Ford on Tuesday unveiled an all-electric Ford Explorer that it says is the first in a new wave of “bold, iconic electric vehicles that are deeply rooted in Ford’s American roots.” .”
It’s not quite what you might think, though. The electric Explorer was revealed to never go on sale in the US – although Ford has hinted at an electric Explorer for the US at last.
This European Explorer EV is being built at Ford’s own facility in Cologne, Germany, where the Fiesta subcompact was previously built. It is built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform for millions of affordable electric vehicles. Ford also seems to have designed its own completely different interior and look and feel for the car—perhaps a positive since VW’s interface and software were a sore point in the ID.4 implementation. and ID.3 is for Europe only.
With the Explorer using the divine Ford badge and assembling it on site that has so far been at the heart of the automaker’s European operations, this is a serious market target aimed at bulk production. Ford has confirmed a second VW-based EV for Europe—one electric version of the sports crossover Puma—that together will help push Ford’s number of VW-based models to 1.2 million units within six years. It is part of a Invest 1 billion USD in Europetowards all-electric cars for Europe by 2030.
Ford Explorer electric crossover for Europe
Ford Explorer electric crossover for Europe
Ford Explorer electric crossover for Europe
Explorer is basically a twin of VolkswagenID.4, but the designers did a great job of making it appear more upright and SUV-like, but still have an aerodynamic surface. ID.4 is very close in size to Ford Mustang Mach-E were sold in Europe in limited quantities.
It will be offered in single-engine rear-wheel drive or dual-engine four-wheel drive variants. While Ford hasn’t revealed any details on acceleration, driving range, efficiency or other performance benchmarks, the VW ID.4 starts with a 201-horsepower engine layout in when higher models get 295 hp from the dual engines— with batteries from 58 kWh usable up to 77 kWh usable. ID.4 currently offers range up to 280 miles EPA, but Europe uses its own WLTP system resulting in higher numbers.
In Europe, Ford says the model will be offered in Explorer and Explorer Premium versions with prices starting at less than 45,000 euros ($48,500). Depending on the country, buying incentives will help reduce costs effectively.
Ford Explorer electric crossover for Europe
VW MEB models have Plug and Charge functionality, allowing payment details to be determined with the vehicle when plugged into one of the many public charging networks. Ford says the Explorer will charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes, and it will provide a prerequisite for the cabin.
Technologically remarkable, the Explorer includes a new Sync Move-branded 15-inch movable touchscreen that slides up and down to reveal a lockable storage compartment directly behind. There’s wireless charging for two smartphones, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a “fully connected infotainment system with sound that matches the interior.”
Ford Explorer electric crossover for Europe
It will also include an advanced driver assistance system with lane change assist and a massager driver’s seat. Ford at this time avoids using the term BlueCruise because it does not offer the system in Europe—although last August Ford CEO Jim Farley confirms that it will reach the European market in 2023.
