In a huge step forward for electric vehicles, Ford has announced that its production plant in Valencia, Spain, will be the new hub for its electric vehicle production in Europe based on a next-generation electric vehicle architecture. Pending product approval, the Valencia plant could produce breakthrough electric and connected vehicles beginning later this decade.
This move follows consumer actions; electric vehicle demand grew 65% in Europe last year. In Europe, Ford plans to release electric versions of more existing models, like the Ford Puma. Especially as the European Union plans to have all new car sales fully electric by 2035, Ford is well poised to deliver on what consumers want in coming years. Another move that reflects Ford's commitment to sustainability is its $2 billion conversion of its plant in Cologne, Germany, to begin producing electric vehicles as soon as 2023. This includes its highly praised passenger vehicles, like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Mustang Mach-E, but also Ford's commercial vehicles, like the E-Transit van and other Ford Pro models.
All of these actions are to advance the American manufacturer's presence in the highly evolving electric vehicle market. Even as new brands enter the space, it's fair to say that Ford's new production line changes puts them on the right track; by 2026, Ford in Europe plans to sell 600,000 electric vehicles annually.
Ford's current EV's have reached acclaim as bold entries into the market. The first electric release by Ford, the Mustang Mach-E, was named an Editor's Choice pick by Car and Driver Magazine and given a 9.5/10 rating. The second release, the Ford F-150 Mach-E was given similar praise. The first electric truck released by Ford, it was notable for its technological improvements. This included incorporating connectivity to feed power back to the owner's house in the event of a power outage. Overall, Ford has made multiple entries to the electric market, and their numbers will only grow after Ford's European factories get up and running.
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