While Ford might be one of the biggest automotive brands on earth, it's still a little behind when it comes to electric vehicles, with the Mustang Mach-E being the sole EV in its line-up.
Despite this, Ford revealed plans to cut all petrol and diesel-powered vehicle sales over in Europe by 2030, and become a completely electric brand.
According to the release, the blue oval wants all of its vehicles to be capable of zero-emissions by mid-2026, whether that be through all-electric or plug-in hybrids before making the full switch to pure electric in 2030.
On top of this, Ford's entire commercial range is to become zero-emissions capable by 2024, with a large majority of the brand's commercial sales to be electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030.
As you can imagine, this is no small undertaking, and Ford of Europe plans to spend more than $1 billion to modernize the manufacturing centre and headquarters in Cologne, Germany.
This plant will then become the manufacturing centre for all of Ford's EVs in Europe, and will be where the first model rolls off the line in 2023.
This model is going to be based on Volkswagen's MEB modular platform which is also going to underpin the VW ID.3 and ID.4 models. Ford has noted the potential for another EV to use this platform.
“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.”