Mass production
of the new all-electric Ford Explorer has begun. At our first dedicated
electric vehicle (EV) facility in Europe, we are now producing a new generation
of high-quality electric passenger vehicles for the region. Following a $2
billion investment that has transformed a historic plant into a factory of the
future, Explorer is the first vehicle to roll off the line at the Ford Cologne
Electric Vehicle Center. A second EV, a new sports crossover, will be revealed
shortly with production in Cologne starting later this year.
In the plant, self-learning
machines and more than 600 new robots execute welding, cutting, dusting,
painting and fusing tasks, in a complex ballet to ensure precision, efficiency
and quality. It features a “digital twin” that monitors every step of
production and supports line operators to help deliver high quality standards.
The Cologne Electric Vehicle Center is also one
of our most efficient vehicle assembly plants globally, supported by
significant reductions in emissions, water usage and energy consumption. All electricity and natural gas required to
operate the plant is 100 per cent certified renewable electricity 1
and biomethane. We are targeting carbon neutrality across our European
production footprint of facilities, logistics and direct suppliers by 2035.
“To see the
Cologne factory founded by Ford in 1930 being transformed into a
state-of-the-art electric vehicle production facility is nothing short of
amazing. The start of mass production of electric vehicles, with the new
all-electric Explorer, marks the beginning of a new era for Ford in Europe.”
- Kieran Cahill, vice president,
Manufacturing, Ford in Europe and
International Markets Group
Our new
all-electric Explorer combines German engineering, American attitude and
superior standard specification that includes battery electric powertrains for
zero-tailpipe emissions while driving – and more than 600 km driving range on a
single charge. 2 1 The
energy received from national grid distribution systems is generated from
different sources (both renewable and non-renewable). At Ford, certified
renewable electricity means that for all electricity purchased to operate the
Cologne Electric Vehicle Center, an equivalent amount of electricity produced
from 100 per cent renewable sources will enter the national grid distribution
systems. 2 602
km based on full charge of Explorer RWD extended range. Estimated range using
Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Figures shown are for
comparability purposes and should only be compared with other vehicles tested
to the same technical procedures. Actual range varies due to factors such as
temperature, driving behaviour, route profile, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion
battery age and condition.
No comments: