The all-new Ford Explorer electric vehicle (EV) has been introduced in Europe. Ford says that it combines German engineering and American crossover SUV design.
This is the New All-Electric Explorer. This is Exploring Reinvented.
Despite the name, this new EV bears little to no relation with the internal combustion and hybrid versions of the Ford Explorer. In fact, a report from insideevs says that’s more related to the Volkswagen ID.4 as it uses the said marque’s Modularer E-Antriebs Baukasten (MED) platform.
So what is the Ford Explorer EV like? Let’s check it out in detail.
Exterior
The all-new Explorer EV is classed as a midsize crossover. Style-wise, it gets a unique look that Ford says is built for its customers in Europe.
The Ford Explorer EV
Starting at the front of this new EV model is a smooth, closed-off grille that is flanked by a pair of L-shaped daytime running lamps (DRL) which then surround its main LED headlamp clusters. Further enhancing the front of the vehicle is a square-shaped functional air vent just below the grille. It also gets a U-shaped faux skidplate.
The Explorer EV’s side profile has a sleek look thanks to the minimal character lines and creases. It then has black plastic cladding on its lower side portions and wheel arches, and the rear-most pillar gets a unique design to create a floating roof design.
The Explorer EV from the side
Particularly eye-catching on the rear of the Explorer EV is a pair of inverted L-shaped LED taillights and a black-colored bumper that’s decorated with a U-shaped trim piece. Together, these elements mirror the design of the front end providing the Explorer EV with a seamless, well-thought-out look.
Interior
Step inside the Explorer EV and one will find ample space for up to five occupants.
On the front cabin, the driver is provided with a flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel. Physical buttons on the said wheel then handle many of the car’s functions.
Explorer EV's front cabin
Soft touch surfaces are likewise plentiful inside this new model. Leather is provided for the center armrest, interior door panels, and seats.
Another notable feature of the Explorer EV’s interior is its massive center console storage box which can be accessed by lifting its leather-wrapped elbow rest cover. According to Ford, this 17-liter storage space is more than enough to hold a 15-inch laptop or plenty of gadgets and other knickknacks.
Access to the trunk is also made easy on the Explorer EV. This is thanks to a hands-free power tailgate, which can be opened with a kick sensor. The trunk itself has a default storage capacity of 470 liters.
It features a spacious trunk
The Explorer EV then features a massive sunroof that integrates well with the vehicle’s thin window pillars. These elements work well together to provide the vehicle’s interior with an expansive and spacious feel.
Tech & Safety
To entertain its occupants, the Explorer EV for the European market gets a sizable 15-inch touchscreen headunit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sound is then fed into the cabin by a sleek-looking soundbar that’s mounted on the dashboard.
Note that the 15-inch touchscreen display is vertically oriented just like the headunit found on the new Ford Ranger and Everest. However, this screen also comes with a slide function that can provide a totally vertical position, or a more slanted position.
The Explorer EV's 15-inch touchscreen can slide into various positions
Beneath the screen is a wireless charging pad. This pad is accessible when tilting the screen and is closed when the screen is set in a vertical position. The space beneath the screen can also double as a sort of storage space to hide one’s valuables.
The driver of the Explorer EV is then provided with a floating-type digital instrument display.
According to Ford, the Explorer EV gets several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). A full list of these is yet to be revealed, but the brand did say that it gets an assisted lane change system. As per its name, this system aids the driver in safely switching lanes.
Likewise present is an exit assist, which can give a warning when objects like other cars or cyclists are approaching before opening the vehicle’s doors.
Powertrain
Ford Europe has yet to release the full details of the Explorer EV’s powertrain. It was revealed, however, that it will be sold as an all-wheel-drive version and a rear-wheel-drive version.
The Ford Explorer EV from the rear
The Blue Oval brand likewise added that this EV has a fast charge capability. Specifically, it can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes.
Concerning charge points, Ford reported that by 2024, there would be around 500,000 of these facilities around Europe.
Price
The two trims for this model, the Explorer, and the Explorer Premium start at €45,000. That’s equivalent to around Php 2.645 million before taxes and at current exchange rates.
Note that the Ford Explorer EV’s selling period will begin in Europe later this year. As of this writing, the brand is already accepting orders via its official European websites.
Ford is working on establishing an EV charging network in Europe
Would you want to see the Ford Explorer EV running on Philippine roads in the future? On that note, is there a chance that we can have an electrified Ford model in the local market?
Catch more updates and details about the all-new Ford Explorer EV and other car releases here on Philkotse.