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Published 21 March 2023
By Dave Humphreys

New electric Ford Explorer for Europe will rival Volkswagen ID.4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5

Ford going fully electric by 2030

Published 21 March 2023
By Dave Humphreys

Ford is adding a new chapter in its push towards a fully electric model range with a medium-sized SUV called the Explorer, due to go on sale in the UK later this year.

Confusingly, the new Explorer isn’t related to the existing SUV of the same name that Ford currently sells in parts of Europe or America. Instead, it’s a more compact proposition based on Volkswagen’s ‘MEB’ underpinnings that are also used for the Volkswagen ID.4, Cupra Born, Skoda Enyaq iV and others. Ford is the first car maker outside of the VW Group to use the platform, and the deal is part of a broader collaboration that includes the co-development of commercial vehicles.  

New adventurous look 

The styling of the Explorer ushers in a new design language for Ford as it draws more of an influence from its American roots.

Its blanked-off grille is body-coloured and the Explorer name is emblazoned across the leading edge of the bonnet. Chunky 21in alloy wheels are aerodynamically optimised, while the rear includes a full-width bar also carrying the model’s name. 

Ford Explorer

“Explorer is a trailblazer for a new breed of exciting Ford electric vehicles,” said Martin Sander, general manager, Ford Model e, Europe. “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.”

Going the distance 

Ford has yet to reveal the full technical specifications of the Explorer. If it uses the same battery tech as the electric Volkswagen Group cars it may be available with a 77kWh battery to begin with, and potentially a more affordable 58kWh battery version further down the line.

There’s no official word on what the single-charge driving range will be.

Ford has confirmed that it will use a high-voltage architecture that will enable rapid DC charging so owners can charge the car from 10 to 80 per cent in 25 minutes. 

Ford Explorer

If it uses the same electric motors as the ID.4 et al, it will have a rear-wheel-drive setup with 201bhp. That should give an expected 100mph top speed and acceleration from 0-62mph in around eight seconds. Ford is likely to eventually offer several versions, including dual-motor models with increased power outputs and all-wheel drive. 

Form and function inside 

The interior style of the Ford Explorer builds upon that of the Mustang Mach-E. At the centre of the dashboard is a new 14.6in touchscreen in the portrait orientation using the company’s latest ‘Sync Move’ software, including wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Furthermore, the screen moves to reveal a hidden locker behind. 

Storage appears plentiful throughout the interior, with a 17-litre bin underneath the central armrest, too, claimed to be large enough to swallow a 15in laptop. There are cupholders and space for two mobile devices with wireless charging, too. 

Ford Explorer

Unlike other models based on the same underpinnings, there doesn’t appear to be a head-up display in the Ford Explorer, though the digital instrument cluster is larger than in most of the Volkswagen Group cars.

The squarish steering wheel looks chunky and features haptic control surfaces — something that didn’t go down well with Volkswagen customers. Ford also appears to use the same window controls as the Volkswagen ID models, which require the driver to select between the front and rear windows before operating the buttons.

Other controls, such as temperature and volume, are also operable via the touchscreen with a haptic sliding pad below it. 

More to come 

Ford has set an ambitious target of being all-electric in Europe by 2030, and the Explorer will form a big part of that. The company has already revealed a plan showing nine EVs and is making a significant financial investment in its factory in Cologne, where the Explorer will be produced.

Ford’s future plans include another medium-sized crossover and an electric version of the smaller Puma. 

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