Ford to announce plans for a compact crossover SUV model, specifically designed for the European market, with an electric variant as well.
Ford, the renowned American car brand, is set to develop a new electric crossover, expected to enter production by 2027. This new vehicle, which will succeed the Focus and be produced in Ford’s Spanish plant, is anticipated to become one of the brand's top-selling models worldwide.
However, the new crossover will be based on the "C2" platform, which does not currently support a purely electric powertrain. This raises questions about the feasibility of the electric version of the crossover, as Ford has also distanced itself from its previous plan to offer only electric passenger cars in Europe from 2026 onwards.
Despite the challenges, Ford is expected to offer the new crossover as a pure electric version, although not from the start. The electric version is anticipated to cost less than 40,000 euros, making it an attractive option for many consumers.
Ford's foray into electric crossovers is not a new venture. The brand has already introduced mid-size SUVs with electric powertrains for European customers, including the Explorer and Capri. However, demand for these electric models has been low, a trend that Ford will be hoping to reverse with its new offering.
To address the issue of electrification, Ford is expected to export models based on the "Ford Universal EV Platform" from its home market to the rest of the world. The "Ford Universal EV Production System" could also be implemented internationally. Models based on this platform are likely to be introduced in Europe as well.
It's worth noting that the electric Puma Gen-E has not been a success. This could be a potential setback for Ford, as it aims to significantly increase its share of electric vehicles and fully electrify its vehicles in the UK and EU by 2035.
In conclusion, Ford's new electric crossover presents a promising opportunity for the brand to increase its share of electric vehicles and become a leader in the market. However, the challenges posed by the "C2" platform and the less than stellar performance of previous electric models could make this a tough nut to crack. Only time will tell if Ford's new electric crossover will be a game changer or a missed opportunity.
