One Week with the Ford Puma Gen-E: Brand Loyalty and Savings
The electric vehicle landscape is pulsating with innovation and excitement, especially in Spain, where affordable models are increasingly making their way into the market. One standout in this emerging segment is the Ford Puma Gen-E, which made its debut in 2024 and officially arrived in Spain in 2025. This compact SUV presents a compelling argument for those looking to transition to electric driving without sacrificing performance or breaking the bank.
In Hipertextual, we had the opportunity to test the Ford Puma Gen-E as a daily driver for an entire week. This time allowed us to thoroughly evaluate its performance on highways, city streets, and even on longer trips. Here’s a detailed account of our experience.
Prepare your wallet; you're going to want one!
an appealing and convincing design
The Ford Puma Gen-E belongs to the B-SUV segment. With dimensions of 4.2 meters in length, 1.8 meters in width, and 1.5 meters in height, it shares a similar aesthetic with its combustion counterpart while offering some notable differences. The electric version tips the scales at nearly 200 kilograms more due to the battery pack, but this extra weight contributes to a larger boot capacity, which stands at a remarkable 523 liters—67 liters more than the gasoline variant. Additionally, the Gen-E features a front trunk of 43 liters, adding to its practicality.
Visually, the most apparent difference lies in the grille design. Unlike the combustion version, which has a prominent ventilation grille, the Gen-E opts for a more streamlined and aerodynamic bumper, reflecting the reduced cooling needs of electric systems. Subtle design changes are also evident at the rear, such as the absence of exhaust pipes and a different diffuser.
The design of the Puma Gen-E has resonated well with consumers, as evidenced by its status as the best-selling Ford vehicle in Spain during 2024.
an unexpectedly spacious interior for its size
Stepping inside the Ford Puma Gen-E reveals a surprisingly spacious experience. Despite its compact dimensions, the arrangement of interior elements creates an illusion of greater roominess, accommodating four adults comfortably along with their luggage.
This sense of openness is enhanced by an optional panoramic sunroof, which was included in the model we tested. Even without this feature, the Puma Gen-E impresses with its generous space. With the sunroof, however, the feeling of spaciousness amplifies significantly.
the clever storage solution: a segment-leading boot
As mentioned earlier, the boot boasts an impressive 523 liters of capacity, making it a standout within its segment. To give a point of reference, many vehicles measuring 4.4 meters or more often struggle to exceed 400 liters of storage. The large storage space is made possible by a unique double-floor system known as Gigabox. The boot floor has supports that allow it to be kept upright, optimizing the available volume for larger items.
Moreover, the Gigabox compartment is washable, making it perfect for transporting wet or dirty items. It even features a drainage outlet for easy cleaning.
Additionally, Ford has included a small front trunk under the hood, which, while not suitable for luggage, is perfect for storing smaller items like charging cables. The total storage capacity, therefore, reaches 566 liters without folding down the back seats. If you do fold them down, that number expands to an impressive 1,283 liters.
an intelligently designed interior
While the interior of the Ford Puma Gen-E is not luxurious, it is well constructed. The materials used in the dashboard, doors, and central console are straightforward but well-finished, with good fit and finish throughout.
The layout of elements is quite practical. The central 12-inch screen dominates the cockpit, yet essential climate control buttons remain visible, which is a smart design choice. The infotainment system provides easy access to driving information, traffic signs, and fuel consumption data, all presented on a wide, modern display.
The steering wheel retains Ford's classic flat-bottom shape, providing clear visibility of the instrument cluster. This cluster features a bold, 12.4-inch display that conveys information clearly and stylishly.
the driving experience with the Ford Puma Gen-E
When it comes to driving the Ford Puma Gen-E, the experience is defined by its electric powertrain. There is only one mechanical configuration available: a 43 kWh battery, producing 168 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque, with a single-speed automatic transmission. This setup is consistent across all trim levels.
The vehicle's front disc brakes and rear drum brakes contribute to its overall performance. The base version comes with 17-inch wheels, while higher trims can sport wheels of 18 or 19 inches. While larger wheels offer a sportier aesthetic, smaller ones provide better fuel efficiency and comfort.
Despite being an SUV, the Ford Puma Gen-E feels agile and well-planted on the road. Much of this agility can be attributed to the battery's low center of gravity, which enhances stability during turns. The suspension is finely tuned, allowing the car to maintain composure even at high speeds or in sharp turns.
Acceleration is more than sufficient for urban and highway driving, providing capabilities that surpass many combustion-engine vehicles. While it may not reach the sporty levels of the Mach-E, it delivers a satisfactory experience for overtaking and highway maneuvers.
regenerative modes and real-world autonomy
The Ford Puma Gen-E features multiple regenerative braking modes to maximize energy recovery:
- In standard mode, the vehicle coasts when the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator, allowing for some inertia.
- There is also a 'L' mode that increases regenerative braking when the accelerator is released.
- Finally, the 'one pedal' mode allows drivers to control the vehicle's speed using just the accelerator, using the brake only in emergencies.
These modes require some adaptation but, when used effectively, can significantly enhance driving efficiency and extend the vehicle’s range. In urban settings, consumption can drop below 10 kWh/100 km, translating to a practical range of 450 to 500 km, making daily use worry-free.
