Tempted by the new electric explorer Ford? We will have to be patient ..

Ford would have decided to comply with these standards for all the new models launched, therefore starting by exploring it electric. If the latter had been marketed as planned this year, he should in any case have to respect the future regulations sooner or later. This would have required the modification of several parameters during the production. To avoid any hassle, Ford therefore prefers to launch a vehicle meeting directly to the next standards.

Ford Explorer: our discovery in images of the Electric SUV of the renewal

Ford presents its future 100% electric SUV ! You read that right: his name is explore. Except that he doesn’t have much to do with the explorer as we know him. Finally if, a little. But not totally .. ! Discovery in images of the future 100% electric Urban SUV Ford Explorer.

It was almost 3 months ago. Ford introduced us to its new 100% electric strategy, and its ambitions by 2030. And remember, we could see future models of the brand … against the promise of not talking about it. Today, we can finally present to you the model that inaugurates the new identity of the blue oval: Ford Explorer. And behind his iconic name, he has (almost) nothing to do with the one whose name he takes up. Urban ambitions, new aesthetic direction and electrification on the program.

Ford Explorer: From big SUV to “medium crossover”

Auto lovers, you already know the great SUV Ford Explorer, who is already in his sixth generation. And if that doesn’t speak to you specially, you’ve certainly already seen it in Jurassic Park ! You know, the green and yellow 4 × 4 in which visitors travel. In 2023, the explorer welcomed a homonym dedicated to a different use. While the big SUV continues its end of the way in the great outdoors, the new one is intended for the city. As a reminder, Ford radically reduces its range, and aims to offer 8 models for 2024. No more fiesta, world, focus and others. It is in a logic of personality and use that the range will evolve, by renewing iconic names to keep the wire. Mustang Mach-E, Puma Electric, Bronco for “Ultimate Outdoor” DNA, and now Ford Explorer for the “Urban Escape” component.

With this complete turnaround, Ford intends to reaffirm its strong, American identity. By offering “rebels and dynamic” vehicles which evoke the great outdoors. Let us also recall that the brand aims at more than 600,000 100% electric annual sales by 2026. To do this, no less than $ 2 billion was invested in the Cologne factory. And this is precisely where the “Medium Crossover” Ford Explorer will be assembled. So what the famous little urban SUV looks like that will come out of the Ford’s Cologne Electrification Center ? You might as well admit it right away, at Automobile Clean, we find it rather nice !

The Ford Explorer Côté Look: European ambitions

Ford clearly tells us: “We want to bring the iconic personality to explore it in a model intended for European customers”. Understand by this that the new Ford Explorer 100% electric will be brand new, with some winks to its elder. The crossover takes up the codes of the electric, with simple and smooth surfaces. The silhouette is both muscular and compact, which gives it a rather successful tackled look. The front seems to be raised and the hood seems long despite short overhangs in reality. The visual presence of the vehicle is also carried by its fairly high fuel belt. The bodywork/window ratio is very typical to explore it original. The electric SUV also refers to it through a few elements. In particular the graphics tinted in the glass of the rear windows, modern interpretation of the amount C of the large SUV.

Its “shark wing” side (which is reminiscent of some designs like Citroën C5X) will speak to connoisseurs of the original explorer. Same thing for the amount has nicely integrated, which gives this “visor” effect in the windshield. The front front imposes, with its lettering tone on your “explore” overcoming a modernized Ford logo too. Finally, panoramic roof and roof line participate in the “floating” aspect of the upper part. The lines are clean and fluid, punctuated by an assertive look without falling into aggressiveness. Finally, this Ford Explorer adopts more urban proportions while echoing its homonym. All in a format more suited to the city, more “European” therefore. Its dimensions: 4.46 m long and 1.87 m wide. At the rear, the trunk volume extends from 450 to 1,400 liters for optimal carrying capacity.

On board: tilting screen and space optimization

“The Ford Explorer will be quite compact and agile in town, and capable of taking everything you need for weekends”. The brand insists on the versatility of its small SUV, which will have to check everyday huts as a vacation. The vehicle designed for Europeans by Europeans also provides a share of new features on board. Starting with its 15 -inch SYNC MOVE screen in portrait format. This may be tilted in several positions for an adjusted view from the driver’s seat. The first contact is very convincing, especially since a storage space is under the system. In the low position, the screen acts as a closing pane. Better: once the vehicle is locked, the screen acts as a secure cover ! The high -end finishes will also accommodate a real flat sound bar, placed on the dashboard facing the driver.

