Ford brings electrification plans to the public

14 February 2020

Ford has unveiled its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV), the Mustang Mach-E, at an event in Europe as it highlights the efforts it is making to become a leader in the market.

Ford’s ′Go Electric’ roadshow is an immersive and interactive experience designed to help consumers make an informed choice on electrified vehicles. The carmaker launched its first event at Marble Arch in London and plans to take it to 50 other locations around the country, with separate events across Europe.

A recent Ford-commissioned survey revealed that the three in four people aspire to own an electrified vehicle one day, with almost half (45%) claiming not stopping for fuel is a key benefit of owning one. However, 40% of people claim to have little or no knowledge of electric vehicles (EVs) which means they are unlikely to make the switch from pump to plug soon. Almost half (49%) of consumers rank a lack of charging stations among their main concerns.

Electric times

′We committed to make electrification relevant and attainable for more drivers than ever before. By the end of 2020, we’ll have delivered on that commitment, with no fewer than 14 electrified vehicles in Europe, and 18 coming by the end of 2021,’ said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe. ′Our ′Go Electric’ roadshow will help consumers understand that electrified vehicles are ready and waiting to slip seamlessly into their lives.’

Ford has said it is committed to offering an electrified version of every passenger vehicle it brings to market in Europe. The carmaker expects electrified powertrains to account for more than half of the company’s passenger vehicle sales by the end of 2022. By this time, the company also expects to have sold 1 million electrified passenger vehicles.

The carmaker will also install 1,000 charging points at facilities across Europe during the next three years to make charging simple and convenient for employees. Rowley called on governments, industries and institutions to support the push for electrification with the faster expansion of public charging infrastructures.

′Ford is at the forefront of real change, and we’re committed to providing all of our customers with the broadest choice of electrification options,’ Rowley said. ′Infrastructure is critical to helping consumers have the confidence to go electric, but we can’t do it on our own. Accelerated investment by all the key stakeholders across the U.K. and Europe is more important than ever.’

Mach speed

Equipped with an extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, the Mustang Mach-E’s pure-electric driving range of more than 370 miles, according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), will help ensure customers can undertake longer journeys confidently. Around 85% of Mustang Mach-E customers placing pre-orders have opted for the extended-range battery.

Charging with up to 150 kW at an IONITY charging station, the Mustang Mach-E will reach a driving range of up to 57 miles within 10 minutes of charge time. The standard-range Mustang Mach″‘E is estimated to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 38 minutes while charging on a DC fast-charging station.

Emissions update

Ford also believes it will make big enough reductions to CO2 levels across the models it sells in Europe to avoid paying fines under tough new European Union emissions targets that started this year, the company has said.  

′Our plan is definitely product-driven. We do not expect to incur any fines, [or] have to pool with anybody else, or purchase credits,’ global automotive head, Joe Hinrichs, told media on a recent earnings call.  

Ford had been seen as lagging in EV development but a recent collaboration agreement with Volkswagen to use its MEB electric-vehicle platform appears to have reinvigorated the manufacturer.