The Ford Puma has emerged as a prominent name in the European automotive market, having outpaced the Fiesta in sales since 2021. As part of its ongoing strategy to diversify its offerings, Ford is now introducing a fully electric version of the Puma, called the Puma Gen-E, which complements the hybrid EcoBoost variants made available four years ago. This small, sporty crossover draws design inspiration from the Mustang Mach-E and boasts an electric range of 376 kilometers (233 miles) on a single charge. It can rapidly charge from 10% to 80% in just 23 minutes via a 100kW DC fast charger, and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a respectable eight seconds, appealing to the performance-oriented demographic.
A significant aspect of the Puma Gen-E is its emphasis on storage, an often critical factor for urban drivers or families with varied needs. Ford introduces the innovative “GigaBox,” which enhances storage capacity in the already compact trunk space. This cleverly designed feature provides an additional storage compartment beneath the trunk floor, offering an impressive 145 liters (about five cubic feet) of extra room. In comparison, the conventional gas-powered Puma provides a mere 2.8 cubic feet of storage space, making the Puma Gen-E notably more practical. In terms of dimensions, the Puma Gen-E measures 4,214 millimeters (165.9 inches) in length, 1,930mm (75.9 inches) in width, and 1,555mm (61.2 inches) in height, categorizing it as a subcompact vehicle and the smallest model within Ford’s existing lineup.
To better match the electric vehicle trend and to differentiate itself from its gas-powered counterpart, Ford has revamped the Puma Gen-E’s design aesthetic. The front façade features a new shield-like design inspired by the Mustang Mach-E, replacing the traditional grille and giving it a modern electric identity. The crossover will also offer unique alloy wheels in two sizes: 17 inches for the standard variant and 18 inches for the Premium trim. These design changes aim to evoke an “electric vibe,” emphasizing the vehicle’s eco-friendly attributes while maintaining a visually appealing essence.
Inside the Puma Gen-E, a 12.8-inch center display will be at the driver’s fingertips, running on Ford’s Sync 4 operating system. Although Ford has yet to implement an Android-based Digital Experience in Europe, the system does feature support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making connectivity and entertainment more accessible during journeys. Ford has designed the interior to keep up with modern needs and preferences, suggesting that tech-savvy millennial and Gen Z consumers will find the new vehicle appealing.
Production of the Puma Gen-E is set to kick off at Ford’s assembly plant located in Craiova, Romania, with electric drive units being manufactured at the company’s facility in Halewood, England. As part of Ford’s plan to move towards a greener future, the Puma Gen-E represents a significant step in its commitment to electrification. Although the electric variant is currently available for order, Ford has yet to disclose the pricing details, leaving potential customers eager to learn how the new model will fit within their budgets.
Ford has established the Puma Gen-E not just as a vehicular option, but as an embodiment of the evolving automotive landscape. As consumer preferences shift towards sustainability and electric mobility, the introduction of the Puma Gen-E positions Ford strategically in the competitive European market. With its promising electric range, innovative storage solutions, and modern design elements, the Puma Gen-E is designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s drivers while paving the way for future models in its lineup. Deliveries are expected to commence in spring 2025, and the anticipation around this small crossover gives Ford a noteworthy opportunity to solidify its presence in the growing electric vehicle segment.
