Ford has detailed its forthcoming European EV line-up overnight which will include a fully-electric iteration of Ford’s Puma small SUV that is sold in Australia.
A total of nine electric models will be rolled out by Ford in Europe by 2024, consisting of four SUVs and five vans that offer enticing options for Ford’s particularly-revealed EV portfolio in Australia.
Ford has unveiled a nine-strong EV line-up for Europe that includes four SUVs
Under a sharing agreement between Volkswagen and Ford that was inked in 2020, the line-up will include two SUVs based on VW’s MEB platform, while the Tourneo vans will also likely sit on Volkswagen architecture, much as their combustion siblings do. The remaining models are understood to use Ford platforms.
The first new Ford Europe EV will be rolled out in 2023 in the form of a midsize SUV, believed to be based on the Volkswagen ID4 midsize SUV and using that vehicle’s MEB platform. This model may be a direct replacement in Europe for the Spanish-built Escape, or an entirely new model.
An electric version of the Ford Puma will be released in Europe in 2024
Ford’s electric European midsize SUV will be followed by a coupe-shaped performance SUV in 2024 that could share its fundamentals with the Volkswagen ID5. It is likely these two medium-sized crossovers will have much in common.
Ford will also bring the Mustang Mach-E to Europe – potentially spawning an avenue for the midsize SUV to come to Australia if it is sold in the UK, a fellow right-hand-drive market.
The electric Puma will be the last SUV to launch in 2024, likely to offer a more affordable option for buyers looking to move away from combustion engines.
Five electric vans will also be offered
Ford Europe will also bolster its electric van line-up, with the E-Transit set to be joined by the Transit Courier and Transit Custom vans, alongside their respective Tourneo Courier and Tourneo Custom people mover derivatives.
What does this mean for Australia?
Ford Australia announced last year that its EV range would kick off with the E-Transit and Escape plug-in hybrid in 2022 which will be followed by four additional EVs before 2024.
While the remaining four have not yet been named, Ford has previously stated that the new-generation Ranger ute and Everest 4WD are capable of electrification and could join the local line-up.
Ford Australia product communication manager Ben Nightingale said they were very excited by the European line-up and would be considering a wide range of vehicles for their Australian line-up.
“We’re pleased to see a growing appetite for EVs in Australia, and we’re taking a considered approach to electrification to make sure we get our offering right for our customers,” he said.
“Whether their vehicle is for commercial or personal use, Ford owners are very clear that they expect toughness, performance and capability from our vehicles, and so our focus is on offering EVs that meet those expectations.”
The E-Transit will be the first EV Ford will bring to Australia
Combustion versions of the Puma and Transit Customer are also already sold in Australia and could be joined by an electric version in the future, as we have seen with the Transit large van.
The two MEB-based SUVs announced today, alongside the existing Mach-e, present even more options for Ford Australia but time will tell which ones make the cut.