Ford unveils its new electric Explorer which should cost around £40k

Ford has unveiled its new ‘trailblazer’ Explorer electric SUV with a range of more than 300 miles from a single charge and a moveable touchscreen inside that conceals a James Bond-style hidden compartment. 

The new family-friendly crossover – which will be in showrooms next year – is described as the first in a new breed of ‘stylish, smart and road-trip ready’ all-electric Ford vehicles with clever storage and sharp design designed to appeal as much to women as men.

And the only thing it appears to share with the larger outgoing internal combustion engine Ford Explorer SUV (which is more than half a metre longer than the new electric Explorer) is its name.

Built in Cologne and combining ‘German engineering with striking American style’, Ford says its new all-electric Explorer crossover will sit between the Ford Kuga (priced from £30,445) and the sporty electric Mustang Mach-E (priced from £50,750). Although no official prices have yet been announced, potential customers should expect to pay from around £38,000 to £40,000 for the new Explorer depending on spec.

Ford says the Explorer will sit between the Ford Kuga (from £30,445) and electric Mustang Mach-E (from £50,750). Although no official prices have yet been announced, potential customers should expect to pay from around £38,000 to £40,000

The electric Explorer is the first model to result from the recent partnership between the US brand and rival car giant, Volkswagen.

The Explorer uses the same MEB platform that underpins the VW ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs as the German manufacturer has given the blue oval marque access to its electric vehicle developments. In return, Ford will share its commercial vehicle platforms with the Wolfsburg company.  

Online reservations for the Explorer open with immediate effect ahead of official order books later this year and first customer deliveries in early 2024.

But it already faces tough competition from new interlopers into the electric car-market, with the likes of China’s little known but powerful and highly ambitious BYD having already launched its similarly sized Atto3 crossover, priced between £36,490 and £38,990, onto the UK market this month with first deliveries happening now, nearly a year ahead of the new Ford.

Although no official performance details have yet been announced, the Explorer is expected to be available with two powertrains – a single motor rear-wheel drive ‘extended range’ 80kWh version, and all-wheel drive (55kWh) with a motor on each axle.

Acceleration from rest to 62mph is expected in the range of 7 to 10 seconds with top speed likely limited to 99mph.

Fast-charging on a higher-powered charger is expected to allow up to an 80 per cent charge in 25 minutes, with Ford highlighting that owners will also have access to 21,000 charge points on Ford’s UK Blue Oval charging network.

The Explorer uses the same MEB platform that underpins the Volkswagen electric vehicles, including the ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs

Online reservations for the Explorer open with immediate effect ahead of official order books later this year and first customer deliveries in early 2024 

Although no official performance details are confirmed, the Explorer is expected to be available with two powertrains – a single motor rear-wheel drive ‘extended range’ 80kWh version, and all-wheel drive (55kWh) with a motor on each axle

Ford has said that fast-charging on a higher-powered charger is expected to boost the battery up to an 80% charge in 25 minutes

Ford already has an internal combustion engine Explorer in its model line-up, though it’s not sold in the UK. The only thing the EV appears to share with it is the name, with the new electric version half a metre shorter than this one

Ford said the new Explorer offers futuristic styling, an aerodynamic exterior and a bold ‘shield’ design in lieu of a traditional grille.

Inside, is a modern interior, premium materials, sculpted sporty seats and a sophisticated sound-bar that is ‘more typical of revolutionary concept cars than family vehicles’, as well as practical combined storage space of 450 litres.

Features include a ‘supersized’ 14.6-inch moveable touchscreen that conceals a private locker storage space for valuables, and which smoothly slides up and down and the touch of a button.

There’s also a practical 17-litre console behind the driver and front seat that can hold a 15-inch laptop or small bag, or handbag.

