2024 Ford Puma EV: Impressive Range and Affordable Pricing

author: FutureCar Staff    

Ford of Europe is facing challenges in market share and profitability, but the automaker is determined to transition to an all-electric lineup in the region by the end of the decade. The Puma subcompact crossover, manufactured in Romania, plays a crucial role in this transition.

The Puma, introduced in 2019, takes its name from the small coupe produced by Ford from 1997 to 2002. Designed by a team led by Thomas Morel, this B-segment crossover serves as a replacement for the Fiesta in Ford's European lineup. It offers a range of 1.0- and 1.5-liter turbocharged engines and is exclusively front-wheel drive. In 2024, Ford plans to introduce an electric version of the Puma alongside the combustion-engined models.

According to Auto Bild, a leading German motoring publication, the Puma EV is expected to have a starting price of 36,000 euros, which is equivalent to $39,300 dollars. While this may seem expensive, it is in line with competitors like Peugeot's e-2008 and significantly cheaper than the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense.

The Puma EV is projected to have a WLTP combined range of approximately 400 kilometers, making it an attractive option in the competitive electric crossover segment. Production of the Puma EV will occur alongside the combustion-engined versions, which feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 197 horsepower.

Instead of developing a new platform, Ford has adapted the Global B-car vehicle architecture for the Puma EV. This platform is also used by the Transit Courier and Tourneo Courier, small vans that offer various engine options, including a 136-ps electric drive unit.

The E-Tourneo Courier, one of the vans utilizing this platform, was launched in May 2023, with deliveries expected to begin in late 2024. It offers a range of 87 kilometers in just 10 minutes of DC fast charging and can reach 80 percent charge in under 35 minutes. A full charge from 10 to 100 percent using AC charging takes approximately 5.7 hours.

Although Ford has not yet confirmed the battery capacity and WLTP combined range of the Puma EV, it is anticipated that the electric crossover will offer a one-pedal driving mode similar to the E-Tourneo Courier and E-Transit Courier panel van.

With its commitment to an all-electric future in Europe, Ford is positioning itself to compete in the growing market for electric vehicles in the region.

FutureCar Staff