Ford has announced its plan to become an all-electric carmaker in Europe by 2030, and that transformation will be spearheaded by a $1 billion investment in the company’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany.
All Ford passenger vehicles in Europe will be capable of zero-emissions by mid-2026, whether it’ll be all-electric or plug-in hybrid, before becoming exclusively all-electric by 2030.
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In addition, Ford’s commercial vehicle range will also be zero-emissions capable (all-electric or plug-in hybrid) by 2024, with two-thirds of the carmaker’s commercial model range sales expected to be pure EVs and plug-in hybrids by 2030.
Ford of Europe will spend $1 billion to modernize its manufacturing center and headquarters in Cologne, Germany. The investment will turn the facility into the ‘Ford Cologne Electrification Center’, with their first Europe-focused series-production all-electric model to be produced there in 2023.
The new electric Ford model will also be the first to sit on the VW Group’s MEB modular platform, which underpins the VW ID.3, ID.4, and more, following a platform-sharing agreement between the two carmakers. Ford added that there’s “potential” for a second EV produced there, with details to follow on a later date.
“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,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.
“The decision to make the production and development site in Cologne the e-mobility center for Ford in Europe is an important signal to the entire workforce,” said Martin Hennig, chairman of the General Works Council of Ford-Werke GmbH. “It offers a long-term perspective for our employees and at the same time encourages them to help shape this electric future.”
