It would be easy to dismiss the Gen-E as just another all-electric compact SUV, but to do that would be missing the point in our opinion, as the Ford Puma Gen-E (to give it its full name) is effectively the electric version of the UK’s best-selling car. Although, for context, Ford only anticipates the Gen-E to make up a quarter of Puma sales in the UK.
Design and interior
Outside, the only tweaks to the familiar styling are the sealed front grille at the front, different alloy wheel designs, and the lack of an exhaust pipe at the back.
Underneath, the Gen-E is like the ICE version, sharing Ford’s modified Global B-Car platform. The key difference being the addition of a 43.6kWh battery, which sits along the floor. Compared with rivals, where the smallest battery was 49kWh, the Puma’s battery is modest.
The battery is hooked up to a 166hp, front-mounted motor, that interestingly is built at Ford’s Halewood UK factory.
Suspension-wise, as with the platform, the Gen-E is largely the same as the ICE version, although it has been re-tuned because of the additional weight of the battery.
Inside, the electric Puma in the Select equipment grade looks and feels the same as the ICE versions. However, when you sit in the driver’s seat, the driving position feels loftier than before, thanks to that floor-mounted battery. Still, headroom is fine. The facelift dashboard is the same as other Puma models, and feels blocky in its design, something that isn’t helped by the hard plastic finish. There is, however, a welcome soft-trimmed centre section to break up the top and bottom parts of the dashboard. Infotainment is via the familiar Sync 4 system, and the 12in touchscreen. The modern version of the Austin Allegro’s quartic steering wheel doesn’t help, as it’s thin and not that nice to hold.
Where the Puma Gen-E scores is in its boot area. The ‘Gigabox’, the large and drainable recess beneath the boot floor, is unchanged from the ICE version and contributes to a massive 523 litres of luggage capacity.
Performance and drive
On the move, it’s the Puma’s sound generator that’s most noticeable when accelerating. Thankfully, it’s subtle and believable. Sprightly acceleration feels the equal to ICE powered versions, and the 7.2 secs acceleration figure to 60mph seems believable.
There are other drive modes, but it’s only ‘Sport’ that makes a difference to the way this Puma drives – by sharpening the throttle response. Regen options, like with rivals, are limited in this Ford, but there is a ‘One-Pedal’ mode, although it’s not very smooth in its operation.
One of the current Puma highlights is the way it drives, and we’re pleased to say this hasn’t been diluted with electric power. Highlights include the precise steering, keen turn-in when it comes to corners, and the well-controlled body – despite the extra weight. The electric Puma might be heavier, but 166hp feels enough for fun. The ride is also comfortable and well-controlled on the standard 17in alloy wheels.
The Puma Gen-E is generally an efficient EV around town – where it seems most at home (we saw efficiency of around 4.0mpkWh). However, this quickly drops at motorway speeds, and our range was closer to 155 miles, rather than the 233 miles Ford claims.
We like the current Ford Puma at Business Car; it has been a previous winner at the Business Car Awards and was even shortlisted at the most recent 2025 event. We’re fans of the electric version of the Puma, too – although there are caveats. Ford deserves praise for managing to translate the Puma’s keen drive to EV power, with credible efficiency, and unaltered practicality. Efficient to drive around town, it’s the Gen-E’s small battery that is its biggest issue. Drive this Ford on faster roads or motorways, and the range drops massively, making rivals with longer ranges a better bet.
A final note – at the time of writing, the Puma Gen-E is one of only two cars eligible for the UK Government’s full £3,500 Electric Car Grant.
Positive: Great fun to drive, battery efficiency is excellent apart from on motorways, impressive boot capacity.
Negative: Small battery equals a short range when at motorway speeds, disappointing interior fit and finish, one-pedal drive mode is grabby.
Standard equipment: 12.8in digital instrument cluster, 12in Sync 4 touchscreen with connected navigation, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, wireless charging pad, six-speaker audio system, rear-view camera, keyless start, automatic climate control.
Engines: Electric: 166hp
Equipment grades: Select, Premium, Sound Edition
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Ford Puma Gen-E 43kWh Select |
| P11D | £29,940 |
| Residual value | 40% |
| Depreciation | £18,134 |
| Fuel | £2,851 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £1,562 |
| Cost per mile | 37.57p |
| Range | 233 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £15/£30 |
| Luggage capacity | 523 litres |
| Battery size/power | 43kWh/166hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
