Ford at the Frankfurt show has unveiled a new electrified European range – Puma (reviving an old badge) EcoBoost Hybrid, redesigned Explorer (returning the US nameplate to Europe) and [Transit based] Tourneo Custom plug-in hybrids plus the redesigned Kuga SUV – the first blue oval model to offer mild-, full- and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The automaker said it expected the 'tipping point' of electrified versus conventional petrol and diesel powertrains by the end of 2022 when over 50% of its passenger vehicle sales would be electrified.
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It will offer new home wall box chargers to reduce charge time by up to a third with installation services and 'green' energy tariffs provided in partnership with six European energy suppliers including the UK's British Gas owner Centrica.
A new smartphone app will help drivers with access to 118,000 public charging points across Europe in partnership with NewMotion.
Ford also rolled out a claimed world-first electric vehicle acceleration simulator and augmented reality activities for Frankfurt show visitors as part of a new 'Go Electric experience'.
Earlier this year, the automaker announced every new passenger vehicle nameplate would include an electrified option – either a mild hybrid, full hybrid, plug in hybrid or all electric. The company is launching 17 electrified vehicles in Europe by 2024, including eight in 2019.
By the end of 2022, when its electrified vehicles are expected to outsell ICE engine-only models, Ford expects to have sold 1m electrified passenger vehicles.
"With electrification fast becoming the mainstream, we are substantially increasing the number of electrified models and powertrain options for our customers to choose from to suit their needs," said Ford Europe president Stuart Rowley.
"By making it easier than ever to seamlessly shift into an electrified vehicle, we expect the majority of our passenger vehicle sales to be electrified by the end of 2022."
A 'Mustang inspired' all-electric performance SUV will arrive in 2020 with a targeted pure-electric driving range of 600km (370 miles WLTP) and fast charging capability.
"There is no 'one-size-fits-all' solution when it comes to electrification – every customer's circumstances and travel needs are different," said engineering chief Joerg Beyer.
"Our strategy is to pair the right electrified powertrain option to the right vehicle, helping our customers make their electrified vehicle experience easy and enjoyable."
The wall box will deliver up to 50% more charging power than a typical domestic socket (240v across Europe) to reduce home charging times by up to 33% for plug-in hybrid models.
The new smartphone and tablet app will enable drivers to locate, navigate to and pay for charging.
Drivers will be able to seamlessly use charging points across many markets, initiating and paying for charging services from a single account.
In combination with the optional FordPass Connect on-board modem, the mobile app enables plug-in hybrid drivers to remotely monitor their vehicle's charge status.
Ford also is a founder member and shareholder in the Ionity consortium that aims to build 400 fast-charging stations in key European locations by 2020, with a charging capacity of 350 kW.
The Go Electric EV simulator revealed at Frankfurt will later tour Italy, France, Spain and the UK until early 2020.
