Ford Opens $2 Billion Cologne EV Center – its First Carbon Neutral Assembly Plant

Ford has opened the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center, a production facility in Germany that will build Ford’s new generation of electric passenger vehicles for its European customers. Ford has transformed its historic plant in Niehl, Cologne – first founded in 1930 – as part of a $2 billion investment.

The 125-hectare site is equipped with a brand-new production line, battery assembly and state-of-the-art tooling and automation, enabling an annual production capacity of 250,000+ EVs.

The company recently unveiled its fourth EV globally, the electric Explorer, which will be the first electric vehicle to be produced in Cologne, followed by a second electric vehicle, a sports crossover.

The Cologne EV Center will be Ford’s first carbon neutral assembly plant to open globally and supports the company’s commitment to reach carbon neutrality across its entire European footprint of facilities, logistics and direct suppliers by 2035.

New cognitive and collaborative robots, and augmented reality solutions will also increase efficiencies and data exchange with other plants to share experiences in real time.

Bill Ford, Ford's Executive Chair, says: “Opening the Cologne EV Center is the start of a new generation of clean manufacturing and electric vehicles in Eur. 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.”

Germany's Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, who attended the opening, adds "The Electric Vehicle Center represents a fresh start and is the largest investment in the company's history at the Ford plant in Cologne. This is good news for Cologne, for the auto industry in Germany, for e-mobility and for the new era."

“The Cologne EV Center signals the start of a new era for Ford in Europe,” comments Martin Sander, general manager of Ford Model e 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.”

Ford employs approximately 34,000 people at its wholly owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 56,000 people including unconsolidated businesses across Europe.