On the highway, consumption increases to a range of 15-18 kWh/100 km, depending on speed and road conditions. Overall, the Puma can confidently cover over 300 km in mixed conditions, allowing for short trips without frequent recharging.
For longer journeys, the vehicle can charge from 10% to 80% in just over 20 minutes at a maximum charging rate of 100 kW. This means that a trip from Madrid to Seville, approximately 530 kilometers, can be completed with only two short charging stops.
technology on board
In 2025, vehicles are more than just about engines and fuel efficiency; technology plays a crucial role in enhancing user experience. The Ford Puma Gen-E excels in this area.
The vehicle features large, high-resolution screens with responsive interfaces, powered by the Sync 4 operating system. This system includes navigation with route planning that considers charging points and necessary stop durations. Users can also mirror their mobile screens when the vehicle is stationary.
Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is wireless, providing a seamless experience as soon as you enter the car. The vehicle also supports wireless charging, eliminating the hassle of cables.
Safety technologies abound as well, including a 360-degree camera, parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These features not only enhance safety but also function exceptionally well in everyday driving.
Additionally, the Puma Gen-E is equipped with integrated 5G connectivity, enabling real-time information access and over-the-air software updates. It also allows for remote monitoring and control through a mobile app.
For audio enthusiasts, the optional B&O sound system features ten speakers and a 575-watt subwoofer, delivering a rich sound experience that is rare for vehicles in this segment.
potential savings with the Ford Puma Gen-E
One of the most compelling aspects of the Ford Puma Gen-E is its potential for savings—both in time and money. Allow me to share a personal anecdote.
My daily commute involves 80-90 kilometers—40-45 kilometers each way—half of which is on a highway. I travel to the office three days a week, totaling around 1,080 kilometers a month.
If we consider a comparable combustion vehicle with an average fuel consumption of 6.5 liters per 100 km, this translates to 70.2 liters of fuel monthly, costing approximately 105.3 euros at a fuel price of 1.5 euros per liter.
In contrast, the Puma Gen-E averages 15 kWh/100 km, resulting in a monthly electricity consumption of 162 kWh. With a nighttime charging rate of about 0.083 euros per kWh, my monthly cost would be around 13.4 euros. Even accounting for potential additional charges, this figure would not exceed 30 euros in the worst-case scenario.
This represents a potential savings of about 75 euros monthly compared to a gasoline vehicle. However, the savings extend beyond fuel costs.
In urban areas like Madrid, parking is a necessity. I would typically spend around 100 euros a month just for a parking spot. However, the Puma Gen-E, with its zero emissions label, can park for free on the street, removing the need for paid parking altogether. Moreover, it allows for unrestricted access to city centers and carpool lanes, streamlining my commute.
When annualized, these savings add up to 2,100 euros per year compared to a gasoline vehicle. Over five years, this totals around 10,500 euros, and over ten years, the figure climbs to 21,000 euros.
Given these numbers, the Ford Puma Gen-E emerges as a financially sound choice, providing substantial savings over time. Its purchase price is also competitive, especially after factoring in available incentives.
The base model of the Ford Puma Gen-E starts at 34,900 euros, but promotional discounts can reduce this to around 30,150 euros. Additional financing discounts can bring the price down to about 29,650 euros.
Moreover, government incentives such as the MOVES III program can offer up to 7,000 euros for scrapping an old vehicle or 4,500 euros without scrappage. As an electric vehicle, buyers can also claim up to 3,000 euros on their income tax return. This means total potential savings can reach 10,000 euros.
With all incentives considered, the effective price of the Ford Puma Gen-E could be less than 20,000 euros, which is extraordinary for what the vehicle offers.
In a comparison scenario, a traditional gasoline vehicle priced at 20,000 euros would accumulate a total ownership cost of approximately 44,600 euros over ten years, including purchase price, fuel, and parking. In contrast, the Puma Gen-E’s total cost of ownership could be below 24,000 euros, leading to a savings of 20,000 euros over a decade.
While these figures are based on my specific circumstances, they highlight a broader trend: the Ford Puma Gen-E, over ten years, typically proves to be a more economical choice than its combustion counterparts. The exact savings may vary, but the outcome remains consistent: the Puma Gen-E saves money over time, a crucial consideration for any car buyer.
an excellent purchase
In essence, the Ford Puma Gen-E represents a highly worthwhile investment. While designed primarily for urban use, it is equally capable of handling both spontaneous short trips and longer journeys, alleviating concerns that many have about electric vehicles.
Its spacious boot can accommodate everything from impulse buys at IKEA to the luggage of four adults going on holiday.
Ford has done a commendable job with the electric powertrain and overall tuning, resulting in a vehicle that is comfortable, agile, and safe across various driving conditions. The technology inside is robust, meeting the needs of today’s drivers, and even surpassing expectations with features like the impressive B&O sound system. Moreover, the potential for significant savings over its lifespan makes the Puma Gen-E an appealing choice.
Overall, the Ford Puma Gen-E stands out as one of the best utility vehicles available today, offering strong performance, comfort, and financial sense.
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