Ford on Tuesday revealed a brand new Explorer, however it’s not the Explorer you are acquainted with.
Ford’s latest Explorer is an electrical compact crossover designed for Europe. It is the mannequin Ford developed on Volkswagen Group’s MEB modular platform designed for mainstream electrical autos, made potential by a deal hammered out between the 2 automakers in 2019.
The identify is a apparent hyperlink to Ford’s mid-size Explorer (which can be offered in Europe), however the design can be meant to evoke the rugged, boxy traces of the automobile’s American counterpart.
Contained in the automobile, there are 5 seats cut up over two rows. Ford has added loads of storage options, together with a deep 0.6-cubic ft cubbie within the heart console and 16.6 cubic ft of storage within the rear cargo space. And like most trendy Fords, there’s a big tablet-like display screen with a portrait orientation within the heart stack working Ford’s Sync infotainment system. It measures 15 inches and will be adjusted alongside completely different angles to swimsuit completely different drivers’ traces of sight.
Ford is brief on powertrain specs however the automaker stated consumers will be capable of select between rear- and all-wheel drive, and expertise 10-80% costs in 25 minutes utilizing a high-speed charger. It is not clear how large the battery is, however the same ID.4 from Volkswagen comes with 62- and 82-kwh battery choices
Ford will begin gross sales of the electrical Explorer in Europe later this yr and is focusing on a beginning value of lower than 45,000 euros (roughly $48,500).
Ford Explorer electrical crossover for Europe
Ford will finally launch a second crossover in Europe based mostly on the MEB platform. It has been described as a sport crossover, and can probably find yourself as a extra coupe-like model of the Explorer, just like how VW provides the ID.4 and ID.5 siblings.
Whereas neither crossover is predicted to make it to the U.S., Ford is engaged on an electrical model of the mid-size Explorer offered right here. It will likely be based mostly on a devoted EV platform and spawn a Lincoln Aviator twin. Each electrical SUVs are anticipated to succeed in U.S. showrooms for the 2025 mannequin yr.
