Ford appears poised to re-enter the compact car segment after a multi-year absence. The beloved Fiesta, retired globally in 2023 and earlier in the U.S., may make a comeback as an electric vehicle thanks to a new collaboration with Renault.
While Ford has not explicitly confirmed a “Fiesta EV,” two compact Ford EVs are scheduled to arrive in 2028 on Renault’s Ampere platform, making the connection hard to ignore. If the plan proceeds as expected, the next Fiesta could trade its traditional fuel tank for a charging cable.
Ford’s exit from the Fiesta and Focus left a noticeable gap in its mainstream lineup, particularly in regions where small cars remain important. The new alliance with Renault grants Ford access to the Ampere EV platform, the same architecture underpinning the agile and fun-to-drive Renault 5 and Alpine A290.
Two compact Ford EVs are already confirmed, both designed by Ford and manufactured by Renault in northern France. Since Renault has no footprint in North America, this partnership allows Ford to reintroduce a small, city-friendly model without overlapping the two brands.
Market trends also support a return to affordable, entry-level vehicles. Demand for basic transportation is rising again, as evidenced by strong sales of low-spec Ford Maverick trims.
Customers are gravitating toward simple, budget-conscious options, demonstrating that small, practical vehicles still have a place in the market. A compact, efficient, and affordable EV could be precisely the model buyers are eager to see.
Ford has already proven its EV expertise with models like the Mustang Mach-E, which offers competitive range, advanced technology, and capable performance. However, past naming strategies have sparked debate.
The Mustang Mach-E, an electric SUV, stirred purist criticism for straying from its traditional identity, while the Capri revival, reborn as an electric SUV, failed to resemble the sleek coupe that enthusiasts remembered.
These examples raise critical questions for a potential Fiesta EV. Will Ford preserve the small, playful hatchback DNA that made the original so beloved, or will the badge be stretched into a crossover-like vehicle that bears little resemblance to the classic model? With the Focus expected to return as an SUV, there is concern that the Fiesta could follow the same path.
With over 16 million units sold worldwide, the Fiesta remains one of the most iconic compact cars ever produced. It earned its reputation through affordability, practicality, and fun-to-drive dynamics, particularly in the ST trim. A battery-powered successor could help Ford reclaim market share in the high-volume entry-level segment.
Yet, much depends on how faithfully the automaker honors the Fiesta’s heritage. A new EV based on French hardware and a contemporary design could revitalize the model, or it could amount to a “Fiesta in name only.”
One lingering question remains: will the Fiesta EV make it to the U.S., or will North American buyers once again miss out while Europe enjoys another quirky, electric compact car?
