Ford’s latest move into the EV space comes wrapped in a name we already know and trust, the Puma. It’s a fresh take on affordable electric mobility. The Gen-E keeps that compact SUV charm but swaps petrol for pure electricity. With rivals like the Kia EV3 and the Jeep Avenger circling, has Ford brought enough to the table?

Performance

Under the exterior, there’s a single electric motor sending 168hp to the front wheels. It’s not chasing lap times, but it gets the job done. From a standstill to 100 km/h takes 8 seconds, and the top speed is capped at 160kph. Think more urban cruiser than backroad bruiser, but that’s not a bad thing in this category.

Range and Charging

The Gen-E is powered by a 43kWh battery, good for a claimed 376km of range. That’s a solid figure considering the size of the battery, especially when you compare it to competitors like the Jeep Avenger, which uses a larger 51kWh pack for a similar range.

It also supports 100kW rapid charging, letting you jump from 10% to 80% in just 23 minutes. Handy when you're out and about. Whether you’re at a 120kW public charger or something more modest at home, the Puma is well within the modern EV norm.

Design & Interior

Measuring 4.2 metres in length and around 1.9 metres wide with mirrors, the Puma Gen-E sits somewhere between small hatchbacks and full-size crossovers. It’s got that chunky crossover styling, but when you’re in the driver’s seat, it still feels more car-like than SUV.

The cabin gets a bit of a refresh over the petrol version, with a new dual-tone interior and a simplified digital driver’s display that focuses on the essentials. The 12.3-inch touchscreen running SYNC 4 is the headline act here, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, and OTA updates. It’s quick to respond, though the graphics could use a refresh compared to what we’re seeing in newer EVs from the likes of Mini and Volvo.

Storage? That’s one of the Puma’s best features. You get a whopping 523 litres of boot space, eclipsing rivals like the VW ID.3. A chunk of that (145 litres) comes courtesy of the “Gigabox,” Ford’s underfloor storage solution, which is genuinely useful for stowing cables or muddy shoes.

It’s even rated to tow up to 750kg and can be fitted with a factory tow bar, perfect for bike racks or light trailers.

Cost Considerations

Starting at €32,916, the Gen-E is positioned to tempt buyers looking to go electric without going broke. The Premium version, around €3,000 extra, adds features like keyless entry and a punchy B&O sound system. Even the entry-level model isn’t stripped bare, with wireless phone charging, Alexa voice support, heated mirrors, auto lights and wipers, and adjustable lumbar support as standard.

That said, you’ll need to tick the Winter Pack box if you want heated seats—something many will expect to be standard in a car at this level.

Verdict

The Puma Gen-E is a well-judged play from Ford. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it does just about everything right, familiar shape, efficient range, great boot, and user-friendly tech. It’s stepping into a crowded field, with everyone from the MG4 to the Smart #1 vying for a slice of the compact EV pie, but Ford’s reputation and the Puma’s practicality should give it an edge, assuming the finance deals hit the sweet spot.

If Ford can keep the numbers friendly, this could be a quiet winner in the small EV space.