Earlier this week, Ford inaugurated the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center, a state-of-the-art production facility in Germany dedicated to manufacturing Ford’s new generation of electric passenger vehicles for European customers. The opening of this high-tech plant marks a significant milestone in Ford’s $2 billion investment, reaffirming the company’s confidence in skilled German manufacturing jobs and the future of automotive production in Europe.
Located in Niehl, Cologne, Ford has transformed its historic plant, which dates back to 1930, into a highly efficient site spread across 125 hectares. The facility boasts a brand-new production line, battery assembly, and cutting-edge tooling and automation, enabling an impressive annual production capacity of over 250,000 electric vehicles. Building upon the success of models like the Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit, and F-150 Lightning, Ford recently unveiled the electric Explorer, its fourth global electric vehicle, which will be the first to roll off the assembly line in Cologne. Additionally, a second electric vehicle, a sports crossover, is slated for production.
Beyond its technological advancements, the Cologne EV Center holds another distinction—it will be Ford’s first carbon-neutral assembly plant worldwide. This commitment aligns with the company’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality across all its European facilities, logistics, and direct suppliers by 2035.
Bill Ford, Executive Chair of Ford, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Opening the Cologne EV Center is the start of a new generation of clean manufacturing and electric vehicles in Europe. This facility will now be one of the most efficient and environmentally responsible plants in the entire industry. I am thrilled to continue working toward a zero-emissions future for our children and grandchildren.”
German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz also hailed the Electric Vehicle Center as a promising fresh start, emphasizing its status as Ford’s largest-ever investment at the Cologne plant. The Chancellor described it as good news for Cologne, the German auto industry, the advancement of e-mobility, and the dawn of a new era.
The inauguration of the Cologne EV Center represents a significant milestone in the long history of the Ford Cologne plant. Since its establishment in 1930, this facility has played a pivotal role in the European automotive industry. Over the years, it has produced iconic vehicles such as the Ford Model A, Taunus, Capri, Granada, and Fiesta.
Martin Sander, General Manager of Ford Model e Europe, expressed his excitement, saying, “The Cologne EV Center signals the start of a new era for Ford in Europe. We are once again redefining auto manufacturing, implementing advanced technologies to build fully connected, software-defined vehicles that meet our customers’ demand for zero-emission mobility.”
At the heart of the Cologne EV Center lie digital advancements that seamlessly connect machines, vehicles, and workers. Through the use of self-learning machines, autonomous transport systems, and real-time big data management, Ford aims to enhance production processes’ efficiency and continuously improve them to deliver high-quality results. Furthermore, Ford is committed to supporting its employees, emphasizing the augmentation of human excellence. Cognitive and collaborative robots, as well as augmented reality solutions, will enhance productivity and facilitate real-time data exchange with other plants to foster shared experiences.
To achieve carbon neutrality, Ford is implementing various measures to reduce energy usage and emissions at the Cologne EV Center. The installation of new processes, machinery, and technologies will contribute to these efforts. Notably, all electricity and natural gas consumed by the facility are carbon neutral, derived from 100% certified renewable sources and biomethane.
The heating requirements of the facility will also be met with carbon-neutral sources. The local energy provider will offset corresponding emissions from the assembly plant, ensuring that the heat used for processes and facility warming is carbon neutral. The heat is generated by an external power plant and waste incineration plant, which supply it through a dedicated steam network to Ford. Furthermore, the local energy provider has committed to reducing operating emissions for heat delivery by approximately 60% by 2026, with the aim of eliminating these emissions entirely by 2035. Once fully operational, Ford Cologne’s EV Center will be independently certified as carbon neutral. Regular audits and reconciliation will ensure compliance, and any remaining emissions will be offset through the purchase of high-quality carbon offsets.
In addition to the technological upgrades, the transformation of the Ford Cologne EV Center also includes an ecological enhancement of biodiversity and the existing factory greenspace. Measures implemented include the introduction of new perennial forb vegetation, conversion of ecologically poor grass areas into wildflower meadows, and the establishment of habitats for bats and birds.
Martin Sander concluded, “The carbon-neutral Cologne EV Center is a leading showcase in the automotive industry’s transition from traditional manufacturing to electric vehicle production. Our engineers have designed the facilities and processes to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact, contributing to Ford’s carbon neutrality in Europe and supporting our global decarbonization plan.”
