Ford’s new electric crossover with VW caught testing for the first time
Based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, Ford’s new electric crossover was spotted testing for the first time. The Ford Capri will be revived as the second EV born from the partnership.
Designed as the European version of the Mustang, Ford’s Capri is destined to return as an electric crossover SUV.
After launching in 1969, the 2+2 coupe was a runaway hit, selling over 400,000 models in its first two years alone. By 1974, 1.2 million Ford Capri’s were sold, and a three-door hatch replaced the original model.
With new higher-performance hatches like Volkswagen’s Golf GTI hitting the market, Ford’s Capri lost ground.
Production of the Capri ended in 1986, but the legendary nameplate is returning as an electric crossover.
The first pre-production prototypes of Ford’s new electric crossover have emerged ahead of its debut in 2024. Ford’s Capri EV was spotted testing for the first time by Auto Express, giving us a glimpse of what we can expect to see in the final version due out next year.
As you can see, the electric crossover features many MEB-like features. For example, its long wheelbase and wide stance give it away.
You can see the vehicle’s slanting roof silhouette and upright tail despite the camouflage. The report notes that the images show a similar design to Cupra’s first electric SUV, the Tavascan. The Cupra Tavascan is also based on VW’s MEB platform.
Ford’s electric crossover will be available with a 335 hp twin motor variant and 82 kWh battery pack. This should be good for roughly 300 miles range. Meanwhile, a single motor trim (long-range version) featuring the same battery could provide up to 330 miles.
There will likely be smaller, cheaper options with a 55kWh battery pack, good for about 220 miles range. Prices have not been revealed but are expected to be around £40,000 ($49,000).
Ford’s new electric crossover to join European EV lineup
You can also see the iconic double-style headlight design featured in the classic Capri models. Ford teased the headlights after revealing plans to release several new electric models in Europe.
Ford’s electric Capri will follow the recently revealed Explorer EV, poised to hit the European market in mid-2024. It will also follow the electric Puma, which is expected to launch later next year or early 2025.
Ford’s all-electric Explorer was unveiled in March with an expected starting price under $50K (€45,000).
Although Ford planned to open Explorer EV orders this fall with deliveries by the end of the year, production was pushed back as it awaited battery tech from VW.
The new electric models are part of a 2020 partnership with VW to use its MEB platform. Ford’s partnership is part of its plans to go all-electric by 2035, with nine new EVs in its lineup.
Electrek’s Take
Ford is essentially doing what it did with its Mustang model with the Capri. The automaker took an iconic nameplate and converted it into an all-electric crossover.
At the right price, the electric Capri could help boost sales in the region. However, it will face stiff competition, with the Tesla Model Y and several new electric crossovers hitting the market.
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With its tire-blistering acceleration and record-setting performance, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has been getting attention throughout the auto industry, impressing everyone who’s seen it. That “everyone” now seems to include the OG supercar brand, itself.
CarNewsChina posted pictures from a Weibo user that reportedly show a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra exiting the storied Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. According to a Chinese blogger going by 西米露在博洛尼亚 (which seems to translate to “Sago Dessert in Bologna”), the prancing horse brand is actively benchmarking the Chinese hypercar for its own upcoming EV.
The SU7 Ultra was definitely coming from inside Ferrari’s facility. After verification, we learned this specific vehicle was officially purchased by Ferrari for testing, and the development of their next-generation electric platform.
Yet another Chinese auto blogger, 苏黎世贝勒爷, claims that Ferrari representatives visited Xiaomi headquarters last year, allegedly to discuss the joint development of next-generation high-performance EV motors.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra made its debut last year, promising 1,548 hp, sub 2.0-second 0-60 mph times, and a top speed well over 200 mph – all at a price lower than a Tesla Model S Plaid or Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The car sold out almost immediately after it was unveiled, racking up some 50,000 orders almost overnight.
The new electric benchmark
In the automotive world, “benchmarking” is a process in which car companies systematically tear down each others’ competitive products to compare everything from sound insulation, vehicle ride and handling, component materials, and even manufacturing methods against their own or against other industry leaders. The goal is to evaluate performance, cost, quality, and other key metrics, effectively figuring out “where they stand” in the market.
If Ferrari really did buy an SU7 to benchmark it against their own upcoming electric supercar, it’s more than just a curiosity – it could mean that the highest tiers of automotive innovation have shifted from West to East. Maybe forever.
Featured image via Xiaomi; sources throughout the post.
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We’re finally getting our first teases of the upgraded 2027 Chevy Bolt, built on GM’s battery/motor platform formerly known as Ultium. So far, so good for the vehicle, which will be revealed later this Fall.
Chevy took to social media today to tease the 2027 Chevy Bolt, saying, “You asked, we listened. The #ChevyBolt is back and better than ever. More this fall. 👀”
Chevy ended the original Bolt program with the 2023 model, which was loved by a loyal group of customers (including myself). Some of the major gripes, including charging speed and rear brake lights, already look to be addressed. Also, a new more aggressive fascia is debuting.
Electrek’s take
GM has done an incredible job keeping the 2027 Bolt under wraps. It will be the first GM vehicle with a native NACS port after the Cadillac Optiq-V, which we spied in Seattle last week.
Hopefully, the new Bolt will have improved charging speeds over and above the 54kW that previous Bolts adhered to. One possible downgrade is that the old Bolt’s amazing wireless CarPlay/Android Auto system will likely be replaced by GM’s move to Android’s built-in experience. For a few years, the Chevy Bolt was the most affordable long-range EV, and it won our 2022 Electrek car of the year for its versatility and price.
I would, of course, like to see the new Bolt as a hot hatchback, but GM CEO Mary Barra has hinted that it will likely take more of the EUV’s SUV form factor. Things like AWD options, SuperCruise, pricing, power and range are yet to be revealed, but stay tuned to Electrek for the latest on Bolt developments.
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On today’s test-acular episode of Quick Charge, it’s a new day and a new Chinese ADAS test for Tesla to conquer – but this one’s got a LOT more pedestrian carnage to parse through! We’ve also got some great e-bike deals from Retrospec and a bladder-busting Hyundai.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec – the makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure! To that end, we’ve got a pair of Retrospec e-bike reviews followed up by the updated Hyundai IONIQ 6 with nearly 350 miles of range from its updated long-range battery. With that, Hyundai now has the longest range Korean EV on the market, while Texas is adding megawatts of battery energy storage to beef up its troubled grid, and it’s doing so faster and cheaper than ever before.
Plus: Quick Charge listeners can get an extra 10% off the price of their next awesome e-bike by using code ELECTREK10 at retrospec.com!
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If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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