With many European countries enforcing bans on the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles, many manufacturers are planning to make the switch to electric. Ford’s announcement comes after the likes of Jaguar and Bentley.
By 2026 Ford plans to have electric versions of all its models. This is part of its pledge to only sell electric vehicles in Europe by 2030. It states that by 2026, all of its passenger vehicles in Europe will be all-electric or plug-in hybrid.
Ford said it would spend $1bn (£720m) updating its factory in Cologne. The aim is to produce its first European-built mass-market electric vehicle by 2023.
Ford’s commercial vehicle range in Europe will also be 100% zero-emissions capable by 2024. This means that 100% of commercial vehicle models will have an all-electric or plug-in hybrid option. Two-thirds of Ford’s commercial vehicle sales are expected to be all-electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030.
This news comes after Ford reported, in the fourth quarter of 2020, a return to profit in Europe. It announced it was investing at least $22 billion globally in electrification through 2025, nearly twice the company’s previous EV investment plans.
“We successfully restructured Ford of Europe and returned to profitability in the fourth quarter of 2020. Now we are charging into an all-electric future in Europe with expressive new vehicles and a world-class connected customer experience,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.
Post time: Mar-03-2021