COLOGNE: Ford opened on Monday its Cologne Electric Vehicle Centre, a hi-tech production facility in Germany that will build Ford’s new generation of electric passenger vehicles for millions of European customers.
Ford has transformed its historic plant in Niehl, Cologne – first founded in 1930 – as part of a US$2 billion investment.
Designed to be highly efficient, the 125-hectare site is equipped with a brand-new production line, battery assembly and state-of-the-art tooling and automation, enabling an annual production capacity of 250,000+ EVs.
Following the successes of Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit and F-150 Lightning, Ford recently unveiled its fourth EV globally, the electric Explorer, which will be the first electric vehicle to be produced here, followed by a second electric vehicle, a sports crossover.
The Cologne EV Centre will be Ford’s first carbon neutral assembly plant to open globally and supports the company’s commitment to reach carbon neutrality across its entire European footprint of facilities, logistics and direct suppliers by 2035.
“Opening the Cologne EV Centre is the start of a new generation of clean manufacturing and electric vehicles in Europe,” said Ford executive chair Bill Ford.
“This facility will now be one of the most efficient and environmentally responsible plants in the entire industry."
To achieve carbon neutrality, Ford will reduce the use of energy and emissions in the plant by the installation of new processes, machinery, and technologies. All electricity and natural gas required to operate the facility is carbon neutral based on being 100 per cent certified renewable electricity and biomethane.
The heat required to warm the facility and processes is carbon neutral, as the local energy provider will offset the corresponding emissions from the assembly plant on behalf of Ford. The heat is generated by an external power plant and waste incineration plant and provided through a dedicated steam network to Ford.
