The American automobile manufacturer Ford opened the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center in Germany – the first carbon-neutral assembly plant. This will be achieved through the installation of new processes, machinery, and technologies in the high-tech manufacturing facility. The first Electric Vehicle (EV) to be manufactured in the Cologne facility will be the electric Ford Explorer, which will be followed by a sports crossover. The investment is calculated at $2 billion.
The plant is located in Niehl, Cologne, and will enable the employment of skilled manufacturing professionals in this sector. Some of the specs of the facility include a 125 hectares site, an annual production capacity of over 250,000 EVs, and a new production line, alongside a battery assembly, as well as advanced tooling and automation. The facility has a significant role in achieving a production goal of two million EVs annually by the end of 2026.
Other advancements include self-learning machines, autonomous transport systems, as well as improved efficiency of production processes. Moreover, employees will be supported by cognitive and collaborative robots and Augmented Reality (AR) solutions. As said by the Executive Chair, Bill Ford, “Opening the Cologne EV Center is the start of a new generation of clean manufacturing and electric vehicles in Europe,”, adding that “This facility will now be one of the most efficient and environmentally
