Ford starts mass production of the new electric model Explorer

Ford started mass production of the new all-electric Explorer at its first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) facility in Europe following a 2 billion USD investment that has transformed a historic plant into a factory of the future.

The electric Ford 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.

“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,” said Kieran Cahill, vice president, Manufacturing, Ford in Europe and International Markets Group.

The Cologne Electric Vehicle Center is one of Ford’s most efficient vehicle assembly plants globally, supported by significant reductions in emissions, water usage and energy consumption.

Ford is working towards implementing a carbon neutrality pathway for the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center. With production now underway, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data will be monitored and recorded for independent certification according to the latest international standards. Within this carbon neutrality pathway, Ford will improve carbon efficiency and reduce GHG emissions towards a residual level.

In addition to initiatives that reduce emissions, water usage and energy consumption, all electricity and natural gas required to operate the plant is 100 per cent certified renewable electricity and biomethane. Ford Motor Company is targeting carbon neutrality across its European production footprint of facilities, logistics and direct suppliers by 2035.