Cologne, Germany – June 12, 2025 – Ford has officially commenced large-scale battery pack assembly at its newly transformed Electric Vehicle Center in Cologne, marking a significant milestone in the company’s shift toward electric mobility in Europe.
The new facility, which forms part of a broader $2 billion investment in the historic Cologne site, is now producing battery packs for Ford’s next-generation electric models—the all-electric Ford Explorer and the newly revealed Ford Capri. These battery packs come in three sizes and are exclusively assembled for these models, which are also manufactured on-site, ensuring tightly integrated production and optimized logistics.
Modern Manufacturing Meets Tradition
With nearly a century of automotive heritage, the Cologne plant has long been a centerpiece of Ford’s European operations. The latest updates signal a future-forward transformation, with a fully digitalised and highly automated battery assembly line spanning 2 kilometers and incorporating 180 advanced robots. These systems handle welding, adhesive bonding, and precision assembly of each battery pack, which consists of up to 12 modules and more than 2,700 individual components.
Quality, Efficiency, and Workforce Development
Ford’s new battery plant not only delivers on performance and quality but also strengthens in-house capabilities. The facility is designed to uphold strict quality standards while improving production speed and efficiency. As part of the transformation, employees are being trained in advanced EV manufacturing techniques, contributing to Ford’s evolution into a “Factory of the Future.”
Driving Ford’s Electric Future in Europe
This expansion complements Ford’s growing electric vehicle infrastructure across the continent, with additional EV production at Ford Otosan’s sites in Romania and Turkey, and electric drive units coming from its Halewood plant in the UK.
The Ford Explorer and Ford Capri will offer impressive ranges of up to 602 km and 627 km, respectively, based on WLTP testing. These models are engineered specifically for European roads and consumers, reflecting Ford’s commitment to delivering high-quality, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions.
