Ford has announced plans to unveil the electric iteration of its Puma model, to be named Gen-E, later this year. The electric variant, like its combustion engine counterparts, will be manufactured at the Ford Otosan plant in Craiova, Romania.
Details regarding the new electric vehicle (EV) are scarce, with Ford providing only the name and a promise of a forthcoming reveal. However, the automaker has shared some features of the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the compact crossover.
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The Puma is touted to boast a “sports car-style cockpit” along with the innovative MegaBox, an 80-liter storage compartment situated beneath the boot. In addition, the boot itself offers a capacious 456 liters of space. Driver assist systems include a 360-degree surround-view camera system, reverse brake assist, and red cross traffic braking.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of Ford’s financial results presentation for Q4/2023 and the entire year 2023. The report revealed significant losses within the carmaker’s Model e division, amounting to over $47,000 per electric vehicle sold in Q4/2023. Despite a revenue increase of 12% to $5.9 billion in the EV division for the year, Ford incurred losses totaling $4.7 billion in its EV business.
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Ford has also disclosed ongoing efforts to develop a low-cost electric car platform over the past two years, hinting at the potential launch of smaller EVs in the future. In line with its commitment to electrification, Ford previously announced plans to introduce seven new electric models to Europe by 2024, comprising three electric passenger cars and four electric commercial vehicles.
The announcement further revealed intentions to commence production of a second model in Cologne, Germany. However, uncertainties linger regarding Ford’s ability to adhere to its proposed timeline amidst financial challenges. In 2023, the company suspended numerous EV-related projects, including downsizing its LFP battery cell factory in the US and canceling plans for an EV commercial vehicle battery plant in Turkey, previously planned in collaboration with LG Energy Solution and Koç.
