Yesterday, Ford revealed plans for the future during the Go Further Live event in Amsterdam.
The announcement unveiled plans to launch some of the fastest and smartest charging stations around Europe, with the aim of having 400 set up by the end of 2020 to go hand-in-hand with Ford's new range of electrified passenger vehicles and new SUVs.
Electrified Vehicles
The electrified vehicles follow on from the launch of the Transit PHEV and introduce more fully-electric, and mild-hybrid models. Further future plans are set to reveal a Mustang-inspired, electric performance car that will have a range 370 miles, but most importantly, Ford aims to make electrification accessible to all customers.
The commercial vehicle range is set to see a whole host of low-emission options with an EcoBlue mild-hybrid powertrain and an EcoBlue hybrid option coming to the Transit and Transit Custom. The first-ever plug-in hybrid Transit Custom van joins the ranks and aims to reduce the pollution caused by commercial vehicles in built-up city environments.
A prototype for an all-electric Ford Transit was displayed during 'Go Further' which boasts zero-emissions and is set to launch in 2021. The all-electric van will still support full loads, will be able to cope in all weather conditions and will be built to have a long lasting range. The All-New Ford Tourneo Custom plug-in hybrid will also join the range, too, as a great addition for moving larger groups of people or for large families.
Self-Charging and Mild-Hybrids
Mild-Hybrid technology is also coming to the Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta models with the introduction of an EcoBoost hybrid engine, a mild-hybrid that stores pockets of energy to improve efficiency without losing any of the 'fun-to-drive' feel in a 1-litre EcoBoost, showing that performance and efficiency can go hand-in-hand.
A new Ford Mondeo was revealed during the event that uses a self-charging hybrid engine and boasts 187bhp. It will use a combination of electric and petrol power for drivers that can't plug-in as easily. The New Ford Mondeo model is available to order today, and the ST-Line version will be available later this year.
The new mild-hybrid EcoBoost technology uses recaptured energy stored in a battery to reduce the strain on the engine and emit fewer emissions, saving the driver money! But those features come standard with all mild-hybrid engines. What sets the Ford EcoBoost mild-hybrids apart is that they use the energy stored to boost torque for faster acceleration and a faster response when you put your foot down! The 1-litre fuel economy offered by this engine option makes these models an accessible entry-point to electrified vehicles.
SUV Launch
Ford also revealed the All-New Ford Kuga during the conference. The lower, sleeker model has a lengthened bonnet and wheelbase, a lower roofline and a more athletic look. It also offers a Plug-in Hybrid option as well as an EcoBlue Hybrid Self-Charging engine that offers 225ps and 50km of pure, electric range.
You can watch the event, in full, below.
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