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Ford is committed to sourcing 100% carbon-free electricity for global manufacturing by 2035, and at key Ranger and Everest production facilities in South Africa and Thailand, solar power is vital in helping us achieve that goal. In fact, Ford boasts two of the largest solar canopy carparks in Africa and Thailand.
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Ford has the largest solar canopy carparks in Africa and Thailand.
According to Andrea Cavallaro, director of operations, International Market Group, solar carparks transform spaces that would otherwise have limited use into excellent sources of renewable power.
“Car parks have incredible potential for photovoltaic systems, converting solar energy into electricity,” she said. “The advantage is that they provide shelter for finished vehicles from the rain and excessive heat while also providing power for nearby facilities.”
As a result, employees using the carpark, the production facility, and the planet benefit.
At Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, South Africa, a 13.5-megawatt solar carport with parking for more than 3,500 vehicles was completed in 2022. The carpark now contributes 18% of the electricity needed to produce each Ranger, which means more than 20,800 Rangers per year can be manufactured using power generated by the sun.
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At Ford Thailand Manufacturing, the solar roof contributes up to 20% of the energy needed to produce every single Ranger and Ranger Raptor.
Similarly, at Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM), a 7.7-megawatt solar carport roof provides shelter for more than 1,500 vehicles, contributes to an annual reduction of more than 5,700 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and contributes up to 20% of the energy needed to produce every Ranger and Ranger Raptor. This means that around 21,000 Ranger/Ranger Raptors at FTM can be built using solar power alone every year.
“At Ford, we’re focused on environmental quality, both in terms of what we build and how we build,” said Cavallaro. “Initiatives like solar canopy carparks and floating solar farms are a vital part of our Road to Better commitment, which helps build a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable transportation future.”
Ford’s purpose has always been bigger than building vehicles. We are driven by a desire to build a better world: To improve the lives of our people, the communities we call home, and the planet we all share.
Building a strong, sustainable business takes commitment, effort, and persistence.
It’s going to take work. But that’s what we do best. This is the road we’re on at Ford. The Road to Better.
Check out the @FordOnline story here. Read more in the Road to Better Fact Book.
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