Ford scale back on VW Partnership for EVs

Ford will use its own technology for future electric cars after it has launched two EVs based on VW Group’s MEB electric-only architecture.

Ford will reduce its dependence on Volkswagen Group’s EV technology as the U.S. automaker shifts its European lineup to electric-only.

After launching two new all-electric EVs based on VW Group’s MEB electric-only architecture, Ford will use its own technology for future electric cars.

VW’s MEB platform was a transitional technology for Ford and using it saved the company at least two years of development time, Martin Sanders, Ford’s e-car development manager in Europe, told Automotive News. Ford is spending $2 billion to convert its factory in Cologne, Germany, to build two MEB-based cars, while ending production of the long-running Fiesta hatchback there. By 2026, Ford plans to sell 600,000 EVs a year in Europe. The first MEB-based Ford EV will be unveiled in March and will be similar in size to the VW ID4 crossover. Ford describes the second EV as a “sport crossover.” It will go into production next year in Cologne. Source: Automotive News