Ford of Europe’s Electric Vehicle Lineup and Strategy Reversal: What You Need to Know
The recent news of Ford of Europe backtracking on their promise to have a fully electric passenger vehicle lineup by 2030 has left many people wondering what went wrong. It seems that the demand for battery-electric vehicles in Europe is not as strong as initially expected, leading Ford to focus on electrified combustion vehicles instead.
Martin Sander, head of Ford’s passenger car business in Europe, explained that Ford will have to manage its way towards 100-percent electric vehicles by focusing on electrified combustion vehicles such as the Kuga Plug-In Hybrid. This shift in strategy is necessary as Ford of Europe has not been able to meet projected targets for BEV sales.
In the United Kingdom, combustion-only vehicle sales will be restricted to avoid paying ZEV fines, which mandate that electric vehicles must make up at least 22 percent of an automaker’s new vehicle sales in 2024. This has pushed Ford to reconsider their approach to electric vehicles in Europe.
Ford has plans for the Valencia plant in Spain, with an electrified vehicle being the only imaginable candidate based on consumer demand. The Cologne plant in Germany is already assembling the Ford Explorer EV, with plans for a smaller electric vehicle to join the lineup in late 2024.
Overall, Ford of Europe’s electric vehicle lineup includes models such as the E-Transit, Mustang Mach-E, Explorer Plug-In Hybrid, and the Focus with a mild-hybrid version of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine. The most affordable electrified model in Europe is the Puma 1.0-liter EcoBoost mild hybrid, highlighting Ford’s commitment to offering a range of electrified options to consumers.
While the shift away from a fully electric lineup by 2030 may come as a surprise to some, Ford’s focus on electrified combustion vehicles and meeting regulatory requirements in Europe demonstrates their adaptability in the rapidly evolving automotive industry. Stay tuned for more updates on Ford’s electrification strategy in Europe.