2024 Ford Puma EV: Improved Range, Affordable Price

author: FutureCar Staff    

Ford of Europe is facing challenges in market share and profitability, but the company has ambitious plans to phase out all combustion-engined vehicles in the region by the end of the decade. A key part of this transition is the Puma subcompact crossover, which is manufactured in Romania. The Puma, named after a previous coupe model, was introduced in 2019 and features stylish design elements created by a team led by Thomas Morel. It serves as a replacement for the Fiesta in Ford's European lineup and is available with 1.0- and 1.5-liter turbocharged engines. The Puma currently only offers front-wheel drive, but an electric version is expected to join the lineup in 2024.

According to Auto Bild, a German motoring publication, the Puma EV is projected to have a starting price of 36,000 euros (approximately $39,300). While this may seem expensive, it is comparable to other B-segment crossovers in the market, such as Peugeot's e-2008. The Puma EV is also expected to have a driving range of around 400 kilometers (WLTP combined estimate), making it an attractive option in the competitive electric vehicle segment.

The Puma EV will be produced alongside the combustion-engined versions of the car, which are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 197 horsepower. Instead of developing a new platform, Ford has adapted its existing Global B-car vehicle architecture for the Puma EV. This platform is also used for the Transit Courier and Tourneo Courier vans, which offer a range of engine options including a 136-horsepower electric drive unit.

In May 2023, Ford launched the E-Tourneo Courier, an electric version of its five-seat van. The E-Tourneo Courier is capable of adding 87 kilometers (54 miles) of driving range in just 10 minutes of DC fast charging. It can reach 10 to 80 percent charge in under 35 minutes and takes 5.7 hours for a full overnight AC charge. The press release for the E-Tourneo Courier states that the Puma EV will be released by 2024, indicating that its debut is just months away. Like the E-Tourneo Courier, the Puma EV is expected to feature a one-pedal driving mode. However, Ford has not yet confirmed the battery capacity and WLTP combined range for either van.

FutureCar Staff