Ford Motor has pulled the wraps off the new Explorer EV SUV in the international markets. According to the manufacturer, the Explorer EV is the company's first all-electric vehicle to use Volkswagen's MEB platform, which is a mainstream platform for its electric vehicles. The MEB-based Explorer EV is a product of a partnership between Ford and VW. The Ford all-electric Explorer, it's family SUV, is positioned between the Volkswagen ID.3 and the Volkswagen ID.4 (in terms of size). It is built at Ford's Cologne factory in Germany and meant exclusively for the European market. The launch is most likely to take place later this year. When launched in Europe, the new Explorer EV will replace its ICE-powered counterpart.
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"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," said Martin Sander, General Manager, Ford Model E, Europe.
As far as India is concerned, we have no official information as to when the Explorer EV will arrive. Globally, it will be available in both rear- and four-wheel drive variants. Now, let's have a look at its design, features, and mechanical specifications.
New Ford Explorer EV: Exterior
In terms of styling, the five-seater Explorer SUV gets a bluff front end that comes with a larger logo, a beltline around the car, L-shaped LED headlights with inverted DRLs, and chunky wheel patterns. Furthermore, it has a floating roof with black A-pillars, dual-tone machined alloys, conventional door handles, and C-shaped LED tail lamps. Besides, it carries a boxy silhouette and a bold 'shield' design instead of a traditional grille. In all, it represents a departure from the company's conventional design concept. Not limited to this, the Explorer EV claims about 470-litre storage space in five-seat mode and hands-free accessible boot space.
New Ford Explorer EV: Interior, Features
Inside, the Explorer EV SUV features a 15-inch portrait touchscreen with Ford's Sync infotainment system, which includes Alexa voice recognition, over-the-air software updates, intelligent charger search function, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other than this, it has what the company calls a 'private locker' behind an adjustable 14.6-inch touchscreen, a soundbar atop the dashboard, a 17-litre Mega Console cubby between the driver and front-seat passenger, and other controls such as an illuminating touch slider. For the first time, the EV offers assisted lane change, clear exit assist, and an optional hands-free tailgate.
The new model will be offered in Europe in two trims - Explorer and Explorer Premium. Heated seats and keyless entry will come as standard.
New Ford Explorer EV: Engine, Battery
As for its powertrain, we have no confirmed details as of now. Since the Explorer EV has two drive versions, it is expected to have a power output of below 197bhp for the base variant. Whereas, the top version could go up to 296bhp or more.
Coming to the battery packs, the Explorer Electric is claimed to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 25 minutes using a DC fast charger. If we go by some reports, the Ford Explorer EV offers two battery units - 52kWh and 77kWh, similar to what the Volkswagen ID.4 comes with.
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The unveiling of the new Ford Explorer EV came in alignment with the company's plans to transition its European lineup to be fully electric by 2030. It is likely to go on sale in Europe first at a starting price of around € 45,000 (Rs 40.29 lakh, ex-showroom).
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