Ford to build EV crossover with Volkswagen platform

Ford Motor Company is taking aggressive steps towards an all-electric future, and that involves making a collaboration with a German rival.

Just recently, Ford made its gas-powered and electric vehicle (EV) businesses operate independently. Because of this split, they now have an undivided focus on both units and have made significant strides on the all-electric front with their plan to offer nine EV models by 2024.

With such a short period of time, how would Ford make that happen? Apparently, it is with the help of Volkswagen. One part of Ford's electrification plan is a medium-size crossover and a sports EV, which will utilize the MEB electric platform similar to the ones used by the VW ID.4 and ID.5.

This is not the first time Ford and VW have worked together to build new models, as the Volkswagen Amarok will now be based on the Ford Ranger pick-up truck. In fact, Ford has already revealed the next-gen Ranger while the all-new Amarok is set to debut in the coming months.

However, Ford's EV crossovers won't be rebadged versions of the VW. They will be "highly differentiated and the sort of car only Ford can do. They'll look like Fords, drive like Fords and have a unique ownership experience" according to Ford of Europe boss Stuart Rowley.

The medium and sport EV crossovers will slot in between the all-electric Puma and the Mustang Mach-E, forming Ford's electric passenger car lineup for Europe. In addition, four new electric commercial vehicles are set to be introduced in 2024 to join the E-Transit van, which will be launched this year.

Ford and Volkswagen's partnership to build EVs open up the possibility for other carmakers to do the same. Which companies do you think would follow suit? Let us know in the comments.