Ford has introduced its new electric Explorer to the European market, aiming to broaden its appeal beyond the premium EV segment. The new Explorer is a significant addition to Ford's line-up, reflecting the company's efforts to provide a more practical and mainstream electric vehicle option. This model is notably smaller than its main competitors, such as the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV, being over 10cm shorter than the Volkswagen and nearly 20cm shorter than the Skoda. This compact design underscores Ford's focus on practicality and ease of use, characteristic of the brand's identity.
After a promising start with the Mach-E, Ford has struggled to get acceptance for its more recent designs – like the Capri. While the brand has a sportier feel in the State, here in the UK Ford has stood more for affordable practicality – from the Mondeo and Fiesta through to the Transit Van. Indeed, the now defunct Fiesta sold 78,000 units in 2019 – putting it 20,000 units ahead of the Golf in second place. The successful Fiesta assembly line is being repurposed as an EV specialist centre.
So what's the problem?
Just before lockdown, Fiestas had an on the road price starting around £17,000, while the new Capri and Mustang Mach-E start around £43,000 – and the Ford Explorer we're looking at today starts at just over £45,000. That gives prospective buyers a range of Ford electric options that are 2-3x more expensive than Ford's most successful car. Imagine McDonald's moving pricing for its Big Mac and Quarter Pounder products to £11 and £15 respectively (burger only). On that basis alone, volume sales could be a big challenge for Ford. Their bean counters are going to have to put in overtime generating subsidised leasing deals.
Technical Specifications
The electric Explorer is built on Volkswagen's MEB platform, the result of a collaboration between Ford and Volkswagen Group. It features two primary drivetrain options. The base model comes with an 82kWh (77kWh net) battery and a 210kW (282hp) motor, which powers the rear wheels. For those seeking more power, there is an all-wheel drive variant equipped with an 84kWh (79kWh net) battery and a 250kW (335hp) dual-motor setup. The vehicle's towing capacity varies with the drivetrain, with the rear-wheel drive capable of towing 1,000kg and the all-wheel drive able to tow up to 1,200kg.
In terms of aesthetics, the Explorer maintains a boxy yet modern profile, differing from both the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV. The exterior design is straightforward, avoiding the aggressive styling seen in some other SUVs, aiming instead for a functional and practical appearance. The interior, while predominantly featuring black Sensico artificial leather, offers a spacious and comfortable environment. Notably, the rear seats provide ample legroom, even when the front seats are adjusted for taller occupants.
The Explorer is available in two trim levels: Select and Premium. The Select trim offers 19-inch wheels, while the Premium trim upgrades to 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium 10-speaker sound system. The vehicle's colour options include standard white, along with two shades of black, light blue, dark blue, and red, with the latter choices costing an additional £800. Interior colour choices are limited to black, consistent with the vehicle's focus on practicality and ease of maintenance.
Driving Impressions
During the test drive in Slovenia, the Explorer demonstrated a commendable balance between performance and efficiency. The rear-wheel drive model provided a more relaxed driving experience, while the all-wheel drive version exhibited a more dynamic character. The latter can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 5.3 seconds, with the rear-wheel drive model trailing slightly at 6.4 seconds. Despite these performance figures, the driving experience is more geared towards comfort and stability than outright sportiness.
The vehicle's range is one of its standout features, particularly for those planning longer journeys. The rear-wheel drive Select model has a WLTP rating of up to 374 miles, decreasing slightly to 354 miles in the Premium trim. The all-wheel drive variant, with its additional power, offers a range of up to 329 miles. These figures place the Explorer in competitive standing with other vehicles in its class, including the Tesla Model Y Long Range. Charging capabilities are also notable, with the all-wheel drive version supporting up to 185kW DC fast charging, allowing a 10 to 80% charge in approximately 26 minutes. The rear-wheel drive variant supports up to 135kW, requiring about 28 minutes for a similar charge.
During the drive, the all-wheel drive model achieved an efficiency of 3.3 miles per kWh, suggesting a real-world range of around 259 miles under varied driving conditions. This efficiency, combined with the vehicle's practical design and ample cargo space—450 litres with rear seats up, expanding to 1,422 litres when folded—enhances its appeal for families and those with active lifestyles.
Conclusion
The electric Ford Explorer represents a well-considered entry into the mid-sized SUV market. It combines practical features with respectable performance and range, making it a viable option for those seeking an electric vehicle with the flexibility to handle everyday tasks and longer trips. However, the pricing, starting at £45,875 for the base model and reaching £53,975 for the top-spec all-wheel drive variant, positions it alongside established competitors like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV. This pricing strategy may challenge its appeal to those looking for more affordable EV options.
Overall, the Explorer aligns with Ford's reputation for producing practical, reliable vehicles, but it also highlights the ongoing issue of EV affordability. As Ford prepares to launch more accessible versions of the Explorer in the future, including a model with a smaller 55kWh battery, it will be interesting to see how the market responds. For now, the Explorer offers a solid choice for those prioritising range and practicality in their next electric vehicle. A more comprehensive review will follow, providing deeper insights into its performance and ownership experience.
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