The European division of U.S. manufacturer Ford has announced that it has begun mass production of its new flagship vehicle, the “Ford Explorer Electric”, at the assembly plant located in Cologne, Germany.
The new Ford Explorer electric SUV
The Explorer EV was scheduled for launch in September last year. However, it was delayed due to the implementation of a new standard for vehicle batteries. Then, the scheduled date was rescheduled, as indicated by the German agency DPA, postponed.
One of the first copies will be delivered to customers during the course of the week. In addition to the Explorer, the Cologne plant will produce a second electric model, thus increasing Ford’s production capacity in the electromobility sector.
In the city of Cologne, the participation and positive reception of its inhabitants improve the historical panorama of the assembly plant.
Evolution of Production in Cologne
Since 1930, Ford has been assembling vehicles in Cologne, where it has traditionally produced its compact Ford Fiesta model. Production of the new Fiesta model, for example, ended last year, allowing the plant to focus on preparations for the new Explorer EV.
Between 2013 and 2018, Ford manufactured an electric version of the Focus in Saarland, albeit in limited quantities, because it did not achieve the expected success. To adapt to the new era of electric mobility, the company has invested nearly 2 billion euros in the Cologne plant.
This investment will enable the production of up to 250,000 electric vehicles per year, including a compact SUV, production of which begins this Tuesday.
Ford’s Challenges and Perspectives in the Electricity Market
Despite the late adoption of electric vehicle electric vehicle technology the automaker expects to achieve high sales with its new all-electric Ford Explorer. This comes against a backdrop where demand for electric vehicles has shown a slowdown in Germany, which represents an additional challenge for the company.
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Source and photo: Ford