Ford on Tuesday revealed its new electric Explorer, a follow up to the electric Mustang Mach-E and Transit light commericial models as it embarks on a BEV dominated future with a planned investment of billions of euros and dollars in vehicle, parts and battery factories.
The automaker said the Explorer “combines German engineering with striking American style”. Ford did not say as much but it’s built on VW’s MEB platform, which underpins that automaker’s ID line and is a first fruit of the cooperation deal between the two rivals which will also spawn future passenger and light commercial vehicles.
Explorer was developed and will be built in Germany where Ford has recently announced a rationalisation of its operations.
It’s the first model in a wave of new EVs and, the automaker said, “forges the way for a complete reinvention of the brand in Europe”.
The mid size crossover seats five in two rows and is “fully equipped to set families on the road to adventure”.
Engineered and built in Germany, the electric Explorer includes a SYNC Move ‘supersized’ moveable touchscreen and connected infotainment system with audio tailored to the interior, wireless app integration and advanced driver assistance technology.
A compartment for two large smartphones includes a wireless charger as standard while SYNC Move provides wireless compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Load space is 450 litres with rear seats up, the tailgate can be operated hands free and interior storage includes a 17 litre console between driver and front seat passenger which can hide a 15 inch laptop. There is also a “private locker” behind the huge centre touchscreen.
The new SUV can be fast charged from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes and buyers will have access to 21,000 charge points in the UK alone on the Blue Oval Charging Network. By 2024, Explorer owners should have access to 500,000 charging points in 25 European countries.
“Explorer is a trailblazer for a new breed of exciting Ford electric vehicles,” said Martin Sander, general manager, Ford Model e, Europe.
The Explorer is the blue oval’s first electric vehicle to be built in the new Cologne EV Campus in Germany. Ford Europe plans to offer an all-electric passenger vehicle line by 2030.
Advanced driver assistance systems include, for the first time on a European Ford model, Assisted Lane Change to safely changing lanes with a push on the indicator stalk plus Clear Exit Assist that provides warnings of approaching cyclists before opening doors.
The Explorer will be offered with two specifications – Select and Premium – and can be ordered from later this year.
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