By Aris Galanopoulos

THE Ford today opened the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center, a high-tech production facility in Germany that will build its next generation of electric passenger vehicles Ford for millions of European customers.

Ford has transformed its historic factory in Niehl of Cologne – which was first established in 1930 – as part of a $2 billion investment, which represents a major vote of confidence in skilled jobs in the German manufacturing industry and the future of the automotive industry in Europe.

Designed with high efficiency in mind, the 125-hectare factory is equipped with a brand new production line, battery assembly department and state-of-the-art tooling and automation enabling an annual production capacity of more than 250,000 EVs. After the successes of Mustang Mach–E, E–Transit and F-150 Lightningthe Ford recently revealed the fourth EV her around the world. It’s about electric Explorerwhich will be the first EV which will be built in Cologne, followed by a second electric vehicle, which will be a sports car crossover.

The Electric Vehicle Center in Cologne will be the first carbon-neutral assembly plant launched by Ford globally and supports the company’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality across its European footprint of facilities, logistics and its direct suppliers until 2035.

“The launch of the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center is the beginning of a new generation of electric vehicles and clean production in Europe,” said Bill Ford, Executive Chairman. “This facility will now be one of the most efficient and environmentally responsible units in the entire industry. I’m excited that we’re continuing to work towards a zero-emissions future for our children and grandchildren.”

The Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholzsaid: “The Electric Vehicle Center represents a new beginning and is the largest investment in the company’s history in its factory Ford in Cologne. This is good news for Cologne, for the automotive industry in Germany, for electric mobility and for the new era.”

From Model A in the new electric Explorer: A new era for Ford in Europe
The opening of the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center is the latest chapter in the plant’s long history Ford in the city, which has been at the heart of the European automotive industry since 1930. Among the iconic vehicles built there are the Ford Model A, Taunus, Capri, Granada and Fiesta.

For more than 90 years and having manufactured over 18 million cars, its factory Ford in Cologne is one of the company’s most efficient worldwide and has brought freedom of mobility to millions of Europeans.

“The Cologne Electric Vehicle Center marks the beginning of a new era for the Ford in Europe”, said Martin SanderDirector-General, Ford Model e Europe. “We are once again redefining automotive manufacturing by applying advanced technologies to build software-defined, fully connected vehicles that meet our customers’ demand for zero-emission mobility.”

The heart of the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center consists of digital conquests that connect machines, vehicles and workers. The adoption of self-learning machines, autonomous transport systems and real-time big data management is integral to improving the efficiency of production processes and upgrading over time to ensure high quality.

THE Ford it also takes another step to support rather than replace human excellence. New cognitive and collaborative robots and augmented reality solutions will support its workers and increase efficiency and exchange data and experiences with other factories in real time.

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To achieve carbon neutrality, the Ford will reduce energy use and emissions in the factory by adopting new processes and installing new machinery and technologies. All electricity and natural gas required to run the plant are carbon neutral, as it is 100% certified renewable electricity and biomethane.

The heat required to heat the facilities and processes is carbon-free, as the local energy provider will offset the corresponding emissions from the assembly plant on its behalf. Ford. The heat is produced by an external power generation unit and a waste incineration unit and supplied to Ford through a dedicated steam network.

The local energy provider plans to reduce operational emissions for this heat supply by around 60% in 2026 and then completely eliminate them by 2035. Once fully operational, its Electric Vehicle Center Ford in Cologne will be certified by an independent body as carbon neutral. This independent certification will be reviewed and adjusted on a regular basis in relation to the purchase of premium carbon offsets for any remaining emissions.

The technological upgrade of its Electric Vehicle Center Ford in Cologne is accompanied by an improvement of the biodiversity and ecological balance of the factory’s existing green space. Among the measures put in place is a new perennial grassland vegetation, changing ecologically poor grasslands into wildflower meadows and insect hotels, as well as bat and bird habitats.

“The carbon-neutral Cologne Electric Vehicle Center is a benchmark for the automotive industry for the transition from traditional car manufacturing to the production of electric vehicles,” said Mr Sander. “Facilities and processes have been designed by our engineers to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact, helping Ford to become carbon neutral in Europe and supporting our global decarbonisation plan.”