Ford has opened the Cologne Electric Vehicle Centre, a hi-tech production facility in Germany that will build Ford’s new generation of electric passenger vehicles for European customers.
Ford has transformed its historic plant in Niehl, Cologne – first founded in 1930 – as part of a $2 billion investment which it says ‘represents a major vote of confidence in skilled German manufacturing jobs and the future of automotive production in Europe’.
The 125-hectare site is equipped with a new production line, battery assembly and tooling and automation, enabling an annual production capacity of 250,000+ EVs.
Ford recently unveiled its fourth EV globally, the electric Explorer, which will be the first electric vehicle to be produced in Cologne, followed by a second electric vehicle, a sports crossover.
The Cologne EV Centre will also 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 Center is the start of a new generation of clean manufacturing and electric vehicles in Europe,” said Bill Ford, Executive Chair. “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.”
Germany Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, was at the opening – illustrating the political significance of the Ford investment at the Cologne plant. He said, "The Electric Vehicle Centre represents a fresh start and is the largest investment in the company's history at the Ford plant in Cologne. This is good news for Cologne, for the auto industry in Germany, for e-mobility and for the new era."
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.
