Meet the new electric Ford Explorer, a crossover that taps into the most lucrative segment in the EV space while also leading a new product onslaught planned for Europe. Ford wants to move away from the hatchbacks like the Fiesta or the Focus and concentrate on building crossovers with an adventurous twist. The Explore moniker is not new to the Blue Oval but the car underneath is as it’s the first product that is based on the Volkswagen MEB architecture and would be built in Cologne, Germany.
Hence, the new Ford Explorer’s underpinnings are based on the Volkswagen ID.4 while the design is seemingly a mix of traditional Ford styling cues along with the usual crossover silhouette. Let’s check it out in more detail.
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Ford Explorer Electric interior | Image: Ford
The front end is reminiscent of the American Explorer SUV with its chunky blanked-off grille and broad shoulders while a sloping roofline along with connected LED lights provides a fastback-like look. The interior is arguably more adventurous with a movable 15-inch touchscreen that can slide up and down while concealing a private locker for storage.
Plus, you’ll find features such as a large speaker on the dashboard which is something that you never expected to see inside this new Ford EV. Even the steering wheel design is square now and comes with touch-sensitive buttons. The 5-seater Explorer has a long wheelbase owing to its modular architecture while having a storage capacity of 470 litres.
Standard equipment is generous too as it includes heated seats and steering wheel, a massaging driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate control. For the first time in Europe, Ford is also offering driver assistance systems like Assisted Lane Change and Clear Exit Assist that provide warnings of approaching cyclists before opening doors in busy city centres.
The range starts with a single motor rear-wheel drive version with a 55kWh battery while you can upgrade to a larger 77kWh battery which brings in a claimed range of 540km with 210kW. If you want more power, the dual-motor all-wheel drive version brings in 250kW and a range of about 490km. Fast charging will juice up the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 25 minutes as well.
The Explorer for now is for European markets only and Australia will not get this although it does look appealing in terms of being a family electric crossover with an adventurous streak. In the meantime, customers in Australia can look forward to the Mustang Mach E, it’s due to arrive in Australia by the end of the year.
Check out the Electric Explorer
Ford Explorer Electric | Image: Ford
Ford Explorer Electric interior | Image: Ford
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