Picture this: Ford has taken one of its most popular internal combustion engine vehicles and ingeniously reimagined it as an electric vehicle. This transformation is embodied in the Ford Puma Gen-E, a fascinating model that showcases how traditional automotive manufacturers are adapting to the growing demand for electric cars.
At first glance, you might notice that the Gen-E features a compact battery and, consequently, a limited driving range, which are the primary indicators that it isn't designed from the ground up as a dedicated electric vehicle. Despite these minor drawbacks, both our road testers and reviewers have given high praise, awarding four stars to both the gasoline-powered Puma and its electric counterpart. This raises a compelling question: How did Ford accomplish this remarkable feat? To dive deeper, I spoke with Dieter Leffers, the chief engineer behind the Puma project.
MSc: What motivated you to convert the Puma into an electric vehicle?
DL: We observed that many of our competitors were shifting towards electric options, prompting us to ask ourselves what the fastest approach would be to meet market expectations. The Puma has been our top-selling internal combustion engine car in the UK since 2023, making it an ideal candidate for this electrification journey. We were committed to preserving the Puma's original essence, which is why the exterior remained largely unchanged. Our focus shifted significantly to enhancing the interior, aiming for maximum connectivity and ensuring the display screens were appropriately sized to utilize space effectively in a compact vehicle.
Range was another major consideration. We aimed to provide the best possible driving range while maintaining affordability, which ultimately led to our decision to equip the car with a smaller battery.
MSc: I find the range quite impressive. For short trips, the Puma Gen-E performs remarkably well.
DL: We invested considerable resources into optimizing aerodynamics. The vehicle's underbody is fully sealed, resembling the design principles used in Formula 1 cars. Additionally, we incorporated a shooting brake-style rear spoiler and ensured the front end was streamlined. The electric motor is positioned coaxially, meaning that the transmission is located in front of the output shaft, allowing for direct energy transfer to the drivetrain without loss, thus maximizing efficiency.
MSc: What was the biggest obstacle during this development?
DL: One of our primary challenges was to enter the market as swiftly as possible. We managed to shorten the development timeline by a whole year compared to our usual processes. We achieved this by taking the existing design DNA of the Puma and integrating it into a different platform. By sharing platforms, we ensured that both electric and internal combustion engine models retained a common wheelbase, which helped maintain the four-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.
Most of the compromises made during this transition are not immediately visible to customers. For instance, while there is slightly less legroom in the back, we've provided more space for passengers' feet, enhancing comfort.
MSc: There’s also increased storage capacity in the trunk!
This innovative approach not only exemplifies Ford's commitment to evolving with the times but also sparks intriguing discussions about the future of automotive design. How do you feel about traditional car makers transitioning to electric vehicles? Is it enough to simply adapt existing models, or should they focus on developing entirely new designs? Share your thoughts!
