As predicted from a news item last year, Ford is readying an all-electric version of its Puma small SUV. The Gen-E variant will launch later this year in Europe with a mildly different body style compared with the current ICE model.
The electric Puma is important given it was UK’s best-selling car last year. It will essentially constitute the base electric model from Ford’s growing all-electric SUV range. At the top is the Mustang Mach-E, while the VW ID.4-based Ford Explorer has already gone into production in Germany and is about to be joined by the Capri that uses the same platform.
The ICE-powered Puma recently underwent a subtle facelift to maintain its popularity. An electric version will face off against the likes of Volvo’s EX30, Jeep’s Avenger, Peugeot’s e-2008, and the upcoming Mini Aceman due out soon.
Spy shots suggest the Gen-E variant will closely resemble the facelifted petrol Puma. It will feature a new iteration of the Blue Oval badge sited on the front ‘grille’, along with fresh headlights that incorporate a new DRL signature.
EV features include a blanked-off front grille to improve aeros and range, aero-optimised alloy wheels, and a reshaped front bumper, again to cut through the wind better. The rear resembles the current petrol-powered Puma, except for badging.
Don’t expect a bespoke electric platform for the electric Puma, as Explorer and Capri have inherited. It will ride on the same B2E architecture used by the other members of the Puma family. It will also probably inherit the electric powertrain of the Ford Transit Courier van. And that would consist of a 100kW/290Nm electric motor driving its front wheels, meaning similar output to E-2008 and Avenger.
However, Ford does have 135kW and 198kW electric motors available from its Transit van family. Expect a maximum charging speed of 100kW so a battery refresh would take a little over half an hour. Viewed another way, adding 86km of range would take roughly 10min on a 100kW fast charger.
Again, battery size is unclear but Ford has 50-60kWh packs that would translate to over 400km of range.
Expect greater interior changes, as occurred with the Puma facelift. The dashboard virtually wraps around the driver, with a 12-inch central touchscreen angled away from the passenger. Behind the new two-spoke steering wheel is a 12.8-inch digital instrument panel which is partly customisable.
The new touchscreen runs Ford’s latest SYNC 4 infotainment system and features wireless ACP and AA connectivity. Physical climate buttons are now incorporated into the touchscreen.
Pricing is expected to be around that of its Jeep, Volvo and Peugeot rivals. Puma Electric production is at Ford’s Craiova factory in Romania whereas Explorer and Capri are being produced at Ford’s reconfigured Cologne plant in Germany. The electric powertrain for Puma will be produced at Ford’s Halewood plant in Liverpool.
