Originally published at: https://wheelive.com/2021/02/19/ford/
Ford is investing $1 billion in the development of an electric vehicle factory in Germany
Ford revealed today that it plans to invest $1 billion in the transformation of its Cologne, Germany, plant into the first electric vehicle factory and “center” in Europe.
Earlier this month, Ford announced that it is doubling its planned investment in electric vehicles to $22 billion by 2025.
Today, the American automaker announced plans to spend $1 billion to turn its Cologne plant into an electric car factory:
“Spearheading Ford’s advance into an all-electric future is a new $1 billion investment to modernize its vehicle assembly facility in Cologne, Germany, one of its largest manufacturing centers in Europe and the home of Ford of Europe. The investment will transform the existing vehicle assembly operations into the Ford Cologne Electrification Center for the manufacture of electric vehicles, Ford’s first such facility in Europe.”
Ford plans to roll out its first “European-built, all-electric passenger vehicle” in 2023, and a second vehicle is being considered for location.
It was not clear from the announcement that the percentage of vehicles would be based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, which Ford has already agreed to use in its EV mix.
The President of Ford Europe, Stuart Rowley, commented on the announcement:
“Our announcement today to transform our Cologne facility, the home of our operations in Germany for 90 years, is one of the most significant Ford has made in over a generation. It underlines our commitment to Europe and a modern future with electric vehicles at the heart of our strategy for growth.”
In addition to the investment, Ford has announced new electrification targets for its European sales.
The automaker is now aiming to have all-electric and plug-in hybrid options throughout its entire line-up by mid-2026 and to sell only all-electric passenger vehicles in Europe by 2030.
They are also setting targets for electrifying their commercial vehicles in Europe:
“Ford committed today that by mid-2026, 100 percent of Ford’s passenger vehicle range in Europe will be zero-emissions capable, all-electric or plug-in hybrid, and will be completely all-electric by 2030. Similarly, Ford’s entire commercial vehicle range will be zero-emissions capable, all-electric or plug-in hybrid, by 2024, with two-thirds of Ford’s commercial vehicle sales expected to be all-electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030.”
Ford says more details about its plan for electrification in Europe and the transformation of the Cologne site will be shared “in the coming months.”
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