Ford’s ‘Go Electric’ event in Europe goes mostly hybrid

Ford’s “Go Electric” event in Amsterdam today revealed the automaker’s electrified vehicle lineup in Europe, but all of the new production models introduced at the event were hybrid variants.

Ford confirmed that its all-electric Mustang-inspired SUV will arrive in 2020 with a WTLP range of 600 km (370 miles) and that its new all-electric Transit should be set for launch in 2021.

The automaker also introduced a Transit Smart Energy Concept 10-seater minibus, which is “helping Ford find new ways to extend battery-electric driving range for electrified vehicles.” The concept boasts a 150 km (93 miles) driving range from a 4-hour charge using a “Ford Transit chassis fitted with the same battery-electric drivetrain technology as the StreetScooter WORK XL.”

The concept includes six roof-mounted solar panels and a 12-volt battery to power seat heating, cabin lighting and on-board electrical systems. Ford plans on testing it on roads later this year.

But the new production model announcements were hybrid-related. Those announcements included multiple hybrid powertrains for the Ford Kuga SUV, and new hybrid variants for Ford Explorer, Tourneo Custom, Fiesta, and Focus.

When Ford first announced its electrified plans for Europe, we were concerned the plan would be short on all-electric models. So far, at least, that seems to be the case.

In the U.S., the carmaker confirmed earlier this year that an all-electric F-Series pickup truck is in the works. A recent $850 million investment in U.S. facilities will also focus on fully electric and autonomous vehicles.