In Europe, Ford’s New EV Platform Is Not Yet Accessible

Ford will be launching at least two new electric models in our part of the world in the coming years, borrowing the technical basis from Renault. These will follow the existing Volkswagen-based electric Fords, the Explorer and Capri. Is Ford itself also doing any technical work with EVs? Certainly, of course, there’s the Puma Gen-E and Mustang Mach-E, but in the US, Ford has now also developed its own modular EV base. However, we shouldn’t expect much from that here for the time being.

Based on statements by Ford’s European boss, Jim Baumbick, and Ford CEO Jim Farley, there are no European plans for this base for the time being. Never say never, but at least they’re not there now. Baumbick explains that this “will cost a lot of money” and that it would be a significant engineering undertaking. He may be referring to preparing European factories for EV production on its own base. Tapping into other manufacturers for European models is simply easier. This fits with the impression that Ford no longer wants to invest so much effort in the European market.

Yet it’s striking. The new EV platform is specifically designed for smaller and more affordable EVs. In that light, it could be perfect for Europe. A mid-size pickup truck kicks things off with this platform, and that’s not exactly a car that will draw crowds to showrooms in Europe, but of course, it won’t stop at that model. We’re curious to see what else is in store and whether there’s something for Europe in the long run.