Ford has said its new $2 billion (£1.6bn) Electric Vehicle Centre in Cologne signals the start of a new era for the brand in Europe.

The 125-hectare site is equipped with a new production line, battery assembly and new tooling and automation features, enabling an annual production capacity of over 250,000 EVs.

Following the Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit and F-150 Lightning, Ford recently unveiled its fourth EV globally, the electric Explorer, which will be the first EV to be produced in Cologne, followed by a second electric vehicle, a sports crossover.

The Cologne EV Center will be Ford’s first carbon neutral assembly plant to open globally and supports the company’s commitment to reach carbon neutrality across its entire European footprint of facilities, logistics and direct suppliers by 2035.

Martin Sander, general manager of Ford Model e Europe, said the new facility signals “the start of a new era for Ford in Europe”.