Ford is the latest automaker to commit to an all-electric lineup. The company announced its entire passenger vehicle lineup would be zero-emissions capable, plug-in hybrid or all-electric by mid-2026. By 2030, the entire passenger lineup will be all-electric.
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The news comes just weeks after GM announced its light-duty vehicle lineup would transition to all-electric by 2035. The difference, however, is that GM’s announcement applied worldwide, whereas Ford’s, while five years sooner, applies only to Europe.
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“We successfully restructured Ford of Europe and returned to profitability in the fourth quarter of 2020. Now we are charging into an all-electric future in Europe with expressive new vehicles and a world-class connected customer experience,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe. “We expect to continue our strong momentum this year in Europe and remain on track to deliver our goal of a six percent EBIT margin as part of Ford’s plan to turnaround our global automotive operations.”
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To aid in its goal, Ford is investing $1 billion to modernize its Cologne, Germany factory. The investment will help transform the factory into an electric vehicle assembly plant.
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“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,” Rowley said.
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“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.”