According to media reports, Ford has commenced production of electric vehicle drive motors at its Halewood factory in the UK. The plant has an annual production capacity of up to 420,000 motors, enabling it to supply 70% of Ford's electric vehicles sold in Europe.
The motors produced at Halewood will power models such as the new Puma Gen-E, E-Transit Custom, and E-Tourneo Custom. These motors will also be exported to Romania and Turkey.
Ford's Craiova plant in Romania manufactures the newly unveiled Puma Gen-E, as well as the compact vans E-Transit Courier and E-Tourneo Courier. Meanwhile, the E-Transit Custom and its passenger version, the E-Tourneo Custom, will be assembled at Ford Otosan's Yeniköy facility in Turkey.
In 2021, Ford announced a £230 million investment to convert the former transmission factory at Halewood. By the end of 2022, an additional £150 million was allocated, increasing the annual motor production capacity from the initially planned 250,000 units to 420,000 units. This accounts for 70% of the 600,000 electric vehicles Ford aims to sell in Europe annually by 2026. Of the total £380 million investment (approximately €458 million), the UK government provided a subsidy of slightly over £30 million (about €36 million).
Except for the two MEB models produced at Ford's Cologne plant, which use Volkswagen-supplied motors, almost all motors for Ford's vehicles produced in Europe will come from Halewood. The plant is capable of producing motors with various power levels, including models rated at 100 kW, 123 kW, 160 kW, and 210 kW.
Kieran Cahill, Ford's Vice President of Industrial Operations in Europe, highlighted the plant's 60-year history and the expertise of the local team in a statement:
"Their skills, dedication, and pride are driving our electrification journey. With Halewood becoming our first in-house electric vehicle component production facility in Europe, and as we launch nine electric vehicle models in Europe by 2025, we are building a prosperous future together."
Lee Meyers, Ford Halewood Plant Manager, stated:
"The start of electric motor production at Halewood is a proud moment for us. Not only are we embracing exciting technological changes, but we are also investing in our team and community while contributing to the UK's electric future. As part of Ford's electrification journey, this plant, our workforce, and this region have a bright future ahead."
