Ford has announced a EUR42m investment in its Valencia manufacturing plant, Spain, to support its electrification strategy with a battery assembly facility plus new S-Max Hybrid and Galaxy Hybrid models.
Two new assembly lines will make lithium ion batteries for the Kuga Plug-In and self charging hybrids plus hybrid versions of the S-Max and Galaxy. The battery packs will be produced alongside the vehicles for greater manufacturing efficiency and sustainability.
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The EUR24m battery assembly facility will begin production in September 2020.
The S-Max and Galaxy hybrids will deliver enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions and greater refinement when launched early in 2021, Ford said. The claimed unique-to-segment electrified powertrain (for now, anyway) “will offer a compelling alternative to the EcoBlue diesel-powered models without compromising interior space, comfort or flexibility”.
Production of the new self-charging S-Max and Galaxy variants – powered by a Toyota-style 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine, electric motor, generator and lithium-ion battery – will require an additional EUR8m spend on new tooling and assembly line upgrades at Valencia. A further EUR10m is for production of the Kuga Hybrid.
Ford is introducing 14 electrified vehicles in Europe by the end of 2020.
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By GlobalData“With electrification fast becoming the mainstream, we are increasing our investment in Valencia to provide even more electrified models and powertrain options for our customers,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.
“By making it easier than ever to transition into an electrified vehicle, we expect the majority of our passenger vehicle sales to be electrified by the end of 2022.”
Ford has spent EUR3bn at Valencia since 2011, including EUR750m for Kuga production and its various hybrid variants.
The S-Max and Galaxy hybrids will share full-hybrid architecture introduced with the redesigned Kuga, incorporating a water-cooled lithium-ion battery mounted in a crash absorbent, waterproof structure beneath the underbody for the most efficient use of space.
The S-Max will be available in five- and seven-seat configurations and will retain existing load space volume of up to 2,200 litres for the five seat variant.
The Galaxy Hybrid will have seven seats as standard and retain existing load space volume of 2,339 litres.
Using a power-split automatic transmission, the hybrid powertrains will deliver a targeted 200PS and 210Nm plus 1,500 kg towing capability.
Ford is also targeting 140g/km CO2 emissions (WLTP) and significantly reduced NOx emissions.
Other technology includes regenerative braking that captures up to 90% of the energy normally lost during braking to replenish the battery, the SmartGauge interface for monitoring fuel and energy consumption, with features including Brake Coach that encourages gradual braking to help return more energy to the battery, electric power steering and electric air conditioning, powertrain cooling and vacuum systems, which significantly reduce drag on the engine.
Ford also produces Mondeo hybrids at Valencia.
