How to Install Van Equipment in an E-Transit

9th Oct 2025

The Ford E-Transit is quickly becoming a favorite work van for tradespeople. It’s got the same cargo space as a traditional Transit, plus the perks of going electric: lower running costs, zero emissions, and a quieter ride.

But once you start thinking about shelving, partitions, and floors, the story changes. Upfitting an electric van isn’t the same as a gas model. The E-Transit’s battery system sits under the floor, creating large no-drill zones that limit where equipment can be mounted. Drill in the wrong spot, and you risk damaging the very system that powers the van, as well as endangering yourself.

This guide breaks down the challenges of E-Transit van equipment installation, explains no-drill zones in plain terms, and shows how to upfit your van safely with shelving and equipment designed to last.

The Challenges of Upfitting Electric Vans

On the outside, the E-Transit looks just like its gas-powered cousin. Underneath, the layout is completely different.

Battery placement under the floor
The high-voltage battery pack takes up most of the underfloor space.

Large no-drill zones
These protect batteries and wiring, but limit where you can mount equipment.

Impact on weight distribution
Every pound counts in an EV – heavier equipment can reduce range.

Because of these differences, a standard upfit approach won’t work. Drilling into the wrong spot can damage electrical systems, create safety hazards, and void your factory warranty.

Ford E-Transit’s No-Drill Zones Explained

A no-drill zone is any area where drilling isn’t allowed due to hidden electrical components. In the Ford E-Transit, this means most of the cargo floor above the battery pack.

Here’s how to work around it:

Understand the layout: Manufacturer diagrams highlight safe and restricted zones.
Watch for orange cabling: Orange always means high-voltage wiring.
Assume the floor is off-limits: Unless you have clear guidance, treat the entire floor as a no-drill zone.

Tip: request diagrams from your dealer or upfit supplier before starting any install. Having a visual reference makes identifying restricted zones much easier.

Best Practices for Installing Shelving and Equipment

Installing equipment in an E-Transit takes a different approach. The goal is the same – a solid, rattle-free upfit – but you can’t rely on drilling into the van floor.

Here’s how to do it right:

Floors

A Stabiligrip floor gives you a strong, non-slip base to work from. In a gas van, floating floors usually connect at the seams and stay in place. If you want to mount shelving on top, you’d normally drill through the floor to keep everything secure.

In an E-Transit, that’s not an option. Legend’s Stabiligrip No Drill Kit solves this by bracketing the floor to the van walls, holding it firmly in place without touching the wiring underneath. Even better, the same kit provides secure mounting points for anything you add on top of the floor — shelving, partitions, or accessories.

Shop the Stalibigrip flooring solution for Transit here.

Shelving

Once the Stabiligrip floor is fixed with the No Drill Kit, shelving can be mounted directly into those brackets or to the van’s wall points. This keeps the shelves secure without drilling into restricted areas.

Partitions

Standard floor-mounted partitions don’t work in EVs. Instead, use wall-mounted partitions that tie into the side structure of the van. With the right mounts, they’re just as solid.

Cab boxes

You can’t drill into the cab floor of an E-Transit, but no problem – all cab boxes from Commercial Van Shelving are already designed as no-drill products. That makes them EV-ready right out of the box.

With these methods, you’ll get a professional-grade upfit that’s safe for the van and reliable for daily use.

Choosing the Right Shelving and Equipment for EVs

With electric vans, equipment choices affect both performance and efficiency. Keep these points in mind:

Go lightweight: Aluminum shelving is up to 70% lighter than steel, helping protect payload and range.
Think modular: Flexible systems let you reconfigure your layout without unnecessary drilling.
Choose EV-ready products: Options like the No Drill Kit for Stabiligrip Floors are built specifically for E-Transit installs.

At Commercial Van Shelving, every shelving package and accessory we stock works with the E-Transit. The difference isn’t in the equipment, but in how you install it. With the right products and techniques, your electric van can be fully upfitted, safe, and ready for work.

Need More Help?

Upfitting an electric van doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re adding shelves, partitions, or flooring, we’ve got the resources and support to guide you through it.

Our team can help you spec the right setup for your E-Transit, make sure every install is EV-safe, and keep your van working smarter, without putting your battery, warranty, or safety at risk.