Ford has become the latest car manufacturer to pledge plans to go all-electric by the end of the decade.

The car-giant said this week that by 2030, all of its cars sold in Europe will be fully electric, moving away from polluting engines.

Ford will invest $1bn (£720m) converting a plant in Cologne, Germany, which will go on to become its first electric vehicle facility in Europe.

Stuart Rowley, the head of Ford’s European operations, commented: “We are charging into an all-electric future in Europe with expressive new vehicles and a world-class connected customer experience. Our announcement today to transform our Cologne facility, the home of our operations in Germany for 90 years, is one of the most significant Ford has made in over a generation.

“It underlines our commitment to Europe and a modern future with electric vehicles at the heart of our strategy for growth.”

General Motors has said they hope to sell zero-emission only cars by 2035.  Jaguar Land Rover said it will be electric-only by 2025. 

The UK has announced a ban on the sale of new cars and vans powered wholly by petrol and diesel from the year 2030, which is  part of the prime minister’s call for a “green industrial revolution”. 

It is a 10-point plan including a pledge to quadruple offshore wind power by 2030.

Greenpeace said: “This landmark announcement signals the end of the road for polluting cars and vans and a historic turning point on climate action.”