In the space of a few days at the beginning of March 2026, Ford announced a series of improvements for three of its electric models: the Puma Gen-E, the Explorer and the Capri. On the agenda: greater range, new technologies and technical optimisations designed to make these vehicles more competitive, without any significant price increases. A series of announcements that illustrate the American manufacturer’s desire to strengthen the credibility of its electric range in Europe.
Puma Gen-E: the electric volume car gains in range
Let’s start with the American brand’s best-selling model in Europe in 2025: the Puma Gen-E, the 100% electric version of Ford’s urban crossover. It’s a strategic vehicle that Ford obviously doesn’t want to leave on the sidelines: « The interest we’ve seen in our Puma and Puma Gen-E across Europe is proof that we’ve found the right formula, » says Christian Weingaertner, Managing Director, Passenger Cars, Ford of Europe.
With this update, Ford is announcing a range of over 417 km, compared with 376 km for the previous version of the Puma Gen-E, thanks to optimisation of the battery and energy management. This is a significant improvement for a model that is aimed primarily at the small urban SUV segment, where range remains a key criterion for buyers.
The manufacturer is also introducing BlueCruise, its assisted driving system that allows hands-free driving on certain stretches of motorway, as long as the driver keeps his or her eyes on the road. Hitherto reserved for more upmarket models, this is the first time the system has been available on a vehicle in the small crossover segment. And as an added bonus for music fans, the manufacturer has announced that the B&O Premium Audio system has been improved and is now even more powerful than before.
Electric Explorer: greater efficiency and technology
The Ford Explorer Electric, recently launched on the European market, is also benefiting from technical improvements. Among the changes announced for this 100% electric family SUV is the introduction of a new 58 kWh LFP battery for Standard Range versions, replacing the previous 52 kWh battery. This change increases the range, which is now up to 444 kilometres according to the WLTP cycle. The 79 kWh Explorer RWD Extended Range version offers a range of up to 602 km.
This new battery uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, renowned for its durability and resistance to recharging cycles, even though it requires slightly less rapid recharging power. On the Explorer Standard Range, maximum DC power has been reduced from around 145 kW to 110 kW, bringing the recharge time from 10% to 80% to around 28 minutes, compared with around 25 minutes previously.
At the same time, Ford is also introducing a number of software and technological improvements. The SYNC Move system, controlled via the central screen, benefits from optimised navigation capable of planning journeys by taking into account recharge stops and remaining range. Driving aids have also been upgraded, with a more precise adaptive cruise control system, improved lane-keeping management and new motorway assistance functions.
Capri electric: more range for the SUV coupé
The electric Ford Capri, recently unveiled as a modern interpretation of the famous 1970s coupé, also benefits from these technical developments. The Capri is based on the same platform as the Explorer, and like the Explorer, the entry-level versions now adopt the 58 kWh LFP battery, which provides a WLTP range of up to 464 kilometres. Extended Range versions are still equipped with the larger 77 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 627 km WLTP depending on configuration.
The motor has also been improved. The Capri Standard Range benefits from an improved electric motor, with power increased to 140 kW (190 bhp) 7 and torque to 350 Nm.
Ford is also taking advantage of this update to enhance the model’s equipment. As with the Explorer, the Capri’s digital environment has been upgraded, with the SYNC Move multimedia system controlled via a 14.6-inch sliding touchscreen, as well as a number of adjustments to driving aids and on-board connectivity. The changes to the Capri mainly concern the optimisation of technologies already on board. The manufacturer is also offering the Capri Collection Pack, a finish inspired by the model’s heritage that adds a number of specific design elements and reinforces the more emotional positioning of this electric SUV coupé.
A strategy to strengthen Ford’s electric credentials
These announcements are part of a wider strategy by the American manufacturer in Europe. Rather than churning out new models, Ford seems to be focusing on gradually improving its existing electric vehicles to make them more competitive.
The three models concerned occupy key positions in the manufacturer’s range:
- Puma Gen-E, designed to generate volume in the small SUV segment.
- Explorer, positioned as a technological family SUV.
- Capri, which plays more of an image role with its SUV coupé design.
This strategy enables Ford to cover several major segments of the European electric market, in the face of increasingly intense competition.
