Finally, the Ford Explorer electric vehicle is making its European debut. Ford expects the enhanced Explorer EV, which has a range of up to 374 miles and a starting price of £40,000 ($50,000), will increase sales in the area.

American Style Meets German Engineering

Just over a year ago, Ford unveiled the all-electric Explorer. It is the first electric vehicle constructed on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, which also serves as the foundation for the VW ID.4.

“German engineering combined with striking American style” is how the Explorer EV is described. Ford claims that when it reimagines the Explorer in Europe, the electric vehicle is the first of many new EVs.

Ford’s mid-size, all-electric SUV has space for five passengers comfortably and about 470 L of storage, making it ideal for family outings. A large 15-inch moveable touchscreen with fully integrated infotainment—including enhanced ADAS, Android Auto and AppleCarplay compatibility—is featured on the Explorer EV.

For Ford Explorer EV customers, fast charging allows them to go from 10% to 80% in roughly 25 minutes, allowing them to resume driving sooner.

Ford originally stated that two models, the Explorer and Explorer Premium, will go on sale by the end of 2023 and that the starting price would be less than €45,000 ($50,000).

Ford postponed the launch despite this, mostly because the battery did not meet the new rules. To comply, Ford redesigned the EV and added a new NMC battery pack.

Ford Explorer EV Upgraded to Provide a Longer Range

It might be worth waiting. The delay has resulted in more refinement and a more competitive product, according to Martin Sander, Head of Ford Europe’s product e EV team, who spoke with Autocar.

According to Sander, Ford’s Explorer EV is “a better vehicle now than we would have launched half a year ago.” “Get everything nailed down, to make sure that we’re delivering a perfect vehicle to our customers,” was how the crew spent the additional time.

The new battery outperforms the 311 miles Ford had anticipated, with a range of up to 374 miles (600 km).

With a 77 kWh battery, Ford’s single-motor Extended Range Explorer is priced at £45,875 ($58,000). Volkswagen’s 335 horsepower GTX EV powerplant powers the dual-motor variant. It has a 79 kWh battery installed.

A conventional model with a 52 kWh battery that is more reasonably priced will be released later; it will start at approximately £39,875 ($50,000).

“The engineers truly did a terrific job to create a distinctive Ford vehicle, not just put another electric vehicle out,” Sander continued. There are two or more MEB-based cars, the first of which is the Explorer EV. The second will be a “more sporty, slightly larger” SUV, according to Sander.

Ford had stated that it would sell more than 600,000 MEB-based EVs in Europe over a six-year period, but Sander claimed the company has changed its objectives for both the region and the US.

Additionally, Ford announced a new alliance with Allego, a network of ultra-fast EV chargers, to install 400 kW chargers for electric Explorer drivers throughout European dealerships.

Ford now needs to introduce the electric Explorer to the US market. Ford is now putting off plans for a larger, three-row electric SUV in the US in favor of concentrating on more compact, less expensive EVs.