:Ford Explorer EV

{{Short description|Battery electric compact crossover SUV}}

{{Use British English|date=September 2024}}

{{about||the range of mid-size crossover SUVs mainly for the North American market|Ford Explorer}}

{{Infobox automobile

| name = Ford Explorer EV

| image = Ford Explorer EV IMG 2131.jpg

| caption =

| manufacturer = Ford

| model_code = CX740{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com/vdirsnet/get_xml/get_vehicle_xml.aspx?country=&group=&isolang=}}

| aka =

| production = June 2024 – present

| assembly = Germany: Cologne (Cologne Body & Assembly){{Cite web|url=https://insideevs.com/news/658251/ford-explorer-ev-is-a-vw-meb-based-suv-for-europe-priced-from-48500-usd/|title=Ford Explorer EV Is A VW MEB-Based SUV For Europe Priced From $48,500|date=March 21, 2023|website=InsideEVs}}

| designer = Jordan Demkiw (exterior design manager)
Amko Leenarts (head of design)
Liviu Tudoran (senior designer)
Robert Engelmann (senior interior designer)

| class = Compact crossover SUV (C)

| body_style = 5-door SUV

| layout = {{ubl

| Rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive

| Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive

}}

| platform = Volkswagen Group MEB

| related = {{ubl

| Ford Capri EV

| Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5

| Škoda Enyaq

| Audi Q4 e-tron

}}

| motor = APP 550 permanent magnet synchronous

| battery = {{ubl

| 55 kWh lithium-ion

| 82 kWh lithium-ion

}}

| range = {{convert|346-522|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} (WLTP)

| wheelbase = {{cvt|2770|mm|in|1}}

| length = {{cvt|4460|mm|in|1}}

| width = {{cvt|1870|mm|in|1}}

| height = {{cvt|1600|mm|in|1}}

| weight = {{cvt|NNNN|-|NNNN|kg|lb|0}}

| predecessor =

| successor =

}}

The Ford Explorer is a battery electric compact crossover SUV (C-segment) produced by Ford through its European operations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-ford-explorer-spearheads-firms-us-inspired-electric-reboot|title=New Ford Explorer spearheads firm's US-inspired electric reboot|date=March 21, 2023|website=Autocar}} Produced in the Cologne Body & Assembly in Germany and marketed mainly in Europe, the vehicle is based on the Volkswagen Group MEB platform, and uses Volkswagen supplied powertrain. The vehicle shares its name and design inspiration with the larger SUV produced in the U.S., which is chosen by Ford "as a nod to our American heritage".{{Cite web|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2023/03/ford-turns-vw-id-4-into-explorer-ev-for-europe/|title=Ford Turns VW ID.4 Into Explorer EV For Europe|first=Chris|last=Chilton|date=March 21, 2023|website=Carscoops}}{{Cite web|title=Ford Explorer EV races into European segment poised for big gains|url=https://www.autonews.com/cars-concepts/ford-explorer-ev-beats-key-rivals-key-segment|date=March 21, 2023|access-date=March 21, 2023|website=Automotive News}}

The Explorer EV was planned to be available to order from September 2023, with the first units due to arrive by December of the same year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autobild.de/artikel/ford-explorer-marktstart-elektroauto-preis-motor-plattform-test-22486291.html|title=Ford Explorer: neues E-SUV mit MEB und Wow-Effekt im Innenraum|date=March 21, 2023|website=autobild.de}} In August 2023, Ford announced the Explorer EV launch will be pushed back to 2024, due to new battery regulations.{{Cite web |title=New Ford Explorer launch delayed to mid-2024 |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-ford-explorer-launch-delayed-mid-2024 |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=Autocar |language=en}} Production at the Cologne plant started in June 2024.{{Cite web |last=Niculescu |first=Aurel |date=2024-06-04 |title=Ford Kicks Off Mass-Market Production of Its All-Electric Explorer in Cologne |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/ford-kicks-off-the-mass-market-production-of-its-all-electric-explorer-in-cologne-234911.html |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=autoevolution |language=en}}

Overview

The Explorer was revealed on 21 March 2023. Built on the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID.4, the vehicle is the result of an ongoing partnership between the two brands, which has included sharing commercial vehicles. It is produced in the Cologne plant in Germany, which previously manufactured the Fiesta small car.

