuperVan? Well, this may be the closest thing to it as the American brand has just unveiled the all-new Ford E-Transit Custom MS-RT: a high-performance version of its electric LCV.

Also available in diesel form, this new hot E-Transit Custom marks the debut of the MS-RT sub-brand, which stands for ‘M-Sport Rally Team’; this has nothing to do with BMWs, but is instead in reference to Ford’s WRC team which currently races a highly-modified Ford Puma.

What sets the MS-RT apart from the standard E-Transit Custom – aside from its bodykit which we’ll go into detail about later – is its 281bhp rear-mounted electric motor (the standard van ‘only’ gets either 134bhp or 215bhp, depending on specification). 

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Ford is yet to reveal any specific performance figures, but it has said the E-Transit Custom MS-RT will get three drive modes which will regulate the power of the electric motor in order to preserve charge; switching the van into Normal mode reduces power to 215bhp, while Eco mode pegs things back further 134bhp. Sport mode means you get full access to the MS-RT’s 281bhp output.

Ford remains tight-lipped regarding range and battery sizes, although we expect the MS-RT to get the same 74kWh battery pack as the regular E-Transit Custom. However, given the extra oomph on offer, we expect range to drop from 231 miles to around 200 miles; the MS-RT will still be able to rapid charge at speeds of up to 130kW, however.

Now we turn to the Ford E-Transit Custom MS-RT’s sporty bodykit which arguably makes it one of the most head-turning electric vans on sale, pipped perhaps only by the retro-styled Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo. The MS-RT gets much deeper front and rear bumpers, as well as a large rear spoiler and exclusive 19-inch wheels which sit 50mm wider than on the standard E-Transit Custom.

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On the inside, the MS-RT gets an exclusive leather steering wheel featuring a blue 12 o’ clock marker – a hallmark of many racing and sports cars – as well as some heavily bolstered sports seats that once again feature blue detailing. Buyers can choose from either a three-seat van or a five-seat Double Cab-in Van configuration, as well as either twin rear doors or a full tailgate.

Pricing for the Ford E-Transit Custom MS-RT is yet to be revealed, but you can bet it’ll cost quite a bit more than the standard E-Transit Custom (£43,380 ex. VAT) when it goes on sale later this year. First deliveries are expected to arrive before the end of 2024.