car news car tests Electric

Ford is revising its model lineup. Familiar names such as the Fiesta and Focus are disappearing from the range and in their place are returning familiar names from the past. Just think of the Puma, Capri or tastemaker Bronco. After the American Explorer became officially available in Europe again a few years ago, there is now also a Ford Explorer especially for Europe. How should we place that model and what does it have to offer?

What is the position of the Ford Explorer EV within the electric SUV segment?

It is no secret that the Ford Explorer EV shares its technology with the Volkswagen ID.4. Still, we should not think of the models as competitors, according to Ford. The idea is that the Ford Explorer, Volkswagen ID.4, Ford Capri and Volkswagen ID.5 complement each other exactly, in that order from small to large. If you look at the dimensions, that is approximately correct, but in practice the models will still mainly fish in the same pond….

Competitors from other brands in this segment include the Skoda Enyaq, Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya, Toyota bZ4X, Renault Scenic and the Peugeot E-3008. Some models are slightly roomier, sportier or more focused on comfort, but in terms of price, powertrain and size, they are all close to the Ford Explorer EV.

How big is the Ford Explorer EV inside and out?

Specifically, the Ford Explorer EV is 4.47 meters long, 1.87 meters wide and 1.63 meters high. The boot always measures 450 liters, even if you opt for a larger battery and/or all-wheel drive. With the rear seats flat, space grows to 1,422 liters. A frunk is not there, or at least not standard. Optionally, Ford supplies a sort of storage bin that you can place at the top of the “engine compartment. Handy for the charging cable, no need to leave it loose in the boot.

What engine variants are there?

Currently, there are three powertrains to choose from: Standard Range RWD, Extended Range RWD and Extended Range AWD. The difference is primarily in battery capacity. The Standard Range has 52 kWh, the Extended Range has 77 or 79 kWh. That is the actual usable capacity. The other difference is engine power. By default, the Explorer EV has 125 kW (170 hp) of power. The Extended Range RDW has a more powerful electric motor with 210 kW (286 hp). The AWD, thanks to an additional electric motor, has all-wheel drive and a system output of 250 kW (340 hp). We will come back to driving performance, range and consumption later.

How heavy is the Ford Explorer EV and how much can it tow?

Depending on the version, the Ford Explorer EV has a registration weight of 1,908 to 2,209 kg. For an EV of this size, this is not exceptionally heavy, but neither is it a lightweight. Maximum braked towing weight is 1,000 kg for most versions, but the AWD version is allowed 1,200 kg on the hook.

What does the Ford Explorer EV cost in the Netherlands?

The three powertrains can be combined with three trim levels. The range starts with the Style, available only with Standard Range RWD, starting at 38,950 euros. Upgrading to the Select costs 43,850 euros, but then you also get the Extended Range right away. Four-wheel drive brings the price to 51,850 euros.

The most luxurious version is the Premium, which in combination with Standard Range RWD is available from 42,950 euros. With Extended Range it becomes 47,850 euros and all-wheel drive brings the price to 55,850 euros.

What equipment do you get with the Ford Explorer EV?

So the price can add up quickly, but what’s in return? Listing everything goes too far, but some highlights include 19-inch steel wheels (with aerodynamic hubcaps that resemble alloy wheels), full-led lighting, privacy glass, cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch central display. You also already have almost the entire package of driving assistants as standard, including Cross Traffic Alert with braking intervention. Conveniently, the central screen is tiltable: that way, it’s always at a viewing angle that’s comfortable for you and you won’t be bothered by reflections. Hidden behind the screen is a lockable storage compartment.

Equipment level Select mainly brings the Extended Range powertrain, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry. The Premium further supplements that with 20-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, steering wheel heating, power-adjustable driver’s seat, front seat heating, faux leather upholstery and a power tailgate, among other features.

Items such as the 360-degree camera and head-up display always remain optional. Via the option list, the three equipment levels can be expanded even further. See www.ford.nl for the complete range.

What infotainment and connectivity options are available?

As standard, the Ford Explorer EV already features wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and voice controls. The DAB+ radio is paired with an audio system with seven speakers and a dash-mounted soundbar. Ford Pass Connect with 4G modem is also included, as well as “connected” navigation with EV features and over-the-air updates. If you opt for Premium trim level, then a wireless smartphone charger and USB-C connectors in the rear are added. Optionally, this is also available for the lower levels. Optional from the Select is a Bang & Olufsen Premium audio system with ten speakers and subwoofer.

What is the range and consumption?

The range of the Ford Explorer EV ranges from 360 to 602 km (WLTP), depending on the powertrain and trim level chosen). We drove the Extended Range RWD Premium, which gets 576 km far according to the WLTP cycle, with consumption of 15.2 kWh/100 km. After a drive with mostly highway mileage, we also had exactly that value on the trip computer, but in the end we ended the test week with a still tidy reading of 16.6 kWh/100 km. That would still mean a range of over 500 km.

How fast can the Ford Explorer EV charge?

For all three battery versions, Ford specifies a DC fast charge time of 25 to 28 minutes, assuming a 10 to 80 percent charge session. In fact, the Extended Range’s greater battery capacity is offset by a higher fast-charging capacity: 185 kW. Oddly enough, that value belongs only to the AWD, and the Extended Range RWD, with 135 kW, is actually the “slowest. In actual charging time, you shouldn’t notice much of that.

How are the performance and handling of the Ford Explorer EV?

Depending on the version, 100 km/h is reached in 8.7 or just 5.3 seconds, with a top speed of 160 to 180 km/h. All fine values. We drove the Extended Range RWD Premium, which should do the standard sprint in 6.4 seconds. Most importantly, in practice it always feels sufficiently powerful and you’re never short of power. Unless you really need that 200 kg extra towing weight, we wouldn’t know why you would choose the more expensive AWD.

By the way, the Ford Explorer EV is not just another Volkswagen with a different body. Compared to the VW platform, the suspension has been modified. In good Ford tradition, this makes the Explorer ride a bit firmer and sharper than the Volkswagen. For a family car, you might still want softer damping, at least for short bumps, but the loyal Ford driver will appreciate it.

A nice detail is the C-pillar. On the outside, it has a shape clearly inspired by the big Explorer, but that is optical trickery. It is a pattern on an “ordinary” rectangular side window, so you still have a good view from inside diagonally behind the car. Another special feature is that the turning radius of the Ford, at 9.7 m, is noticeably tighter than that of the Volkswagen. Depends a bit on the equipment level and corresponding wheel size, though.

Conclusion: is the Ford Explorer EV worth considering?

The Ford Explorer EV does not push any boundaries – after all, we have known the technical basis from Volkswagen for a while – but it is an interesting overall package. A practical interior, a generous range and a price range that is not too high. It also manages to mask the Volkswagen base well with a recognizable Ford design and even a (slightly) tighter ride as well. In that respect, you really experience the Explorer EV as a Ford.