From the driver’s seat, we take advantage of a cockpit oriented towards us, intuitive and accessible. The steering wheel, comfortable in hand, has two flat and bottom flat. Between us, this first contact is more promising than the Peugeot flies for example, whose flat/hardness combo makes the back of the hand somewhat abrupt. But this remains to be confirmed on the road. The Ford Explorer takes full advantage of its electrical platform, especially in terms of storage. This is evidenced by the 17 l “mega console” in the central armrest. This can accommodate 3 bottles of 1.5 l + 1 50 cl bottle, or even a laptop without problem. For those who like to place their smartphone on the central console, a location is also there. The seats are not to be outdone, with a beautiful leg space at the rear and AGR comfort seats at the front.

Engines and autonomy: more than 500 km ?

The angry subject. Not because the figures are disappointing … but simply because we don’t have them yet ! The manufacturer does not specify what will be the performance of its 100% electric SUV at the moment. We nevertheless know that it is built, following a temporary partnership with Volkswagen, on the MeB platform of the German group, that several engines in propulsion and all -wheel drive will be offered, as well as two sizes of battery. For the moment, we estimate a maximum autonomy of more than 500 km, as well as 250 kW (340 hp) in AWD. Intermediate engines could oscillate between 130 kW (~ 180 hp) and 200 kW (~ 271 hp). Ie a total of three versions including two in propulsion ? It will still be necessary to wait a few months, since the final technical characteristics of the Ford Explorer will be revealed in summer 2023. And fortunately, because orders should open in September, for a start of production at the end of the year.

Whatever the engine chosen, customers will benefit from the oval blue charging network. Or more than 400,000 recharge points in Europe (500,000 by 2024 !), including more than 400 quick ionity terminals. “Explorer customers will also benefit from a special Ionity preferential rate,” said the brand. The Ford Explorer will be offered in two finish levels “Explore” and “Explore Premium”. 19 to 21 inch rims, glass roof or not, and multimedia system will depend on the finish chosen. Explore 100% electric will be available in six colors: Frozen White, Magnetic Gray, Agate Black, Lucid Red for the famous. Blue my minds, and Arctic Blue vibrant colors are unpublished. It is this last Arctic Blue, launch color of the explorer, which dresses our prototype. So your first impressions ?

Tempted by the new electric explorer Ford ? We will have to be patient ..

The Ford Explorer Electric sees its launch delayed six months in Europe. The American brand wants to develop the vehicle in order to comply with future European security standards.

With its own style, the electric explorer explores skillfully hides its parentage with the Volkswagen ID.4. Unfortunately, if the American SUV caught your eye, you will have to be patient since Ford has pushed its European launch of six months. According to the German daily Kölnische Rundschau, the teams of the Cologne factory would have received A report questioning new safety standards.

Directly explore to standards

Ford would have decided to comply with these standards for all the new models launched, therefore starting by exploring it electric. If the latter had been marketed as planned this year, he should in any case have to respect the future regulations sooner or later. This would have required the modification of several parameters during the production. To avoid any hassle, Ford therefore prefers to launch a vehicle meeting directly to the next standards.

We understand why

However, the report does not specify exactly what the compulsory equipment will be to meet the future regulations. This now explains why Ford had opened pre -orders to explore it without obligation since March 21. We also understand why The American brand had remained very elusive on the technical sheet of its electric SUV.

Compare real autonomies of the best electric cars according to our standard of standardized measurements. Battery capacity, consumption, autonomy, we tell you everything !

A technical sheet always unknown

Indeed, essential data such as battery size and vehicle autonomy remain unknown to date. Ford has indeed not confirmed if the explorer will resume the batteries of 52, 58 and 77 kWh of the Volkswagen Id.4. The brand only mentioned the presence of versions in two and four -wheel drive. What is certain is that marketing is pushed “next summer”, still according to the Kölnische Rundschau. Initially announced in September, the range and prices could also be revealed a few weeks late.