Ford Opens Cologne EV Center- Home of a New Generation of Electric Vehicles

Summary

• The Ford Cologne Electric Vehicle Center officially opens following a $2 billion investment to transform the historic plant, first founded in 1930
• The hi-tech center will produce a new generation of electric passenger vehicles for European markets and secure skilled German manufacturing jobs
• Ford Cologne Electric Vehicle Center will be Ford’s first carbon neutral vehicle assembly plant globally, an important milestone on the Road to Better
• With an annual production capacity of 250,000 EVs, the new EV Center supports the company’s global plans to reach a run rate of two million EVs annually by the end of 2026

Ford Cologne Electric Center is a hi-tech production facility in Germany. This center will build Ford’s new generation of electric passenger vehicles for European customers. First founded in 1930, the historic plant has been transformed as part of an investment. The 125-hectare site is equipped with a bran-new production line battery assembly and state-of-the-art tooling and automation. The Cologne EV Center will be Ford’s first carbon neutral assembly plant to open globally and support Ford’s commitment to reach carbon neutrality across their European footprint of facilities.

Bill Ford (Executive Chair)
“Opening the Cologne EV Center is the start of a new generation of clean manufacturing and electric vehicles in Europe.”
“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.”

From the Model A to the New Electric Explorer

Digital advancements that connect machines, vehicles and workers are at the core of the Cologne Electric Center. And implementing self-learning machines, autonomous transport systems and big data management in real time are integral. Ford will also have new cognitive and collaborative robots, and augmented reality solutions to support its employees and increase efficiencies and data exchange with other plants.

Martin Sander (General Manager of Ford Model e Europe)
“The Cologne EV Center signals the start of a new era for Ford in Europe.” “We are once again redefining auto manufacturing, implementing advanced technologies to build fully connected, software-defined vehicles that meet our customers’ demand for zero emission mobility.”

A Carbon Neutral Electric Vehicle Centre

Ford will reduce the use of energy and emissions by installing new processes, machinery, and technologies in order to achieve carbon neutrality. Required to operate the facility, all electricity and natural gas is carbon neutral based on being 100% certified renewable electricity and biomethane. The heat required to warm the facility is also carbon neutral and generated by an external power plant and waste incineration plant.

Ford’s Cologne EV Center technological upgrade is accompanied by an ecological improvement of biodiversity and the ecological balance of the existing factory greenspace.

Martin Sander (General Manager of Ford Model e Europe)
“The carbon neutral Cologne EV Center is a leading automotive industry showcase for the switch from traditional auto manufacturing to electric vehicle production.”
“The facilities and processes have been designed by our engineers to maximise efficiency and minimise environmental impact, helping Ford become carbon neutral in Europe and supporting our global decarbonisation plan.”