Ford ramps up EV transformation with all-new electric Explorer
Ford has signalled a new era in its journey to electrification with the launch of the all new, fully-electric Explorer SUV.
Said to combine “German engineering with striking American design,” the Explorer will be the first of a new wave of electric vehicles from Ford and a milestone for Ford Europe, with the Explorer to be engineered and built in Germany.
The Explorer will be given a helping hand from Volkswagen, with the vehicle to be manufactured on the MEB platform that has produced the German carmakers ID. range.
“Explorer is a trailblazer for a new breed of exciting Ford electric vehicles. Steeped in our American roots but built in Cologne for our customers in Europe, it is road trip-ready for the big adventures and fully loaded with everything our customers will need for their daily drives,” said Martin Sander, general manager, Ford Model e, Europe.
The new electric Explorer is the company’s first electric vehicle to be built at scale in the new Ford Cologne EV Campus in Germany. Ford in Europe is committed to offering an all-electric portfolio of passenger vehicles by 2030.
Similar to the Mustang Mach-E, the Ford Explorer is inspired by the original Explorer model that was originally launched in 1991. Like the Mach-E, the 2023 Explorer will be given a new lease of life with an electric powertrain that will offer two rear-wheel drive options, consisting of a 55kWh battery option and an 82kWh battery option.
The 55kWh battery will offer a range of up 218 miles, while the 82kWh battery variant will offer a range up to 335 miles. An AWD model will also be available, offering a range of 305 miles.
All this comes together with the ability to fast charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 25 minutes and access to 21k charge points in the UK on Ford’s Blue Oval Charging Network. By 2024, Explorer customers will have access to more than 500,000 charging points in 25 countries across Europe.
The interior will feature a SYNC Move2 supersized movable touchscreen and connected infotainment system with audio tailored to the interior, wireless app integration and advanced driver assistance technology.
Advanced driver assistance systems include, for the first time on a Ford in Europe, Assisted Lane Change for smoothly and safely changing lanes at the push of an indicator stalk, and Clear Exit Assist that provides warnings of approaching cyclists before opening doors in busy city centres.
Prices for the fully-electric Explorer have yet to be confirmed, but the vehicle is set to be officially released and available this year.
