Ford: With finished bodywork and heavy camouflage the new electric crossover

Η Ford is preparing to launch a new electric crossover in Europe. It is part of the company's efforts to make its range on the Old Continent all-electric by the end of the decade. The new photos obtained by Motor1.com capture the rugged crossover being tested in public for the first time with its final bodywork.

The photos show the crossover with very heavy camouflage all over the body with only a few spots exposed. The EV has a flat face with a protruding front bumper that hosts a rectangular lower opening flanked by vertical intakes. Portions of the headlights peek through the camouflage, pushed to the edges of the hood.

Ford also covered the rear, hiding the more subtle design details. The crossover features a small roof spoiler, a chunky fifth door and a fake diffuser with a sporty look. It looks like a typical crossover in proportions and with few styling surprises. The photographer couldn't capture the interior, but it looks like Ford tried to hide it under a carpet.

Ford's new EV is part of a partnership with Volkswagen. The two signed a deal in 2020 to collaborate on EV development, although Ford recently scaled back its ambitions to just two models. The automaker is reportedly working on a "mid-size crossover," which this model is supposed to be, and a "sport crossover."

The new Blue Oval electric vehicle is rumoured to share underpinnings with the Volkswagen ID.4, having been developed on the same MEB platform. However, the Ford is believed to have a unique interior and will offer 500 kilometres of range on the WLTP cycle. We'll find out more about Ford's new EV powertrain and its range when it makes its official debut.

Ford hasn't announced when it plans to unveil the new EV, but it could happen next month. The new crossover is supposed to launch in Europe by the end of 2023, with Ford producing it at its plant in Cologne, Germany. The sporty crossover that Ford is also developing will likely have a more stylised design and is expected to hit the market in 2024.