The upcoming Puma Gen-E is Ford's budget-friendly EV for Europe, but could it also work in the Philippines?

Launched in 2019, the Ford Puma is a subcompact crossover designed for Europe and Australasia. It's essentially their version of the Ford EcoSport, which was popular in the Philippines. Like the EcoSport, the Puma features compact dimensions, a selection of small yet lively engines, and an accessible price point.

This combination of qualities made the Puma a popular vehicle in Europe and a major seller for Ford. That is why Ford promised the European market it would launch an EV version two years ago. Now, Ford is making good on that promise with the launch of the Puma Gen-E.

Ford stayed true to the design of the gas-powered Puma, retaining its small body and distinct headlights. However, the trapezoidal grille has been swapped for an inverted U-shaped black trim, echoing the style introduced by the Mustang Mach-E. The Gen-E also features a rear spoiler and exclusive, efficiency-boosting wheel designs.

Ford is positioning the Puma Gen-E as an affordable entry point to its EV lineup. It features a compact 43.0-kWh battery, delivering a range of up to 376 km on mixed driving and an impressive 523 km for city driving—perfect for urban commutes. Though primarily designed for Europe, the Puma Gen-E could suit markets like the Philippines, where daily commutes, especially in Metro Manila, often involve similar distances and traffic conditions.

As it is an entry-level EV, don’t expect blistering performance figures, still, this EV crossover is no slouch by any means. The Puma Gen-E is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 166 hp and 290 Nm of torque. This gives it a zero to 100 km/h time of eight seconds up to a limited top speed of 159 km/h. 

Recharging the Puma Gen-E is also decently quick, with Ford claiming it can recharge from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 23 minutes when connected to a fast charger. In terms of space, the Puma Gen-E offers 574 liters—more than the standard Puma. Plus, there’s an additional 43-liter frunk for extra storage.

The cabin of the Puma Gen-E closely resembles its gas-powered counterpart, featuring a chunky steering wheel, a 12.0-inch central touchscreen, and a 12.8-inch digital gauge cluster. It runs Ford's latest Sync 4 infotainment system, which offers cloud-connected navigation and wireless phone mirroring. Drivers can also control the system using voice commands, thanks to the integrated Alexa voice assistant.

Additional tech features include wireless phone charging and optional adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and lane centering. Ford will also offer a 360-degree surround-view camera and adaptive headlights that adjust to follow the road’s curves.

With all these features and specs considered, we really think the Puma Gen-E can make a great case for itself here in the Philippines. Let’s hope Ford brings this in as a replacement for the EcoSport.

Discover Ford's extensive lineup of trucks, SUVs, and crossovers by visiting AutoDeal.com.ph. Whether you're on your computer or on the go, you can browse the latest models, compare specs, and explore financing options with ease. Better yet, download the official AutoDeal app, available on both iOS and Android. The app offers a seamless experience, allowing you to research vehicles, connect with dealers, and even book test drives—all at your fingertips!