Ford of Europe is steering hard into EVs after aggressively sidelining gas cars. Yet, the plan to be fully electric by 2030? Already scaled back. Even worse, production cuts are hitting the new Explorer and Capri due to weak demand. But they’re still pressing forward, introducing a third all-electric vehicle: the Puma Gen-E.
Unlike the larger electric SUVs, which rely on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, the Puma Gen-E is fully Ford-engineered. At first glance, it’s clear this is just a conversion of the gas-powered model to electric. The biggest visual shift? Up front. The traditional grille is replaced by what Ford calls a “shield,” apparently inspired by the Mustang Mach-E. The rest looks pretty similar, but the rear spoiler’s tweaked, and the wheels get fresh designs. Also, this bright Electric Yellow paint is unique to the EV, paired with a new Digital Aqua Blue shade.
The lineup keeps it simple—just two trims. Both have the same electric motor and battery. Powering the Puma Gen-E is a front-mounted motor generating 166 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. The battery? A 43-kWh lithium-ion pack. Stick with the base version, and you’ll manage a range of 234 miles on the WLTP cycle. Opt for the Premium trim, though, and that drops slightly to 226 miles, thanks to bigger 18-inch wheels instead of the standard 17-inch set. There’s also a 19-inch option, but Ford isn’t saying how that impacts range.
Not exactly range-topping numbers, but there’s a plus: it supports 100-kW DC fast charging. Under ideal conditions, a 10% to 80% charge takes just 23 minutes. Acceleration? It’s decent, hitting 62 mph in 8 seconds. Top speed caps at 99 mph.
Size-wise, the Puma Gen-E stays compact, weighing in at 3,280 pounds. It measures 165.9 inches long, 71 inches wide with mirrors folded, and 61.2 inches tall. The wheelbase matches the gas-powered version at 101.9 inches. Despite being a small crossover, it feels nimble.
Inside, the electric version closely mirrors its gas sibling. There’s a 12.8-inch fully digital driver display paired with a 12-inch SYNC4 touchscreen. Standard equipment includes ambient lighting, power mirrors with heating, rain-sensing wipers, and four-way adjustable front seats. Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and phone charging? All included.
The Premium trim ups the game with matrix LED headlights, keyless entry, an electric tailgate, and a ten-speaker B&O sound system. If you’re willing to spend more, extras like a panoramic roof, detachable towbar, or a Winter Pack with heated seats, steering wheel, and windscreen are available. A Driver Assistance Pack brings advanced features like a 360-degree camera, active cruise control with lane centering, and Cross Traffic Alert.
What about practicality? Deleting the engine freed up space for a small front trunk—just 1.5 cubic feet, but it’s handy. The rear cargo area? Bigger than ever, holding 20.2 cubic feet up to the roof. Fold the back seats down, and the storage expands to 45.3 cubic feet. For its size, it’s impressively versatile—on par with or even better than crossovers a segment above.
Ford is building the Puma Gen-E in Craiova, Romania, alongside its gas counterpart. While the Explorer and Capri are made in Cologne, Germany, the Puma stands apart. It’s already available for order in Europe, with deliveries expected in spring. Don’t hold your breath for a U.S. launch, though. The EcoSport replacement never made it stateside, and this EV version likely won’t either.
Ford’s future in Europe hinges on the Puma Gen-E’s success. After a dismal 2024, the company desperately needs a win. Sales across Europe plunged 17.5%, dropping Ford’s market share to 3.4%—lower than both Hyundai and Kia. With the Focus set to exit next year, Ford’s slice of the market could shrink further unless these EVs pick up the slack left by gas cars.
Source and Images: Motor1