Ford has unveiled an all-electric version of one of its best-selling cars, set to go on sale in Ireland in early 2025. The Puma Gen-E is based on the existing front-wheel-drive crossover and offers an official range of up to 376 kilometres on a charge.
How big is its battery?
A lithium-ion battery of 43kWh usable energy capacity is fitted, which is quite modest by modern EV standards, but that means weight can be kept down to an admirable 1,563kg. That, plus a focus on reduced aerodynamic drag, has allowed Ford to achieve an excellent official energy consumption figure of as low as 13.1kWh/100km.
The battery can be recharged at up to 100kW on a DC charger, for a 10-80 per cent top up in a minimum of 23 minutes.
Is it any less practical than the petrol-fuelled Puma?
Actually, the Gen-E is more practical, as a lot more space has been freed up in the boot thanks to the removal of the petrol model’s fuel tank. Where once there was the ‘MegaBox’ underfloor storage there’s now a ‘GigaBox’ meaning up to 574 litres of boot space in the back. A little extra space (43 litres) has been carved out under the bonnet, too.
The electric Puma is limited to towing no more than 750kg, though, even if the load is braked.
Is yellow the only paint colour?
No, though the ‘Electric Yellow’ paint hue is a signature of the Gen-E model. Look closer and you’ll spot white badging, which is unique to the electric Puma, and of course there are no exhaust pipes. The base model sits on 17-inch wheels for that maximum range, while the Premium version gets 18-inch wheels (and a slightly lower official range) as standard. Eye-catching 19-inch wheels will be offered as an option.
The biggest change to the Puma’s style is at the front, where the grille is blanked off and styled in line with that of the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Anything new inside?
There’s a new raised centre console for the Gen-E and a drive selector on the steering column, but otherwise the Puma’s cabin is little changed. The electric model gets the same upgrades applied to the rest of the lineup earlier this year including the latest ‘Sync 4’ infotainment system software.
Irish pricing for the electric Puma has yet to be announced, but it will hit Ireland in the first quarter of 2025.