SUV Electric Ford Explorer: Familiar with New Abilities

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Ford is using a well-known name - and the MEB platform from VW - for its first electric car from European production. A look at the Explorer.

Ford is not among the pioneers of electromobility. It was only in the spring of 2021 that the Mustang Mach E was introduced in Europe. So far, almost 9,000 units have been registered in Germany. Additional electric models followed in the commercial vehicle segment. In spring 2022, Ford CEO Jim Farley announced the split of the company into Ford Blue, a division for combustion engines, and Model E, the division for connected and electric vehicles. However, the automaker is still working on its own platform for electric vehicles.

In Europe, Ford is using a "platform from a supplier from Wolfsburg," as humorously commented during the presentation. The Explorer utilizes the MEB platform from Volkswagen. Even the next electric vehicle from European production will use VW technology. Only with the electric versions of Puma and Kuga will Ford introduce its own electric architecture.

The electric Explorer replaces the combustion engine version.

The platform is likely of little interest to most buyers. Appearance, features, and price are decisive factors. Perhaps the model name also plays a role. Ford plays it safe and chooses a familiar approach. Customers are familiar with the Explorer as a full-size combustion engine SUV. To avoid confusion, the old Explorer is discontinued. There will be only the electric crossover SUV.

"Here we focus on emotion, which has been somewhat lacking in our previous models," says Murat Güler openly. He is Ford's chief designer in Europe. Now he is in a photo studio in Düsseldorf, showing journalists around the new Explorer. The name appears in black, almost across the full width of the tall, closed front. The model designation is significantly larger than the blue oval logo.

The electric car looks powerful but without appearing aggressive. When viewed from the side, the 1.60 m high car has a high waistline, accentuated by the 21-inch wheels. The A-pillar is not in light blue, giving the impression that the roof is floating over the windshield. The C-pillar of the 4.45 m long Explorer features a line graphic on a glass panel. Despite a roof spoiler extending over the rear window, there is a rear windshield wiper. The model name is displayed almost the full width under the rear window.

MEB platform with Ford tuning

Of course, there are technical constraints for the designers of the Explorer due to the VW platform. However, the product manager prefers not to delve into the details and focuses on the aspects that Ford was able to change. "We tuned the chassis, dampers, and steering to our own preferences. The front track is slightly wider," says product manager Christoph Heusgen.

Ford has not yet provided final figures for range and consumption. However, considering the similarly sized VW ID 4 with a 77 kWh battery, the estimated range according to the WLTP cycle is slightly over 500 kilometers. The Explorer accelerates to 100 km/h in under six seconds and reaches a top speed of 180 km/h. With a wheelbase of 2.77 meters and the charging port located at the rear right, Ford had no choice. The driving modes D/B on the lever next to the steering wheel are familiar from VW. "D" is the normal driving mode, while "B" increases the regenerative braking power.

Explorer with three motor options

Ford offers the Explorer with a rear-axle permanent-magnet synchronous motor with 125 kW and a smaller battery of around 52 kWh. Additionally, there is a version with a motor power of 210 kW and a larger battery. The third variant, in addition to the large battery, features an asynchronous motor on the front axle. The all-wheel-drive version has a system output of 250 kW. An optional heat pump is available to minimize the reduction in range during the cold season.

The electric vehicle charges with eleven kW using alternating current in three phases. Charging at a high-power charger (HPC, High Power Charging) is possible for up to 170 kW. According to the manufacturer, it takes 25 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent of the capacity. Users will receive a charging card for the "Blue Oval" charging network with 400,000 charging points in Europe, including 400 HPC fast chargers from Ionity.

Interior with hidden storage compartment

Nothing can be said about the driving characteristics yet. A test drive is necessary for a solid assessment of the interior as well. So, there is only a brief sit test in the Explorer in the photo studio. The steering wheel is flattened at the top and bottom. This makes it easier to see forward and to get in and out. Behind the steering wheel, a soundbar resting on the dashboard dominates as an eye-catcher.

In the comfort equipment, the front seats with integrated headrests are heated, as well as the steering wheel. A massage function provides relaxation in the lumbar region. Optional features include a panoramic glass roof, LED matrix headlights, and wheels with diameters of 19, 20, or 21 inches.

Storage compartment behind the screen

A special feature in the interior is the "Private Locker," a kind of locker. To access it, the screen can be lifted. Behind it, there is nearly two liters of storage space for valuables. When the car is locked, the screen is also locked.

The valuables are not visible from the outside. This is practical when jogging in the forest or spending time at the beach, and you want to leave some things in the car. There are two USB-C ports in the storage compartment for charging electronic devices. The large vertical-format screen with 14.6 inches can also be moved, allowing for different angles to match the desired viewing angle of the driver and passenger.

On the tray in the center console in front of the screen, there is an inductive charging area. The storage compartment in the center console, with a volume of 17 liters, is a space marvel. A laptop can easily fit in here. Thirsty individuals can store three 1.5-liter and one 1.0-liter bottle standing up. The dividing elements in the compartment can be removed and used, for example, as an ice scraper in winter. However, for an electric car, the pre-heating function in the app is likely to take priority. There has been no look into the Sync software functions yet. For those who do not like the Ford menu, they can wirelessly use their smartphone via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay for navigation or media playback.

Driver assistance up to Level 2

The Level 2 driver assistance systems use five cameras, three radars, and twelve ultrasonic sensors for driver assistance. In addition to adaptive cruise control with a distance keeper, there is supported lane changing when overtaking. After parking on the roadside, the sensors watch out for oncoming traffic from behind. Visual and acoustic signals warn the driver before opening the door.

The trunk offers 450 liters of storage space. This increases to 1,400 liters when the split rear seat is folded down. There is no additional storage space under the front hood. However, Ford engineers have placed the emergency kit in the front so that more storage space is available in the trunk.

Prices starting from 45,000 euros

The Ford developers have divided their own models into four categories. The Explorer falls into the "Active Adventure" category. "We have translated this for ourselves as a love for adventure," says Güler. The second electric car based on the MEB platform as well as the Puma and Kuga fall into the "Urban Escape" category. The third category is called "Wild Performance" and includes the Mustang Mach E. Number four is named "Ultimate Outdoor" with the Bronco.

In addition to the light blue of the model in the photo studio, the Explorer is offered in the colors red, white, black, and gray. The Ford Explorer starts at prices from around 45,000 euros. Reservations are available directly, orders will be processed starting in September, and Ford aims to deliver the first models before Christmas 2023.

Ford doubles MEB requests at VW

Ford is investing two billion US dollars to expand its Cologne site into the Electrification Center Europe. Starting in mid-2024, in addition to the Explorer, the second electric vehicle on the MEB platform will be produced here. It will be a sporty crossover model. Volkswagen announced in mid-March that Ford has doubled its order for the MEB platform to 1.2 million units over a period of six years. The Cologne electric factory is designed for a production capacity of 200,000 vehicles per year.

By 2026, Ford aims to sell more than 600,000 electric vehicles in Europe. The registration numbers for the Mustang Mach E were just a cautious beginning.