The design of the Explorer was done under the direction of lead designer Jordan Demkiw. During its introduction, Ford stated the vehicle combines "German engineering" with the brand's "iconic American SUV design". Compared to its sister car, the ID.4, Ford designers were able to create a shorter rear section, move the A-pillars further rearward, and use a wider track. To ensure the Explorer "drives like a Ford", Demkiw stated that the vehicle received different dampers, tyres, and suspension tuning compared to its Volkswagen counterpart.{{Cite web|title=Ford Explorer EV Is A VW MEB-Based SUV For Europe Priced From $48,500|url=https://www.motor1.com/news/658289/ford-explorer-ev-debut/|date=March 21, 2023|access-date=March 21, 2023|website=Motor1.com}} Ford specifically picked the length of the vehicle halfway between the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4, to avoid direct competition with both models.{{Cite web |title=New Ford Explorer spearheads firm's US-inspired electric reboot |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-ford-explorer-spearheads-firms-us-inspired-electric-reboot |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=Autocar |language=en}}

In the interior, the Explorer is available with an adjustable 14.6-inch portrait display running Ford's Sync Move software, which allows for full-screen mapping and access to all the smartphone connectivity options. The angle of the screen is adjustable in 20 stages by up to 30 degrees for easier usage and to avoid glare. The Explorer EV also features a 5.0-inch floating digital instrument display that offers driving data, battery charge levels and driver assistance status.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

{{Clear|left}}

The boot of the Explorer offers an integrated parcel shelf that moves with the tailgate for easier access. The luggage space is rated at {{cvt|450|L|cuft|1}}, or {{cvt|1400|L|cuft|1}} with the rear seats folded.

File:Ford Explorer EV IMG 2128.jpg|Rear view

File:Ford Explorer EV IAA 2023 1X7A0592.jpg|Interior

Details

The options for the Explorer starts with a rear-wheel-drive version which is rated at {{convert|168|bhp|PS kW|0|abbr=on}} of horsepower. It is equipped with a Volkswagen supplied 55 kWh (52 kWh usable) battery with an estimated range of up to {{convert|350|km|mi|0|abbr=on|order=}}. Other options include a more powerful single-motor model with {{convert|282|bhp|PS kW|0|abbr=on}}, featuring a larger 82 kWh (77 kWh usable) battery that is rated at around {{convert|540|km|mi|0|abbr=on|order=}} in a single charge. This model also has a maximum charging speed of 170 kW. The flagship model Explorer has dual motors with a combined {{convert|335|bhp|PS kW|0|abbr=on}}, with the same battery and charging capabilities as the mid-range model. The most expensive model is capable of {{convert|490|km|mi|0|abbr=on|order=}} of range with towing capability rated at {{convert|1400|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}. All models are capable of fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in about 25 minutes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ford/357552/new-2023-ford-explorer-electric-suv-arrives-take-volkswagen-id4|title=New 2023 Ford Explorer electric SUV arrives to take on the Volkswagen ID.4|date=March 21, 2023|website=Auto Express}} The available wheel sizes are 19, 20 and 21 inches.

Marketing

To promote the launch of the Explorer in Europe, the automaker has announced that the electric vehicle will embark on a journey around the world, led by influencer Lexie Alford, who holds the record for the youngest person to visit every country of the world.{{Cite web|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2023/03/ford-explorer-ev-will-be-driven-around-the-globe-by-young-traveler-lexie-alford/|title=2023 Ford Explorer EV Will Be Driven Around The Globe By Young Traveler Lexie Alford|first=Thanos|last=Pappas|date=March 21, 2023|website=Carscoops}}

Safety

{{Euro NCAP|year=2024|description=Ford Explorer (LHD)|reference=https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/ford/explorer/52561|reference_name=Ford Explorer EV 2024 Test Results|overall_stars=5|adult_points=35.7|adult_percent=89|child_points=42.2|child_percent=86|pedestrian_points=50.7|pedestrian_percent=80|safety_points=13.1|safety_percent=72}}

References

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