COLOGNE, Germany, June 12, 2025 – Ford has started the mass assembly of vehicle drive battery packs in three different sizes for exclusive use in Ford’s new generation of electric vehicles, the Ford Explorer 1 and Ford Capri 2, with both vehicles built at the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center.
As part of a transformative $2 billion investment in the historic Cologne plant, the fully digitalised new facility ensures high quality standards, efficiency and a significant reduction in transportation, as well as full alignment with vehicle assembly at the same location.
The Cologne plant has been a cornerstone of Ford production in Europe for almost 100 years. This new plant is another step on the road to electromobility, expanding Ford’s expertise, strengthening value chains and delivering high-quality components and vehicles for customers.
Quality and efficiency
The new Cologne battery assembly plant not only ensures high quality and efficiency, but also includes the continuous development of the skills and expertise of the Ford workforce as part of the transformation of the plant into a digitised Factory of the Future.
The 180 newly installed robots weld, glue and screw the battery housing together and equip it with up to 12 battery modules. A total of around 2,775 individual parts are assembled into a battery pack on the 2 km-long highly automated production line.
The new battery plant also represents another step in Ford’s journey towards an electric future, updating manufacturing processes and facilities and further expanding its capability in Europe. With electric vehicles also being produced at Ford Otosan’s assembly plant in Craiova, Romania, and Kocaeli, Turkey and electric drive units produced at Ford’s facility at Halewood, UK, Ford is continuing its mission to create a new generation of high-quality electric vehicles in Europe for European customers.
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1 Up to 602 km based on full charge of Explorer RWD extended range. Estimated range using Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
2 Up to 627 km driving range based on full charge of Capri RWD extended range. Estimated range using Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
The declared WLTP fuel/energy consumptions, CO2-emissions and electric range are determined according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended. The applied standard test procedures enable comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 171,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
Volker Eis
Ford in Europe
+49 160 9040 0077
Rella Bernardes
Ford in Europe
+49 171 975 1592
