Ford is unveiling its newest electric vehicle this week. Ahead of its official debut, Ford teased the new EV, claiming “the legend is back.”
Ford confirmed the new EV will be revealed on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The new EV will follow Ford’s electric Explorer as the automaker’s second model based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform.
The first all-electric Explorer rolled off the assembly line at Ford’s new Cologne EV plant in Germany last month. It was the first of a 2020 deal with VW to use its platform as it looks to revamp sales in the region.
Described as a “sports crossover,” the vehicle is expected to take the Capri name. Ford’s Capri was a smash hit, selling over 400,000 models in its first two years.
After 38 years off the market, the Capri is set to return as an all-electric SUV coupe. Ford has teased the new model several times.
In its latest social media post, Ford confirmed it will unveil the new EV on Wednesday, saying, “The legend is back.”
Ford is teasing its newest EV, a revived legend
The video shows a man trying to plug a charger into a Capri 2.8 Injection’s fuel cap. In what appears to be a security camera, you can see the words “The legend is back” written on the back window of the new EV with the release date.
As it drives off, the phrase is repeated in the parking spot. Ford’s new EV was spotted testing last year with a Cupra Tavascan-like appearance (another MEB-based EV) last year.
Ford’s Explorer and new Capri EVs will feature specs similar to VW’s ID.4 and ID.5 models. Powered by a new battery, the electric Explorer has a WLTP range of up to 374 miles (600 km).
The dual-motor Explorer uses the same powertrain system powering VW’s GTX models with up to 335 hp and a 79 kWh battery.
Ford’s Explorer starts at £45,875 ($58,000) in Europe, while a lower-priced, standard range model is launching later this year. It’s expected to start at about £39,875 ($50,000).
Ford retired its Fiesta to make room for the new electric Explorer and Capri EV at its upgraded Cologne plant.
Check back Wednesday for all the details on Ford’s new Capri EV.
Electrek’s Take
Ford’s new EV comes after it lost its European boss, Martin Sander, to Volkswagen. Sander left the company last month and joined VW as its new head of sales and market.
Sander played a critical role in launching the electric Explorer, so his loss could be significant. Ford is eliminating his position as part of a restructuring in Europe. It’s also reducing the headcount in Cologne.
The changes, implemented on July 1, are part of a broader “transformation of its European business,” according to Ford.
Meanwhile, Ford’s EV sales surged in the US in the second quarter. With nearly 24,000 EVs sold, Ford remained the second best-selling EV brand behind Tesla (not including combined Hyundai and Kia sales) in the US.
Can Ford’s new Capri EV help revive European sales? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Source: AutoCar, Ford News Europe