Ford unveils the all-new Explorer EV with distinctive German engineering, utilizing Volkswagen’s MEB platform and fast charging capabilities.
Ford has recently unveiled the all-new Explorer EV, which marks the company’s latest collaboration with Volkswagen. They introduced the vehicle 33 years after the Explorer nameplate was first launched as a trendsetter for SUVs in North America.
As Ford’s second model using Volkswagen’s hardware, Ford built the Explorer EV on the optimized MEB platform, which is also used by all ID models. Although the vehicle shares some engineering and design work with the Volkswagen ID.4, Ford has made sure to give it a unique feel.
It will be positioned between the forthcoming electric Puma and the Mustang Mach-E in terms of size and pricing. Ford will manufacture the Explorer in Craiova, Romania, beginning next year.
Ford’s $50 Billion Bet On Electric Future
Ford is following in the footsteps of Tesla by placing a strong emphasis on battery electric vehicles, as evidenced by its partnership with Volkswagen. However, the transition to EVs presents a significant challenge for the automaker.
In 2022, Ford recorded losses of $2.1 billion from its electric-vehicle division. For this year, the automaker expects to incur losses of around $3 billion. In order to facilitate its shift to electrification, Ford has pledged to invest $50 billion over the next four years, with the goal of making half of its global sales pure electric by 2030.
To meet this target, Ford plans to eliminate both the Fiesta and Focus nameplates by 2025 and focus on SUVs and EVs. The new battery-electric SUV will be a critical addition to Ford’s European lineup, which will take center stage at its Cologne plant. This is a colossal risk for Ford, but it’s also the first step in a wave of EVs they hope will boost their declining sales in Europe.
Ford Explorer EV: SUV Inspired By German Engineering
The all-new Explorer EV is noticeably smaller and resembles the German-made VW ID.4 SUV, which serves as its foundation. This new Explorer is a departure from its predecessor, which has undergone six generations since its production began in 1990.
The vehicle boasts a sleek and minimalist design with a closed-off front end, integrated front bumper, and smooth character lines along the side. The upright and uncluttered rear end is another notable feature. The Explorer EV looks like the ID.4 in some ways, but Ford has made efforts to make it distinctive. They modified the C-pillar and reduced some sculpture on the side.
The car has a distinctive and eye-catching design, featuring a floating roof with black A-pillars, dual-tone machined alloys, and conventional door handles. The C-shaped LED tail lamps add an extra touch of flair. Also, the car’s boxy silhouette and unique ‘shield’ design, which replaces the traditional grille, make it stand out.
According to Martin Sander, the General Manager of Ford Model E in Europe, the Explorer is an exciting example of Ford’s latest line of electric vehicles. Although it has American roots, they manufactured it in Cologne with European customers in mind. Ford designed the vehicle for long road trips and also equipped it with all the features necessary for daily commutes.
Ford Explorer EV Interior Is Futuristic With A Cool Dashboard
The Ford Explorer EV boasts a unique interior design, distinguished by its all Blue Oval dashboard. It features a sleek and modern appearance, with bold lines that provide character. The most noticeable feature is the vertical 15-inch touchscreen (taking a cue from the Mustang Mach-E interior), equipped with Ford’s new SYNC Move multimedia system. This feature distinguishes it from other electric vehicles that derive from Volkswagen.
Ford designed the spacious cabin of the Ford Explorer EV with functionality in mind. The Explorer EV features a massive touchscreen display that users can recline up to 30 degrees. Behind the display, there is a small locker for storing small items like wallets or keys. Additionally, a smaller digital display sits in front of the driver, which serves as the instrument cluster.
The vehicle has two rows of seats that can accommodate up to five passengers. To create a modern and seamless look, Ford has incorporated ambient lighting strips into the cabin design.
Ford Explorer EV: Battery, Powertrain, And Fast Charging
Ford has not yet confirmed the battery capacity for the Explorer EV. Despite its impressive design, the Ford Explorer EV is foreseen to utilize the identical battery pack as the Volkswagen ID.4. The Explorer EV is also expected to have two powertrain options: a dual electric motor setup or a single rear-mounted electric motor setup. The battery pack options for the vehicle are expected to include 55 kWh(218 miles) and 80 kWh versions offering up to 355 miles of range
The Explorer EV will have fast charging capabilities, allowing the vehicle to charge from 10 to 80% in just 25 minutes. There will be access to 500,000 charging stations across Europe next year. According to Ford, the Explorer EV owners will be able to access 21,000 charging points on the company’s UK Blue Oval charging network.
Ford and Volkswagen have collaborated on the next Ranger, which VW calls the Amarok. Both vehicles are set to be released sometime this year. While the Amarok may not be available in the US, it may provide a glimpse into Ford’s future compact electric pickups and SUV models.
