Ford retired the iconic Fiesta in 2023, but whispers suggest its revival could come sooner than expected – this time, as an electrifying electric vehicle (EV) iteration. Given Ford’s collaboration with Volkswagen, the Fiesta could be an ideal candidate for a successful electric transition. Here’s a glimpse of what the Ford Fiesta EV could look like.
Ford has confirmed plans to introduce an electric variant of its popular Fiesta model, which is expected to hit European roads in 2023.
Since the mid-1990s, the Ford Fiesta has consistently held the title as the best-selling compact car across Europe. Despite marking the end of an era, the last Ford Fiesta left the production line at the German factory in July 2023.
Ford ceased manufacturing operations in Cologne as part of a $2-billion investment to enhance its electric vehicle production capabilities. Ford’s Cologne facility has become the company’s first carbon-neutral car manufacturing plant worldwide. As a strategic move to electrify its lineup, several nameplate models have been launched alongside the Explorer and Capri, with each variant built on Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform.
Sanders acknowledged that, while a particular opportunity had been pursued, he was open to exploring alternative collaborations in the future, stating he “didn’t need to rule out” the possibility of sharing knowledge and expertise again.
While nothing is etched in concrete, the Ford Fiesta could be a strong contender to challenge Volkswagen’s smaller MEB Entry platform.
The newly launched platform powers Volkswagen’s debut entry-level electric vehicles, the ID.1 and ID.2, boasting a maximum driving range of up to 279 miles (450 kilometers).
At 4,068mm in length, the Ford Fiesta’s dimensions are comparable to those of the upcoming Volkswagen ID.2, set to hit dealership shelves in 2026. While an EV model might share similar dimensions with the ID.2, a fully electric Ford Fiesta could stand out with its unique Ford-designed exterior.
Ford unveiled the Puma Electric Vehicle (EV), an eco-friendly iteration of its top-performing model in European markets, in December. The vehicle’s sleek design features a contemporary “recent face,” marked by a discreetly shut “Protect” grille and slender LED headlights that convey a sense of modernity.
The electric Puma boasts an impressive WLTP driving range of up to 234 miles (376 km). In the metropolitan area, this vehicle is expected to reach speeds of up to 325 miles per hour, easily surpassing the requirements for a typical daily commute.
Ford is developing its own low-cost platform in California, which could also give rise to smaller electric vehicles such as the Fiesta or Focus. Notwithstanding the uncertainty surrounding its release date, the primary vehicle is expected to be a mid-size electric pickup, scheduled for debut in 2027.
