Volkswagen To Power Ford’s Next Electric SUV: Is A Baby Mach-E On The Way?

Ford (F) may be looking at growing its all-electric Mustang-inspired Mach-E lineup with the addition of a smaller SUV model that could be getting its power system from another auto manufacturer.

Back in January, Ford announced it was partnering with Volkswagen on electric vehicle platforms, and recently, there have been rumblings that the German automaker is set to provide the electric drive system for a baby Mach-E SUV, Auto Express reported.

Ford released the all-electric Mach-E in November as its initial entry into the EV market. But now Ford is reportedly looking to expand its electric vehicle lineup with another SUV model that has a smaller footprint.

“The Mustang influence wasn’t considered until an earlier direction with the car wasn’t really working,” Ford of Europe’s Chief Designer Murat Gueler told the news outlet. “Once we introduced Mustang as inspiration, it came together quickly. We’re really excited by what this brings to the electric car, and yes we have already talked about expansion, to some sort of family.”

For the baby Mach-E, Ford is expected to integrate VW’s MEB all-electric vehicle platform, which seems to be underway as the two automakers reportedly met in early November to discuss the integration of the technology.

According to Auto Express, the talks between Ford and VW included where to position the power system as the Detroit automaker looks to retain flexibility, roofline, and profile of the Mustang in the smaller Mach-E SUV version.

Gueler also went on to say that the baby Mach-E would be a crossover but may have a different profile than its sister model. Ford is also expected to offer the new Mach-E model with rear- and four-wheel drive and a variety of battery capacities, which VW’s MEB platform can reportedly support.

Shares of Ford stock were down 0.63% as of 10:15 a.m. EST on Friday.