Acceleration from rest to 62mph is expected in the range of 7 to 10 seconds with top speed likely limited to 99mph 

The mid-size crossover has seats for five across two rows and is ‘fully equipped to set families on the road to adventure,’ says Ford bosses

The moveable 14.6-inch touchscreen conceals a private locker storage space for valuables, and which can smoothly slide up and down

There’s also a practical 17-litre console behind the driver and front seat that can hold a 15-inch laptop or small bag, or handbag.

Special apps built into the infotainment system will help the driver find the most convenient re-charging pit stops on the road

Ford said the new Explorer offers futuristic styling, an aerodynamic exterior and a bold ‘shield’ design in lieu of a traditional grille

A compartment for two large smartphones comes with wireless device charger as standard, and wireless compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Other features include: a hands-free power tailgate; heated sculpted front seats and steering wheel; massaging driver’s seat; and standard keyless entry.

Will it fit in my garage? New Ford Explorer EV

Online reservations: from 21 March

Order books open: later this year

First deliveries: early 2024

Price: circa £38,000 to £40,000

Battery size: expected 55kWh and 80kWh

Motor: electric

Drives: rear-wheel drive (extended range 80Wh) and all-wheel drive (55kWh)

Emissions: Zero

Acceleration (0-62mph): expected 7 to 10 seconds

Top speed: likely limited to 99mph

Range: expected 300 miles plus (circa 500km)

Fast-charging time: 10 to 80 per cent in 25 minutes

Length: 4,470 mm

Width with mirrors: 2,056mm

Width without mirrors: 1,872mm

Height (inc. antenna): 1,672mm

Seats: 5 Doors: 5

Combined storage space: 450 litres

Added safety features include assisted lane change (for the first time on a Ford in Europe) and a ‘clear exit assist’ which warns drivers and passengers of approaching cyclists about to whizz by on the blind before you open your door, to help protect both them and occupants from injury or damage.

Ford said: ‘The new Explorer crossover leads the way for a new wave of bold, iconic electric vehicles that are steeped in Ford’s American roots and designed for Europe. It forges the way for a complete reinvention of the Ford brand.’

It is the company’s first electric vehicle to be built at scale in the company’s new EV Campus in Germany and marks the start of its commitment to offer an all-electric portfolio of passenger vehicles by 2030.

Ford noted: ‘The mid-size crossover has seats for five across two rows and is fully equipped to set families on the road to adventure.’

‘It offers an outstanding digital experience with a fully loaded infotainment system, 14.6-inch movable screen, wireless app integration and advanced driver assistance.’

The supersized movable touchscreen features a connected infotainment system with audio tailored to the interior, wireless app integration and advanced driver assistance technology.

Ford noted: ‘The 17-litre console between driver and front-seat passenger can hold a 15-inch laptop, combining with a private locker behind the touchscreen and hands-free accessible boot-space.’

It adds: ‘All this comes together with the ability to fast charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 25 minutes and access to 21k charge points in the UK on Ford’s Blue Oval Charging Network.

‘By 2024, Explorer customers will have access to more than 500,000 charging points in 25 countries across Europe.’

Special apps help the driver find the most convenient re-charging pit stops on the road: ‘Charging at home can be scheduled to use cheaper electricity and energy tariffs, where available, and to deliver a full battery and pre-warmed cabin for early starts.’

Martin Sander, general manager for Ford’s electric ‘Model e’ sales in Europe said: ‘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.’

Ford says that when it hits the market in 2024, Explorer customers will have access to more than 500,000 charging points in 25 countries across Europe

Explorer is the company’s first electric vehicle to be built at scale in the company’s new EV Campus in Germany and marks the start of its commitment to offer an all-electric portfolio of passenger vehicles by 2030

The new family-friendly crossover is described as the first in a new breed of ‘stylish, smart and road-trip ready’ all-electric Ford vehicles with clever storage and sharp design designed to appeal as much to women as men, the US brand said

Other features include: a hands-free power tailgate; heated sculpted front seats and steering wheel; massaging driver’s seat; and standard keyless entry