Ford confirms electric Puma to be named Gen-E

Ford has revealed that an all-electric version of its Puma crossover will be unveiled later this year.

The Puma Gen-E will be the first zero-emissions version of the Puma and become part of a growing electric line-up. The Mustang Mach-E and E-Transit are already on sale, with the E-Transit Custom, E-Transit Courier and Explorer all due to arrive this year.

Ford confirmed last year that it was working on a Puma-sized EV but this is the first confirmation that it will share the Puma name.

Puma is Ford’s best-selling model in the UK and the new Gen-E will challenge the Vauxhall Mokka, Peugeot e-2008, Fiat 600e, Kia Niro and Mini Aceman in the compact crossover segment.

No technical details have been announced but the Puma Gen-E is expected to share its platform and most of its technical components with the E-Transit Courier. The two cars will be built at the same plant in Craiova, Romania.

Ford has already confirmed that the Courier will use a 134bhp front-mounted motor. It is likely the Puma will use the same unit, although Ford does also have a 181bhp motor currently used in the larger Transit. There has been no confirmation of battery size or range, but based on claimed charging times at 100kW, the Courier looks to have a 50-55kWh battery which the Puma will likely share. That should place the Puma’s range in the same region as the e-2008 and Niro, which manage around 240-250 miles.

Pricing is also likely to be competitive with those key models, so expect a starting price of around £35,000.

Ford has said it will launch 10 electric models in Europe in 2024, including the Puma, Explorer and Transit variants. A coupe SUV is set to revive the Capri name and slot in between the Explorer and Mustang Mach-E, when it is revealed later this year.