Ford's All-New Electric Puma Gen-E: A Mini Mustang Mach-E

Ford Expands Electric Vehicle Lineup with the All-Electric Puma Gen-E

Ford is strengthening its commitment to electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe with the introduction of the all-new, all-electric Puma Gen-E. This strategic move highlights Ford's dedication to diversifying its EV lineup in Europe—a focus that is anticipated to resonate well with environmentally-conscious consumers.

Puma: A Familiar Name in the EV Market

The Puma nameplate has gained tremendous popularity, having surpassed the Fiesta in sales in 2021. With the addition of a fully electric variant, Ford aims to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving EV sector. The Puma Gen-E will complement the existing hybrid EcoBoost models that have been part of Ford's offerings for the past four years.

Performance and Range of the Puma Gen-E

The compact crossover is designed with performance and efficiency in mind. The Puma Gen-E boasts a range of:

• 376 km (233 miles) on a full charge
• Charging capability from 10% to 80% in just 23 minutes when using a 100kW DC fast charger
• Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 8 seconds

A Focus on Storage: The Innovative GigaBox

Storage solutions have become increasingly important in today's compact vehicles. Ford addresses this with the introduction of the GigaBox, which provides extra storage beneath the trunk floor, enhancing practicality without compromising space. Remarkably, the GigaBox can accommodate:

• 145 liters (5 cubic feet) of additional storage

This is a significant improvement over the gas-powered Puma, which offers only 2.8 cubic feet of storage. The Puma Gen-E measures:

• 4214 mm (165.9 inches) in length
• 1930 mm (75.9 inches) in width
• 1555 mm (61.2 inches) in height

These dimensions position it as the smallest vehicle in Ford's range and slightly smaller than the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV.

Design Features and Technology

The Puma Gen-E is receiving a stylish makeover, drawing inspiration from the Mustang Mach-E. The design update includes:

• A new Mustang Mach-E-inspired shield front design
• Unique alloy wheels available in 17 and 18 inches

Inside, the vehicle will feature:

• A 12.8-inch center display powered by Ford’s Sync 4 operating system
• Support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Production and Availability

The Puma Gen-E is set to enter production at Ford's assembly plant in Craiova, Romania, incorporating electric drive units manufactured in Halewood, UK. Interested customers can begin placing orders for the Puma Gen-E now, with deliveries scheduled to start in spring 2025. However, Ford has yet to announce pricing for this highly anticipated EV.

Conclusion

As Ford navigates the challenges in the European market—including idling the Cologne plant and workforce reductions—it’s clear that the Puma Gen-E is part of a larger strategy to revitalize its presence in the EV landscape. With its attractive features, competitive performance, and innovative storage solutions, the Puma Gen-E could play a pivotal role in Ford’s future success in the electric vehicle segment.