Foil for Opel Mokka-e and Peugeot 2008-e has same platform and drivetrain as recently announced small Ford van.

EXPECTATION that a fully electric version of Ford’s Puma compact crossover will be highly popular has been voiced by the national distributor.

Speaking about the derivative, which Ford New Zealand has today confirmed will be sold here next year, a spokesman for the Auckland-based operation said he could see every example brought to New Zealand finding a home here.

However, communications manager Tom Clancy said, it was still too early to discuss more specific sales potentials. “It’s way too early to talk sales figures.”

Full specifications including technical details and pricing will not be released until close to the car’s release – conceivably, then, that’s a year away.

The new model is known to share a Ford-developed platform and front drive-sorted single motor powertrain with the freshly revealed Ford E-Transit Courier van whose NZ availability, also in 2024, was confirmed on April 7.

This set-up in the van presents 100kW/ 290Nm driving the front axle, with a top speed of 144kmh. The battery size has yet to be disclosed but Ford is claiming ability to charge at 100kW for a 10-80 percent top-up in less than 35 minutes.

The Puma's electrification is the latest step in Ford’s electrification strategy, which will involve an investment of $22 billion through 2025.

Ford NZ has suggested the Puma EV will become an alternate to the hybrid edition it already sells here, in standard and ST-Line formats, both with a 1.0-litre petrol engine with electric assist. It makes 92kW and 210Nm and has optimal economy of 5.3 litres per 100km, plus a CO2 output of 123 grams per kilometre.

The hybrid sells for $36,990 and $39,990 but it’s unlikely the full electric will be the same realm. Conceivably, it will be position as a competitor for two PSA products, the Opel Mokka-e and Peugeot 2008-e.

The German model retails for $69,990 but has recently been promoted with a discount that – when the Clean Car rebate is added in – drops that sticker to $52,740, only until May 31. The Peugeot 2008-e, which has an identical 50kWh battery-fed 100kW/260Nm single motor, is presently also subject to promotional launch pricing, with a $57,365 sticker.

The electric Puma retains the standard car’s curvy crossover body shape, high-set headlights and sloping rear end. Though Ford has yet to release images, it is expected to achieves numerous EV-specific tweaks, such as a closed-off front grille to improve aero efficiency, a new LED running light design and a slightly cleaner lower front bumper.

The Puma EV seems set to be the second fully electric passenger Ford here after the Mustang Mach-E, which releases soon and sources from Mexico.

Ford NZ insists another electric car the Blue Oval has unveiled in Europe, the Explorer, is not for our market but has not made the same statement about a spin-off coupe-SUV, expected to be called Capri. Those cars are on Volkswagen’s MEB electric platform, availed through a co-share agreement that also delivers the twinned Ford Ranger and VW Amarok utilities, but will built in a Ford plant, in Cologne, Germany.