Ford Puma Gen-E driven: Electric charmer or too little, too late?

The Ford Puma Gen-E marks a significant step for the UK’s favourite car as it makes the leap to electric. But has Ford waited too long to electrify its baby SUV, and can it still compete in a fast-moving EV market?

The Puma Gen-E is based on the popular petrol-powered Puma – a car praised for being fun to drive and for its practicality – that’s also the best-selling car in the UK so far in 2025. This electric version keeps much of what made the original successful but adds low running costs and a zero-emissions powertrain. At just under £30,000, it undercuts key rivals like the Vauxhall Mokka Electric and comes with a solid amount of standard kit.

Yet, it arrives in an EV world that’s evolved rapidly, and the Gen-E’s underpinnings – carried over from the petrol model – limit its capabilities in areas like range and battery size. It feels a bit like Ford is playing catch-up.

Powered by a 43kWh battery, the Puma Gen-E claims up to 235 miles of range. That’s fine for city driving or short commutes, but rivals like the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq offer bigger batteries and longer ranges. Real-world figures suggest around 180-190 miles is more likely – decent, but not groundbreaking. Charging speeds are modest too: a maximum of 100kW means a 10-80% top-up in around 23 minutes – acceptable, but not class-leading.

Despite being heavier than its petrol sibling, the Puma Gen-E still manages to be enjoyable to drive, holding onto one of its key strengths. Its steering is accurate, grip is strong, and it handles twisty B-roads with real confidence. Ford’s ability to inject fun into its everyday cars is still very much alive here.

In town, one-pedal driving makes stop-start traffic easier, though you’ll need to dig through menus to activate it. At higher speeds, power delivery begins to fade, so overtaking on motorways may require a bit of planning.

Inside, the Gen-E sticks close to the standard Puma’s layout – which will appeal to those who want an EV that doesn’t feel radically different. You’ll find Ford’s latest SYNC4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital driver’s display, and even a wireless phone charger.

While functional, the interior lacks the wow-factor of newer rivals like the Kia EV3, and the shift towards touchscreen controls for functions like climate and audio won’t be to everyone’s liking.

A big bonus is the Gen-E’s practicality. With 523 litres of boot space – thanks to clever packaging and Ford’s 143-litre ‘Megabox’ underfloor storage – it offers more luggage room than the petrol Puma and even more than some larger rivals. There’s also a small frunk under the bonnet for cables.

Limited rear passenger space is a slight downside. Because of the battery beneath the floor, legroom and headroom are compromised, especially for taller adults.

The Puma Gen-E is offered in two trims: Select and Premium. Even the base Select model gets plenty of kit including LED headlights, cruise control, a reversing camera, and that dual-screen setup. The Premium trim adds a B&O sound system and hands-free tailgate, but the extra £2,000 may not be worth it for most buyers – especially since heated seats and a heated windscreen are still optional extras.

Ford’s customer satisfaction ratings in Driver Power surveys are underwhelming, but reliability appears average for the class. A disappointing three-year warranty lags behind rivals like Kia’s seven-year package.

The Gen-E hasn't been crash-tested separately by Euro NCAP yet, but the petrol Puma scored four stars in 2022. Expect a similar level of safety, though newer rivals may offer more advanced systems.

Verdict

The Ford Puma Gen-E is an attractive, well-priced and efficient small SUV that will appeal to buyers looking for a familiar-feeling first EV. It’s not revolutionary, but its strong driving dynamics, generous boot, and decent real-world efficiency make it a compelling option – especially if your driving mostly involves urban and short-range trips on windy roads.

However, with newer EVs offering more range, fresher interiors and better refinement, the Puma Gen-E may not be the obvious choice for everyone. For the full verdict, read our in-depth Ford Puma Gen-E review.

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