Volkswagen-based Ford electric SUV to be unveiled in March

Ford's upcoming electric crossover for Europe will be revealed on March 21, 2023.

Based on the Volkswagen Group's MEB electric vehicle architecture, the vehicle was teased by the head of Ford's passenger electric vehicles in Europe, Martin Sander, on social media.

It will be closely related to the electric Volkswagen ID.4 medium SUV. A coupe-styled 'sport crossover' derivative based on the Volkswagen ID.5 will follow in the coming months.

“With our brand-new Ford Motor Company EV from Europe being revealed next month, it’s now time we start getting excited," said Sander.

UPDATE, March 22: Explorer EV unveiled

The new 2024 Ford Explorer EV has been revealed. Get the full story at the link below.

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While the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok share the same frame, the ID.4-based electric SUV is expected to adopt a unique, more-rugged design.

However, the two vehicles will be similar under the skin, with the ID.4's electric motors and battery packs – ranging from 109kW and 55kWh to 225kW and 82kWh – likely to be offered.

The electric SUV will slot between the forthcoming Puma EV – based on an updated version of the current internal-combustion model – and the Mustang Mach-E.

Set to be manufactured at Ford's factory in Cologne, Germany, it will be built on the same production line as the Fiesta hatchback, which will end production mid-year after 47 years.

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Ford Europe has confirmed it will shift to an electric-only passenger vehicle lineup by 2030, with commercial vehicles to follow later.

The company has already discontinued the Mondeo, while the once-popular Focus hatch and wagon will be axed in Europe at the end of its current lifecycle, which is currently set for 2025.

Following delays, Ford Australia's first electric vehicle, the E-Transit large van, is expected in March. The mid-size E-Transit Custom will follow in 2024.

So far, the brand's local arm has provided no word on the Mustang Mach-E, but Wheels understands it will arrive in Australia once strong global demand for the electric SUV softens.