Ford is pumping a whopping € 822 million into its largest and most important production facility. Ford does not just invest that amount in its factory in Cologne. The brand is preparing for a true metamorphosis. From 2030, Ford will only sell electric models in Europe.
Ford is preparing for quite a turnaround. Although the brand already has some mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids in its range in Europe, the line-up will only consist of fully electric cars and models with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in mid-2026. In 2030, Ford will even delete all plug-in hybrids from the European menu. From that year on, the Americans in Europe only sell fully electric models. This is not just about passenger cars, Ford’s commercial vehicle business also focuses on EVs. From 2024, all commercial vehicles must already be equipped with a plug-in hybrid or electric powertrain. Currently, Ford already supplies a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom.
To enable its path to full electrification, Ford Europe is investing as much as $ 1 billion, some € 822 million, in modernizing its Cologne plant. It will be converted into the – yes – Ford Cologne Electrifcation Center. It will soon be the first Ford factory in the world where only electric cars are produced. One of those new EVs that will be built is immediately a very interesting one. Ford says it will produce a new electric passenger car in Cologne from 2023. This may be a Focus-sized model. Of course it does not stop there. A second EV may also be off the line soon.
Ford Explorer PHEV
Ford says it can make the investment in European electrification now that it became profitable again at the end of last year. In recent years, the brand has reduced its structural costs as far as possible, for instance by applying a different strategy in markets where it was less successful. Think of those of the United States and South America. Ford also claims to have become more profitable in Europe thanks to its commercial vehicle business. The brand has entered into a strategic partnership with Volkswagen, among other things. For example, we know that Ford will develop the larger commercial vehicles (Transit and Crafter) and pick-ups (Ranger and Amarok) and that Volkswagen will be responsible for the development of a Caddy-sized van.
Within a few months, Ford will release more about its electric future. Ford currently sells mild hybrid versions of the Fiesta, Puma and Focus, among others. In addition, the brand has the hybrid Mondeo, the plug-in hybrid Explorer, the Transit Custom / Tourneo Custom (mild hybrid and plug-in) and the fully electric Mustang Mach-E on the electrified menu.