- ElectricDrives got to see the highly anticipated Ford Puma Gen-E in the flesh last week: a fully-electric take on the existing ICE-based Puma.
- With the Puma compact crossover already existing as the best-selling car in the UK in 2023, and on track to be the best-selling car in 2024, this EV version has the potential to sell in large numbers – particularly as Ford has made it nearly unidentifiable to its petrol counterparts. Will this familiarity give it a competitive edge?
- The Puma Gen-E is set to start at £29,995 in the UK, putting it in the rival line of EVs such as the Citroen e-C4 and the incoming Kia EV3.
Ford to offer its best-selling Puma in fully-electric form
The starting price of £29,995 also means that the all-electric Puma achieves near price parity with the petrol Puma, which has a base price of £26,350. The second option available is the ‘Premium’ Ford Puma Gen-E, starting at £31,995 and coming with more extras such as matrix LED headlights, a B&O sound system, and larger alloy wheels. However, even the entry level Puma Gen-E comes loaded with equipment and comes with better performance than the base petrol Puma – and that’s before we get to the possible lower running costs of the Gen-E.
When we got to see the Ford Puma Gen-E in person, it does look remarkably similar to the petrol-powered Pumas you currently see across Europe. There are a few distinctive features, however, beyond the obvious lack of exhaust pipe. This includes a solid front grille, reminiscent of the Mustang Mach-E. Additionally, a revised rear spoiler and unique alloys for the electric version help maximise efficiency. A new paint colour, aptly-named ‘Electric Yellow’ also joins as a new colour for the Puma Gen-E.
Ford has also tried to maximise the benefits of an electric powertrain within the Puma body. Boot space is up to 574 litres, up from 456 litres on the petrol model thanks to the lack of a fuel tank, giving the boot a deep reach. There’s also a 43 litre frunk, where the engine would normally be.
Performance wise, the Puma Gen-E packs a combined drivable range of up to 233 miles on a full charge – rising to 325 miles, if that charge consists solely of lower-speed city driving. A fast charging speed of up to 100kW is supported, while the 0-62mph sprint is delivered in 8 seconds flat, giving it similarly sporting credentials to the existing Puma ST.
The Puma Gen-E’s assembly will take place in Romania, just like its ICE-powered cousin. However, in a win for the UK automotive industry, the electric drive units for the Puma will be manufactured at Ford’s UK Halewood facility.
Order books for the Ford Puma Gen-E are already open, with the first examples set to be delivered to customers in 2025.
Jon Williams, General Manager of Ford Blue & Model e Europe, commented:
“Puma is a success story, loved for its sporty design and driving characteristics combined with unique practicality and class-leading boot storage. Puma Gen-E is our best ever Puma, with the most fun-to-drive experience yet, combined with an incredibly energy-efficient electric powertrain. And the new, even bigger GigaBox offers unmatched luggage capacity.”
