With auto manufacturers going all-in with EV technology, it was only a matter of time before we see big brands introduce new takes on some of their more established vehicles. As such, Ford recently announced the launch of its new – and more importantly – “all-electric” Explorer. The company describes it as “a bold new electric vehicle that combines German engineering with striking American style.”
The Explorer will serve as the first in a series of new electric vehicles from Ford, alongside the brand’s efforts towards brand reinvention in European regions. The vehicle comes with seats for five in two rows, ideal for road trips with family and friends. This includes storage of up to 470 litres in five-seat mode , and the 17-litre console between driver and front-seat passenger can hold a 15-inch laptop, combined with a private locker and available hands-free accessible boot space as well.
The new Explorer is engineered and manufactured in Germany, and incorporates hardware geared towards more modern digital use cases for added connectivity and comfort while on the go. This set-up includes a SYNC Move supersized movable touchscreen and fully connected infotainment system with audio tailored to the interior, as well as wireless app integration and advanced driver assistance.
The Explorer’s interior packs premium materials and features including sculpted sporty seats, a soundbar, and support for fast charging tech which can fill up your battery from 10 to 80 per cent in just 25 minutes. According to Martin Sander, General Manager for Ford Model e, Europe:
“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.”
The vehicle incorporates visual elements from Ford’s SUV design language, albeit modified with a newer take – for example, it features a “shield” design instead of a traditional grille.
inside is Ford’s SYNC Move infotainment system, which features a movable 15‑inch touchscreen that easily moves around and conceals a private locker storage space for valuables. There’s also storage for two large smartphones, a wireless device charger as standard, and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Explorer will also be available as rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, and offers other features designed towards comfort, including heated front seats and a steering wheel, a massaging driver’s seat, and climate control as well. Also included in this long list of features are standard keyless entry and an available hands-free tailgate, so owners can access the boot instantly by using a simple kicking motion beneath the rear bumper.
Additionally, the Explorer comes with Advanced driver assistance systems that include Assisted Lane Change, and Clear Exit Assist. Ford says customers can try out virtual electric Explorer test drives through different driving environments from their desktop or mobile device.
As for availability, the new Ford Explorer will come in two different versions, the Explorer and Explorer Premium. The all-electric Explorer will be available later this year, with pricing anticipated from less than €45,000. Reservations are now open at Ford official websites across Europe.
