Ford has unveiled the latest part of its plan to become a fully electric car brand in Europe by 2030.
The Ford Explorer takes an iconic American name, then applies it to an electric SUV designed especially for buyers on this side of the Atlantic.
Beneath the bold styling is a practical interior, packed with clever features to make the Explorer well suited to family adventures.
American name, European design
The Explorer badge has been attached to Ford SUVs since 1991. Indeed, the Explorer has become America’s best-selling SUV, while the second-generation model was actually sold in the UK between 1996 and 2001.
The new Explorer EV is designed for European tastes, including the ability to fit in our smaller parking spaces. The car’s length is just under 4.5 metres.
Its styling was the work of Ford’s European design centre, and features distinctive front lights, a floating roof and a glass-embedded rear window pillar. The Explorer should certainly stand out in the school car park.
Assembly will take place at Ford’s Cologne factory, where it will replace production of the Fiesta supermini.
A familiar platform
The distinctive Ford styling hides engineering that is undeniably European. Underpinning the Explorer is Volkswagen’s MEB platform, also used on vehicles such as the Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
Ford says the Explorer will drive like a vehicle with a Blue Oval badge. This includes bespoke suspension tuning, plus a wider track compared to the equivalent Volkswagen ID.4 SUV.
Utilising the MEB platform means the Explorer will be available with rear- or all-wheel drive. Buyers can also choose between 55kWh and 82kWh batteries, with the largest offering a potential range of 324 miles.
Volkswagen’s rapid-charging capability is also included. This allows charging speeds of up to 170kW, replenishing the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes.
Practicality for the people
A useful interior will be the five-seat Explorer’s main selling point. It offers 450 litres of boot space with the rear seats in place. Between the front seats is a 17-litre ‘MegaConsole’, capable of keeping a 15-inch laptop out of sight from prying eyes.
Dominating the dashboard is a 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen, which can move to reveal a storage locker behind it. The screen controls all the main interior functions, including the heating and ventilation, via Ford’s SYNC infotainment software.
Ford will offer the Explorer in Select and Premium trim levels. Although final specifications have yet to be confirmed, all cars will come with keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel and a hands-free tailgate.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity will also be included, combined with wireless smartphone charging. A soundbar speaker can be found atop the dashboard, which boasts 10-colour ambient lighting.
Spirit of adventure
To help celebrate the launch of the new Explorer, Ford has partnered with ’adventure influencer’, Lexie Limitless. She previously became the youngest woman to visit every country, and plans to embark on another Explorer-sponsored round-the-world trip later this year.
The exploits of Aloha Wanderwall also inspired the Explorer ad campaign. Wanderwall was the first woman to drive around the world, using a Ford Model T for her epic journey.
Orders for the electric Explorer open later this year, with prices and final specifications to be confirmed soon.
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