Motor vehicle
The Ford Explorer is an upcoming battery electric compact crossover SUV (C-segment) produced by Ford through its European operations.[3] Produced in the Cologne Body & Assembly in Germany and marketed mainly in Europe, the vehicle is based on the Volkswagen Group MEB platform, and uses Volkswagen supplied batteries. The vehicle shares its name and design inspiration[4] with the larger SUV produced in the U.S., which is chosen by Ford "as a nod to our American heritage".[5][6]
The Explorer EV was planned to be available to order from September 2023, with the first units due to arrive by December of the same year.[7] In August 2023, Ford announced the Explorer EV launch will be pushed back to 2024, due to new battery regulations.[8]
Overview
The Explorer was revealed on 21 March 2023. Built on the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID.4, the vehicle is the result of an ongoing partnership between the two brands, which has included sharing commercial vehicles. It is produced in the Cologne plant in Germany, which previously manufactured the Fiesta small car.[6]
The design of the Explorer was done under the direction of lead designer Jordan Demkiw.[4] During its introduction, Ford stated the vehicle combines "German engineering" with the brand's "iconic American SUV design". Compared to its sister car, the ID.4, Ford designers were able to create a shorter rear section, move the A-pillars further rearward, and use a wider track. To ensure the Explorer "drives like a Ford", Demkiw stated that the vehicle received different dampers, tyres, and suspension tuning compared to its Volkswagen counterpart.[9] Ford specifically picked the length of the vehicle halfway between the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4, to avoid direct competition with both models.[10]
In the interior, the Explorer is available with an adjustable 14.6-inch portrait display running Ford's Sync Move software, which allows for full-screen mapping and access to all the smartphone connectivity options. The angle of the screen is adjustable in 20 stages by up to 30 degrees for easier usage and to avoid glare. The Explorer EV also features a 5.0-inch floating digital instrument display that offers driving data, battery charge levels and driver assistance status.
The boot of the Explorer offers an integrated parcel shelf that moves with the tailgate for easier access. The luggage space is rated at 450 L (15.9 cu ft), or 1,400 L (49.4 cu ft) with the rear seats folded.[9]
Details
The options for the Explorer starts with a rear-wheel-drive version which is rated at 168 bhp (170 PS; 125 kW) of horsepower. It is equipped with a Volkswagen supplied 55 kWh (52 kWh usable) battery with an estimated range of up to 350 km (217 mi). Other options include a more powerful single-motor model with 282 bhp (286 PS; 210 kW), featuring a larger 82 kWh (77 kWh usable) battery that is rated at around 540 km (336 mi) in a single charge. This model also has a maximum charging speed of 170 kW. The flagship model Explorer has dual motors with a combined 335 bhp (340 PS; 250 kW), with the same battery and charging capabilities as the mid-range model. The most expensive model is capable of 490 km (304 mi) of range with towing capability rated at 1,400 kg (3,086 lb). All models are capable of fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in about 25 minutes.[4] The available wheel sizes are 19, 20 and 21 inches.[9]
Marketing
To promote the launch of the Explorer in Europe, the automaker has announced that the electric vehicle will embark on a journey around the world, led by influencer Lexie Alford, who holds the record for the youngest person to visit every country of the world.[11]
