American auto giant Ford will unveil its all-new electric SUV on March 21, 2023. The company has announced the launch date on its social media accounts, and the new product is the brand’s first to be based on Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle platform. It’s one of two models the automaker is developing under the Ford-Volkswagen alliance.
Volkswagen’s MEB platform underpins the German auto giant’s stable of ID.3 and ID.4 electric crossovers, so it’s no surprise that Ford’s upcoming electric SUV is promised to be a “midsize crossover.” The official teaser hints that the product will borrow heavily from the Blue Oval’s existing design and styling, albeit futuristic, as seen on other products. The latest teaser video shows off the new aero wheels on the SUV, while previous teasers promised the model would feature L-shaped daytime running lights.
Also read: Ford suspends F-150 Lightning EV production and shipments.that’s why
Powertrain options are currently unknown, but an upcoming Ford electric SUV is expected to use a similar battery pack and motor. Currently, the ID.4 GTX uses a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive unit with around 300 bhp and 460 Nm of peak torque. Need to see if the partnership between Ford and VW allows the same powertrain option for the former as well.
The upcoming electric SUV will sit below the Mach-E in Ford’s stable, and above Puma’s electric crossover that will hit developed markets next year. The new products will be assembled locally in Europe in Cologne, Germany, as part of the US giant’s strategy to overhaul its European product line. This includes the introduction of three electric SUVs, two of which will be based on the MEB platform. Meanwhile, models such as the Ford Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo have either been discontinued or will be phased out by 2025. The automaker plans to fully electrify passenger cars in Europe by the end of 2030, with commercial vehicles to follow suit.
Ford’s upcoming electric SUV will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. Sadly, there is no word yet on Ford’s plans to launch electric vehicles in India. While the company has promised halo products like the Mach-E and Mustang, it remains to be seen whether it will also be used in future premium EVs.
First published date: Feb 24, 2023 at 19:48 PM CST
https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto/electric-vehicles/new-ford-electric-suv-based-on-volkswagen-s-meb-platform-to-debut-on-march-21-41677247043527.html