Background car news

Ford Explorer comes from Europe

Greetings from Europe. Not from the United States then? Well, not for this time. Because the new all-electric Ford Explorer is the brand’s first blue oval electric passenger car built in Europe. The electric Explorer was developed in Europe by the so-called Ford Model e business unit, focused on designing, manufacturing and distributing electric and connected cars.

Built in Germany

The midsize crossover will be assembled at the new Ford Cologne EV Center in Germany, involving a $2 billion investment. Ford hopes to sell more than 600,000 all-electric cars in Europe by 2026. The goal is to offer all-electric passenger cars exclusively by 2030.

Yep, Ford is developing an all-electric portfolio and investing $50 billion worldwide in it through 2026. The company aims to produce more than 2 million all-electric cars by the end of that year. Starting in mid-2024, a second all-electric model will be built at the Cologne plant alongside the new Explorer. The maximum annual production volume of the new plant is expected to be about 200,000 cars per year.

Electric Ford Puma on the way

The new Explorer is one of nine all-electric passenger and commercial vehicles Ford has planned to introduce in Europe by 2024, including the Mustang Mach-E, the E-Transit, the E-Transit Custom and E-Tourneo Custom and the all-electric variants of the Puma, Transit Courier and Tourneo Courier. You read that right too: an electric version of the Puma is coming. In short: there is plenty to discover at Ford in the near future.

Ford Explorer seats five

But it is now time for the Ford Explorer first. The Explorer seats five on two rows of seats and will be available in two versions: the Explorer and the Explorer Premium. Technical details about the powertrain are not yet mentioned by Ford, other than some information about the electric powertrain. In fact, the battery is in 25 minutes charge from 10 to 80 percent (DC charging).

Special Private Locker

In the interior of the crossover, a hefty SYNC Move connectivity system with adjustable 15-inch touchscreen stands out. The touchscreen also provides access to the My Private Locker. The screen can move up and down in an arc of more than 30 degrees.

Versatile storage options can also be found in the center console under the armrest. The 17-liter MegaConsole takes advantage of the space created by the lack of a traditional gearbox. The storage area is large enough for a 15-inch laptop or to hold three 1.5-liter beverage bottles and a 1-liter bottle side by side, and features a partition that doubles as an ice scraper. The removable cup holders are positioned to maximize armrest space and can be moved to a lower level for more space in the center console if desired.

Useful to know

The Explorer features two USB Type-C connectors in the front and another two for the rear seat passengers. Below the display is a forward-sloping compartment in which two large smartphones can be charged wirelessly. Traditional elements have been omitted, such as large vents. These are now slim in shape and are integrated into the second layer of the design. The floating 5-inch digital instrument panel informs the driver of driving data, battery charge level and the status of driver assistance systems.

Standard features include heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, a driver’s seat with massage, keyless entry and a sound bar. The Explorer Premium adds ambient lighting, among other things.

Driver assistance systems Ford Explorer

The new Explorer features several driver assistance systems, controlled via 12 ultrasonic sensors, five cameras and three radar systems that together can monitor an area of 360 degrees around the car. Sensors in the steering wheel passively monitor driver interaction. The car encourages the driver to stay engaged through visual, auditory and haptic warnings.

The list of driving assistance systems includes a lane assistant that can also perform automatic lane changes, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assistant, blind spot monitoring, speed sign recognition, a rear cross traffic alert system, a collision prevention system and much more. The car can also park independently. A 360-degree camera system has also been considered. The optional Matrix LED headlights help the driver see better. The light units can automatically adjust their beams to the driving situation without blinding oncoming traffic.

Standard with heat pump

A heat pump is standard on the Ford. The system follows a similar principle to advanced residential heating systems. The heat can be used to heat the interior. Thus, no precious energy is lost from the battery. This is better for range. The heat pump can also work in reverse and function as an air conditioner to cool the interior.

Luggage space

The luggage compartment holds 450 liters with the rear seats in place. More than 1,400 liters are available with the rear seatback folded down. The cargo area floor can be lowered or raised. This allows the user to play with the lifting threshold.

Wheels and colors

Ford positions the Explorer below the Mustang Mach-e in its lineup. The car is less than 4.5 meters long. Wheels are available in 19-, 20- or 21-inch sizes. Of course, the smallest wheel size has the greatest range. The body colors are specially matched to the design of the new Explorer. According to Ford, the new introductory color Arctic Blue embodies the exploration potential of the sky with shimmering silver and light blue accents. The color Blue My Mind is now also available for the first time. Ford also supplies Frozen White, Magnetic Grey, Agate Black and Lucid Red.

Price Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer will be available for order later this year. The expected starting price of the Ford Explorer is under 45,000 euros. This is comparable to a richly equipped Renault Megane E-Tech Electric.