Ford challenges Britain’s smallest town to go electric

Ford has challenged Britain’s smallest town – Fordwich, in Kent – to go all electric as the firm launches its new Mustang Mach-E EV.

It follows on from research which showed that a large majority of those who live in the countryside, small towns and villages say that they would not feel confident purchasing an EV as their next car if the ban on petrol and diesel vehicles were to come into force next week.

To showcase the merits of an EV, Ford is allowing all 380 residents of Fordwich to try out its new Mustang Mach-E as part of a three-day mass test drive around the Kent countryside.

Ford’s survey of 2,000 people also discovered that just 55 per cent of those living in small towns, villages and the wider countryside felt that they had enough information to make an informed choice about buying an EV. This contrasts with 85 per cent of those living in cities, urban areas and large towns who feel the same.

Lisa Brankin, managing director, Ford of Britain and Ireland said: “We are incredibly excited to introduce our all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E. Ford is committed to helping our current and future customers to go all-in on the road to a fully electric future by supporting them on that journey. Over the next few days, we want to show how even the smallest town can make the electric switch!”

Ford has also partnered with British Gas to install an EV charge point at the town’s Fordwich Arms pub, allowing residents to access quick and easy charging.

Philip Lewis, local councillor and Mayor of Fordwich added: “What a fantastic way to get people to try out an electric vehicle. We are so proud of our town and preservation is something that is incredibly important to us so we were keen to see how simple it would be to switch over to a more environmentally friendly vehicle.

“It’s great to see so many people signed up over the next few days and we are thrilled to have a local charging point installed for long term public use.”