Celebrating the ‘world’s ultimate test drive’, Ford is launching sales of the new all-electric Explorer in Europe.
Using the new all-electric Ford Explorer, renowned explorer Lexie Alford (@LexieLimitless) today set the official record for the first person to circumnavigate the world in an electric vehicle. To celebrate the whole venture, known as Charge Around The Globe, Ford has confirmed both the prices and specifications of its new EV range. So the electric car that went around the world is now available to order for customers who are ready for their own excursions, whether small or large.
Crossing the finish line of their journey in Nice, France, Lexie Alford and the new Explorer led a convoy of Ford’s flagship vehicles, flanked by current models that set the vision for the company’s future direction.
“Ford wants to bring passion and emotion to electric cars in Europe. There are a lot of boring cars and SUVs out there. The new Explorer represents Ford’s unique character, which is reflected in every car in this amazing line-up,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, who attended the celebration. “We are proud to launch this new all-electric passenger car, which is designed specifically for the roads and customers of Europe and is obviously capable of taking you anywhere in the world.”
On its incredible journey, the new Ford Explorer crossed 6 continents, passed through 27 countries and traveled more than 30,000 kilometers, all using only electricity. Tackling both blackouts in Africa and the lack of charging infrastructure in Chile’s Atacama Desert, as well as environments with undeveloped roads, mountain passes and freezing conditions, the new Ford Explorer proved through this achievement just what can be achieved with an electric vehicle. vehicle.
“Lexie’s trip was the ultimate test drive for our new Ford Explorer, tackling all kinds of weather and road conditions and almost any charging scenario,” said Martin Sander, general manager Ford Model e Europe. “It embodies the true can-do spirit of this company, seizing this great opportunity to test not only ourselves but also the global charging infrastructure. Crossing the finish line today proves just what you can do with the new all-electric Ford Explorer, and we’re delighted that customers will soon be able to see for themselves.”
The vehicle Lexie Alford used on this trip was a pre-production version of the Ford Explorer, which is now available to order. During the trip he used a variety of charging solutions – from 2.2 kW AC wall sockets and DC fast chargers to a portable battery.
Throughout her journey Lexie relied on the cabin’s MegaConsole storage, which can hold up to three 1.5 liter bottles leaving plenty of extra space, the heated and massaging driver’s seat and the Ford’s SYNC Move infotainment system with voice activation and adjustable touchscreen – features that are standard on Ford Explorer Style and Ford Explorer Premium.
“On this epic journey I met incredible people from many corners of the world and crossed 27 countries behind the wheel. There were many challenges on this trip,” said Lexie, who also holds the world record for being the youngest person to visit every country in the world. “It has been a lifelong dream and an honor for me to be trusted by Ford to drive around the world in the electric Explorer, which has been like my home for the past six months. I set out to push the boundaries of what is possible with an EV and I’m proud to have done it!”
Equipped for any type of getaway
The new Explorer is Ford’s first passenger EV to be developed and built in Europe, combining elements such as German engineering, American styling and top-of-the-range standard specifications that include battery-electric powertrains for zero-emissions driving – and range up to 602 kilometers on a single charge.
The Ford Explorer is available with a choice of drivetrains with one engine installed in the rear wheels (RWD) or alternatively with two engines and all-wheel drive (AWD). Both devices use an extended range nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery chosen for its energy density, power and performance in European climates – from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean.
A single-engine, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version paired with a standard-range NMC battery will also be available at a later date.
Charging from 10-80% takes around 26 minutes using DC fast charging up to 185kW for the AWD version. Explorer drivers will be able to easily access and pay for charging at more than 600,000 charging points in the BlueOval Charge Network using the FordPass app or the innovative Plug&Charge technology. These include high-power charging stations from IONITY – a consortium of which Ford is a founding member – and Allego, with which Ford has announced a partnership to introduce ultra-fast charging at the brand’s authorized dealer locations.
It’s not just charging that’s quick and simple. The new all-electric Ford Explorer can accelerate faster than a Focus ST, as its 340 PS power ensures 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.3 seconds in the AWD version and a towing capacity of up to 1,200 kg. And all this with the seamless use of a completely silent, all-electric powertrain.
The whole experience is made even more enjoyable thanks to the top standard specification of the new Ford Explorer. In addition to approximately 470 liters of total storage space, including the 17-liter MegaConsole and My Private Locker found in the cabin, all versions of the new Explorer feature a connected SYNC Move infotainment system with an adjustable 14.6-inch central touchscreen, which can be moved to an angle of 30 degrees.
Standard equipment on Ford’s new EV also includes a heated steering wheel and front seats, a driver’s seat with massage function and wireless mobile charging. The innovative interior of the new Explorer includes sports seats with integrated headrests and a stylish soundbar so passengers can enjoy the sound played by devices connected wirelessly via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Premium version is equipped with a 10-speaker B&O sound system and atmospheric interior hidden lighting that creates a pleasant mood even on challenging journeys like Lexie’s. Also, instead of the characteristic Auto High Beam LED lights of the Style version, the Premium version has Dynamic Matrix LED lights with Glare-Free Highbeam.
Boasting a complete and luxurious level of equipment that ensures high value for every customer, the buying process of the new Explorer is made easy through optional extras limited to the panoramic roof – which features a glass surface of over 1 sq.m. – and in the Driver Assist Pack. Among the most notable features of this package are the rear door with hands-free function – for easy access to the luggage compartment (capacity up to 450 liters) when passengers cannot use their hands – the head-up display, the camera 360 degrees and the new Assisted Lane Change technology.
These features come in addition to more than 15 standard driver assistance technologies. Chief among these are Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Clear Exit Warning designed to help prevent ‘door open incidents’, which can occur when drivers open their vehicle doors without to perceive that bicycles, scooters or motorcycles are approaching.
The new all-electric Explorer – the first vehicle to be assembled in Cologne at the Ford Cologne EV Center following a $2 billion investment – will be available from €43,700 with the Standard Range battery (€35,700 with the government subsidy – available to order later in the year) and from €48,700 with the Extended Range battery (€40,700 with government subsidy – available to order immediately
Learn more about the immediately available versions and configure the new Ford Explorer here.
Source: Skai
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