Ford has revealed the all-electric Explorer SUV that is almost ready to go on sale in European markets later this year. Reservations are open, and Ford anticipates offering the Explorer EV at a starting price of less than €45,000 (including VAT). And, apparently, there’ll be two variants on offer: Explorer and Explorer Premium.
The photos here are probably of the Premium variant, but I think you’d be interested to know that the Explorer EV or Electric Explorer (whichever you prefer) is built around Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform that underpins several VW Group models. This is probably part of the Ford-VW collaboration where the latter appears to be returning the Amarok favor. Either way, the Explorer EV tries to maintain its ICE-powered sibling‘s silhouette with a clean and simple design. Now that you know Volkswagen’s involvement, you probably can’t unsee the subtle ID.4 and ID.6 vibes the styling gives off.
The Explorer EV measures 4,450 mm long, 1,870 mm wide and 1,600 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,770 mm. On paper, it is roughly about the size of the ID.4 but smaller than the Model Y. But anyway, aero-optimized wheel sizes are gonna range between 19- to 21-inches.
On the inside, the dashboard is literally dominated by (we’ll get to that touchscreen in just a min) what appears to be a Bang & Olufsen (B&O) soundbar with a light strip that matches the ambient lighting. And, a 2,770 mm wheelbase should enable plenty of space not just for humans but also for their snacks and secret items.
#Ford #ExplorerEV‘s touchscreen hides a storage space. pic.twitter.com/DvqMQa3vrh
— Sagar (@autodevot) March 22, 2023
Which is why the 15-inch portrait-style central touchscreen hides a lockable storage space. This is in addition to a 17-litre centre console storage space and a 450-litre boot space (with all seats up). And, standard comfort features include keyless entry system, dual-zone climate control and hands-free tailgate. The range-topping variant is expected to get a massaging function for the driver’s seat.
The Explorer EV is also loaded with the hardware necessary for ADAS, which includes 12 ultrasonic sensors, 5 cameras and 3 radars. Features such as Assisted Lane Change for smoothly and safely changing lanes at the push of an indicator stalk, and Clear Exit Assist which warns of approaching cyclists before opening doors in busy city centres, are claimed to be being offered for the first time in Europe.
Ford is yet to share full details on the Explorer EV (closer to the on-sale date, maybe), but you can expect similar options to those of the ID.4. The ID.4 GTX for example, is a range-topping, AWD variant, with 220 kW (299 metric hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) on tap.
There’ll be two battery pack options with similar range figures to those of the ID.4. Ford claims a 10-80% DC public fast-charging time of 25 minutes.
The Ford Explorer EV will be produced at the new Ford Cologne EV Centre in Germany.
Also, read: 2023 Ford Explorer revealed for China with a wide 4K touchscreen
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