With a global investment of $11 billion, Ford is making a decisive push towards electric mobility. Starting from hybrid technology, in all its variants, through to pure electric. In total, there will be 18 electrified models by the end of 2021.
Significant was the announcement made in Amsterdam in April 2019. On that occasion, as part of the Go Further event, Ford unveiled its commitment to a progressively more electrified, connected and efficient mobility. Front and centre was undoubtedly the launch of new generations of models in mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and hybrid variants. But also the arrival of fully electric models and, more broadly, electrified solutions designed above all for European consumers. From the Go Further Event in Amsterdam, Ford launched its strategy which, while inevitably having to take into account the consequences of the coronavirus emergency — whose effects on the automotive industry look set to be particularly severe — has a very intensive programme ahead of it. There will indeed be 18 electrified Ford vehicles available by the end of 2021, barring any delays.
It demonstrated this years ago by announcing an experiment to produce car components from the processing residues of agave, the plant used in the distillation of tequila, or of bamboo — both valid examples of circular economy. From around the same period came Ford's commitment to achieving a more sustainable production cycle by reducing the use of natural resources needed to manufacture a car, such as clay (used to make models during the design phase) and drinking water. Then came a growing commitment to electrification, which has seen Ford, in more recent times, emerge as one of the most active manufacturers in the drive towards more sustainable mobility. A transformation often brought directly to the public, through travelling events dedicated precisely to raising awareness of the benefits of electric mobility in all its forms.
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"In Europe, consumers will be able to choose from 18 electrified Ford vehicles by the end of 2021, of which 14 are planned by the end of this year, thanks to a global investment of $11 billion." Ford goes straight to the point and announces a true electric revolution, offering innovative hybrid and electric solutions capable of meeting different lifestyles and needs. According to an estimate developed by Ford, electrifying the brand's most popular models — such as the Fiesta, Focus and Kuga — would be enough to save European customers more than 30 million euros in fuel every year.
Ford also announced its intention to introduce one thousand charging stations at its facilities across Europe over the next three years, to make charging simple and convenient for its employees. "Ford is at the forefront of this change and we are committed to giving all our customers the widest choice of electrification options," said Stuart Rowley, president of Ford Europe, who called on governments, industries and institutions to support the push for electrification with a faster expansion of public charging infrastructure. "Infrastructure is fundamental to helping consumers gain the confidence they need to embrace electrification, but we cannot do this alone. Investment from all key stakeholders in the UK and Europe is, today, more important than ever," Rowley stressed. Over the next three years, Ford will introduce one thousand charging points for the benefit of employees at Ford facilities. Ford is also among the founding members of the Ionity consortium, which aims to build 400 charging stations at key locations across Europe by 2020, with a charging capacity of 350 kW. Charging network agreements also include a partnership with NewMotion, which has more than 100,000 charging points across 28 European countries.
We know that the choice of a hybrid or electric car cannot be separated from one's lifestyle, type of journeys and place of residence. For this reason, Ford has committed to offering an electrified version of every vehicle sold in Europe, with the aim of meeting people's diverse needs. Ford has recently projected that by the end of 2022, electrified powertrains will account for more than half of the brand's sales — welcome news in light of a progressive reduction in emissions and an increasingly sustainable mobility.
The range spans the popular Fiesta and Focus, the brand new Kuga, Mondeo and Galaxy, through to the Transit for the transport of goods and people. By the end of 2021, there will be 18 electrified models bearing the Ford badge. From mild-hybrid technology at 48 volts, to full hybrid technology, through to plug-in hybrid versions, up to the Mustang Mach-E, the first fully electric Ford with 600 kilometres of electric range. The electrification road map announced by the brand is among the most packed and ambitious. This transformation is complemented by a €24 million investment at the production plant in Valencia, Spain, to support the brand's electrification strategy, with a facility dedicated not only to vehicle production but also to the assembly of batteries for the new models.