Ford opens Cologne EV Centre

The Ford Cologne Electric Vehicle Centre officially opens following a NZ$3.26 billion (US$2b) investment to transform the German plant, founded in 1930.

The hi-tech centre will produce more than 250,000 electric passenger vehicles annually for European markets, supporting the company’s global plans to reach two million EVs annually by the end of 2026.

Designed to be highly efficient, the 125-hectare site is equipped with a new production line, battery assembly and tooling and automation.

Following the success 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 EV to be produced in Cologne, followed by a second EV, a sports crossover.

The Cologne facility is Ford’s first carbon neutral assembly plant to open, the company aiming 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,” says executive chair Bill Ford.

“This facility will now be one of the most efficient and environmentally responsible plants in the entire industry. I am thrilled to continue working toward a zero emissions future for our children and grandchildren.”

Federal chancellor Olaf Scholz says the EV centre is good news for Cologne, for the auto industry in Germany, for e-mobility and for the new era.

New cognitive and collaborative robots, and augmented reality solutions will support its employees and will increase efficiencies and data exchange with other plants to share experiences in real time.

Measures include a new perennial forb vegetation, change of ecologically poor grass areas to wildflower meadows and insect hotels as well as bat and bird habitats.

“The carbon neutral Cologne EV Centre is a leading automotive industry showcase for the switch from traditional auto manufacturing to electric vehicle production,” says Ford Model e Europe general manager Martin Sander.

Ford’s Cologne plant has produced about 18 million cars during more than 90 years.