Sales of the electric Ford Explorer have begun; delivery after summer – Elektrijkeauto.nl

1.6K

Ford Explorer is a name that has been synonymous with adventure, power and space for decades. But we’re talking about the American Ford Explorer here. The Ford Explorer that we will talk about in this article is still at the beginning of its life. In 2023, Ford added a new chapter to the rich story of this SUV. Then the American car maker introduced the electric Explorer made specifically for the European market.

That’s still an impressive looking SUV, but very small. The full size that most SUVs are sold in Europe, such as the VW ID.4, Audi Q4 e-tron and of course the Skoda Enyaq. With proven technology – Ford uses Volkswagen’s MEB architecture – and an unexpectedly attractive price, this could be a bull’s eye.

An eye-catcher with an American accent

Ford designers have reinterpreted the Explorer’s iconic design for the electric age. The result is a modern and powerful electric SUV with slim lines, LED lights and 17-inch alloy wheels. The optional panoramic roof creates a sense of space and light in the interior. With a length of 4.77 meters, a width of 2.00 meters and a height of 1.74 meters, the Explorer offers enough space for 5 people and their luggage.

Two flavors, and more soon

The Standard Ford Explorer cannot yet be ordered. Very little is known about this yet. It probably has a 52 or 58 kWh battery pack and a range of less than 400 km.

The version that can now be ordered is the Extended Range. This comes in two drive types: RWD and AWD. The RWD version has a 77 kWh battery pack and thus has a range of approximately 600 km. The RWD variant has a single electric motor that produces 285 hp. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 6.4 seconds and top speed is 180 km/h.

For the AWD variant we see that it has a larger battery of 79 kWh. This variant is of course less efficient because of the two engines, but it still allows a range of about 550 km. Although the maximum DC charging speed of the 77 and 79 kWh battery packs varies greatly, the charging time from 10 to 80 % are almost the same, ie 28 and 26 minutes.

The two electric motors of the AWD variant together produce 340 hp. This provides extra grip and stability, perfect for riders in all weather conditions. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h is faster, in 5.3 seconds. The maximum speed is also 180 km / h.

Interior as VW ID.4

The interior of the Electric Monitor is somewhat similar to that of the Volkswagen ID.4. That is not surprising because it is also derived from that. Of course it’s not an exact copy, Ford has clearly expressed its own vision. The driver has a digital cockpit with all the important information at his fingertips. A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and smartphone connectivity provides entertainment and connectivity on the road. Features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, reversing camera and parking sensors ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.

Amazingly competitively priced

The electric Ford Explorer will soon be available from €41,450 (incl. VAT) once the order books for the Standard Range version open. Currently, only the Extended Range version can be ordered, which starts at €45,950 (incl. VAT). Considering the extensive equipment, driving power, generous range and space on offer, this Explorer is also surprisingly competitively priced. The first versions of the Extended Range are expected in September, while the Standard is scheduled for the first quarter of next year, according to Ford.