Ford recently unveiled its latest offering to electric car enthusiasts: the all-electric Ford Explorer EV. This mid-sized SUV will be built in partnership with Volkswagen. The Ford Motor Company has been encouraged by its recent success in the EV market by selling 61,575 EVs in 2022, which is only second to Tesla in the number of EVs sold in the U.S. This SUV is built on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform, so you are very likely to see various similarities with other cars from the MEB platform, such as ID.4, ID. Buzz, Audi Q4 e-tron, Skoda Enyaq, and Cupra Born. The Ford Explorer will be an American car built in Germany to expand Ford's reach in Europe.
The Explorer EV Will Deliver Over 300 Miles Of Range
Although Ford has not revealed any official information about its battery, range, and performance figures, we expect the Explorer EV to have a 58-kWh battery pack that's good for 212 miles on a single charge. There is also another trim with a 77-kWh battery pack that is good for a 335-mile range. These rear-driven trims will make roughly around 168- and 282 horses, respectively. If 282 horsepower is not enough for you, Ford has got you covered with its third trim that will produce 335 horsepower and a 305-mile range. Ford has stated that this SUV will be available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
This electric SUV is likely to do 0 to 62 MPH in sub six seconds which isn't necessarily quick, but the EV isn't built for groundbreaking performance figures. Quick charging will send the Explorer’s battery straight from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 25 minutes. While you have your coffee, the Explorer will be good to go, and those long hours of charging will be behind you. It is expected that Europe will have 500,000 charging points by the end of next year, so your next trip to Europe on this EV will not only be stress-free, but it will also be free of carbon emissions.
The Explorer EV’s Interior Is Spacious And Practical
The Explorer EV is a five-seat, mid-sized electric SUV. It offers 15.8 cubic feet of boot space, and if you fold the seats down, it increases to a staggering 49.4 cubic feet that's good for grocery runs as well as storing all your camping essentials. Wait, there’s more: it has storage compartment that offers 0.6 cubic feet of space in the center console that can easily fit your laptop bag and three large water bottles, which shows that this SUV is all about practicality. One of the best features that make the interior stand out is the 15-inch movable screen. What’s even better is that when you move the screen up, it creates a small private locker where you can place your valuables, and it is safe and locked. This quirky feature is called ‘My Private Locker’ and will surely be appreciated. Furthermore, you cannot miss the soundbar, which is located on the dashboard. It is complemented with a 10-color ambient lighting feature that you can set according to your mood. The interior is shaped to be aesthetically pleasing with the aim to capture the interest of the younger generation, which is a segment that Ford is trying to win over in Europe.
The Explorer’s Bold Exterior And Safety Features
The Ford Explorer will have a 106-inch wheelbase, similar to the Volkswagen ID.4, with inverted angular headlights and a large logo on the shield, which makes sure to announce its presence as a Ford. On this SUV, you can see flared arches, while on the C-pillar you get the traditional Ford Explorer graphic, and the alloy rims look futuristic and distinct. Ford wanted the Explorer to be bold and athletic, and the rear of the SUV manages to achieve just that. It features inverted L-shaped taillights, continuing the theme from the front of the car, a boot-lid spoiler, and a shark-fin antenna. Overall, this SUV is designed for adventure seekers and the younger demographic, which is reflected in its styling. You can expect the Explorer to have a built-in, cutting-edge safety system. With advanced features like hands-free lane change and overtaking, warnings to save your Explorer from opening the door into the path of a car or a cyclist, and a whopping total of 12 ultrasonic sensors, five cameras, and three radars, Ford is really upping its game in the safety department to match competitors such as Tesla and Hyundai.
The entry-level Explorer will cost you €45,000 or $48,000 as per the exchange rates at the time of writing. The U.S. will have a larger version of the Explorer EV, but for now, this vehicle is only limited to Europe. It will be available from the start of 2024. Ford has opened pre-booking and you can book it on the company's site. Ford has undoubtedly taken the right decision to partner up with an established European manufacturer to get a head start and take on the competition head-on. Do you think Ford will establish itself as a major car brand in Europe as well? Well, 2024 will provide important answers to Ford's planned expansion into Europe.