Today, Ford has unveiled its second electric car, the new all-electric Explorer. This new electric crossover style vehicle combines German engineering with a classic striking American style. It’s a beast of a car that has bold futuristic styling that we’re sure will have a wide appeal, especially to the ever-growing market of crossover and electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) fans.
The new Explorer, which follows Ford’s first electric car – the hugely popular Mustang Mach-E, is the first in a wave of innovative new electric vehicles from Ford and forges the way for a complete reinvention of the Ford brand in Europe. Ford calls this a mid-size crossover and it seats five across two rows and is equipped to set families on the road to adventure.
Engineered and built in Germany, the electric Explorer offers an outstanding digital experience, helping drivers and passengers stay connected and comfortable on the move. Features include a SYNC Move supersized movable touchscreen and connected infotainment system with audio tailored to the interior, wireless app integration and advanced driver assistance technology.
Adventure-ready design and combined storage of 450 litres in five-seat mode help Ford’s newest electric vehicle (EV) support exploring the city and beyond. The 17-litre console between the driver and front-seat passenger can hold a 15-inch laptop, combined with a private locker behind the touchscreen and hands-free accessible boot-space, to redefine adventure.
The neat exterior styling is matched by an ultra-modern interior with premium materials and features such as sculpted sporty seats and a sophisticated soundbar more typical of revolutionary concept cars than family vehicles.
All this comes together with the ability to fast charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 25 minutesand access to 21,000 charge points in the UK on Ford’s Blue Oval Charging Network. By 2024, Explorer customers will have access to more than 500,000 charging points in 25 countries across Europe.
Martin Sander, Ford Model e Europe general manager, said: “Explorer is a trailblazer for a new breed of exciting Ford electric vehicles. Steeped in our American roots but built in Cologne for our customers in Europe, it is road trip-ready for the big adventures and fully loaded with everything our customers will need for their daily drives.”
Adventure Ready
At the forefront of Ford’s electric vehicle charge, the new electric Explorer is the company’s first electric vehicle to be built at scale in the new Ford Cologne EV Campus in Germany. Ford in Europe is committed to offering an all-electric portfolio of passenger vehicles by 2030.
An aerodynamic exterior captures the spirit and assertive style of Ford’s iconic American SUV for a new electric era, also defined by a bold “shield” design instead of a traditional grille.
Explorer’s SYNC Move infotainment system not only keeps occupants connected but also features a movable 14.6-inch touchscreen that can smoothly slide up and down to suit the driver and conceals a private locker storage space for valuables. A compartment for two large smartphones comes with a wireless device chargeras standard and SYNC Move provides wireless compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Charging can be quick and easy, whether en route or at home. Explorer can help find the most convenient pit stops on the road. Charging at home can be scheduled to use cheaper electricity and energy tariffs, where available, and to deliver a full battery and pre-warmed cabin for early starts.
Explorer also offers a raft of features to ensure drivers and passengers are as refreshed and ready to go when they have reached their destination as when they set out. Comfort-boosting standard specification includes heated front seats and steering wheel, a massaging driver’s seat and climate control that allows the driver and front passenger to choose their own temperature.
Even returning to the vehicle is made simple with standard keyless entry and hands-free power tailgate. This means owners can access the boot when their arms are filled with sports kit using a simple kicking motion beneath the rear bumper.
Advanced driver assistance systems include, for the first time on a Ford in Europe, Assisted Lane Changefor smoothly and safely changing lanes at the push of an indicator stalk, and Clear Exit Assist that provides warnings of approaching cyclists before opening doors in busy city centres.
Real-Life adventure
To help demonstrate the Explorer’s capabilities, Ford has teamed up with adventure influencer Lexie Alford, known as Lexie Limitless. She is the youngest woman in history to visit every country in the world – for a global expedition in Explorer. Inspired by the Ford-sponsored exploits of record-setting explorer Aloha Wanderwell 100 years ago, the round-the-world trip begins later this year.
Ford’s new zero-emissions Explorer will be available in two highly specified versions – Select and Premium – and it will be available to order later this year.
