The new all-electric five-seat Ford Explorer paves the way for a new line of bold, iconic EVs from the American brand to Europe
The new all-electric Explorer is the first in a series of innovative new electric vehicles from Ford that paves the way for a complete redefinition of the brand in Europe.
Combining German engineering with American styling, Ford’s mid-size SUV comfortably seats five passengers in two rows of seats and is fully equipped for family getaways, offering a great digital experience combined with on-road behavior tailored to the demands of Europeans customers.
The new Ford Explorer features, among other things, a large mobile SYNC Move touchscreen with fully connected infotainment and sound system adapted to the sound requirements of the interior, wireless application integration, as well as a number of advanced driver assistance technologies.
Designed in Europe and now being assembled at the new Cologne Electric Vehicle Center, Ford’s electric SUV is another step for the company on the road to a new generation of premium electric passenger vehicles destined for the Old Continent.
A second EV, a new sporty crossover, will soon be revealed and will be produced as early as this year in Cologne, while later in 2024 the all-electric version of the little Puma will also make its debut.
“Explorer paves the way for a new and exciting generation of electric vehicles for Ford. Drawing inspiration from our American heritage, but designed and built for our European customers, it has what it takes to tackle everything from everyday to the most demanding routes,” said Marin Gjajaja, Chief Operating Officer, Ford Model e.
The new Explorer has already made history by setting a new record in the hands of Lexie Alford (@LexieLimitless), who became the first person to drive around the world in an electric vehicle. Crossing six continents, 27 countries and covering more than 30,000 kilometers on electric power alone, it proved exactly what is possible with an electric vehicle.
Equipped for any type of getaway
The new all-electric Explorer is Ford’s first passenger EV to be developed and built in Europe, offering top-of-the-line specification as standard including battery-electric powertrains for zero-emissions driving – and a range of up to 602km on a single charge charging.
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 selected 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. Drivers of the new Explorer 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 top standard specifications.
“The Explorer proves that the efficiency and refinement of all-electric powertrains doesn’t compromise driving fun,” said Geert van Noyen, Vehicle Dynamics, Ford of Europe. “Sports car-like acceleration and signature Ford agility in such a capable and versatile package gives customers the freedom to live the experience to their heart’s content.”
In addition to approximately 490 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. This helps drivers easily find its ideal position to better access touch-activated functions, view the navigation system or simply adjust it to their preferences.
Standard equipment also includes a heated steering wheel and front seats, a driver’s seat with a massage function and wireless mobile charging. The interior of the new Explorer includes sports seats with integrated headrests and a stylish sound bar so all passengers can enjoy the sound played by devices connected wirelessly via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Explorer 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 LED lights with Auto High Beam, the Premium version has Dynamic Matrix LED lights with Glare-Free Highbeam.
To make the purchase process as easy as possible, but also to ensure that luxury specifications are offered with the aim of creating attractive value for every customer, optional extras are limited to the panoramic roof – which features a glass surface above 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 with a capacity of up to 470 liters when passengers cannot use their hands), the head-up display, the 360 camera 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 realize that they are approaching on two wheels.
The new Ford Explorer – the first vehicle to be assembled in Cologne at the Ford Cologne EV Center following a $2 billion investment by the company – will transform the historic facility into a factory of the future.
Featuring state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and hundreds of choreographed robots, the Electric Vehicle Center in Cologne is powered by self-learning machines. Also, more than 600 new robots perform a variety of welding, cutting, waxing, painting and assembly tasks in a highly coordinated and complex process that ensures, among other things, precision, efficiency and quality.
The Explorer completes the ultimate test drive around the world
To prove that the new all-electric Explorer is ready for any kind of challenge, explorer Lexie Alford accepted the challenge of becoming the first person to circumnavigate the world in an electric vehicle. The journey ended in Nice, France, on March 26 this year, accompanied by a convoy of Ford vehicles that today shape the vision for the company’s future direction.
On its incredible journey around the world, the new Ford Explorer faced a number of challenges – from power outages in Africa, and the lack of charging infrastructure in Chile’s Atacama Desert to unpaved roads, mountain passes and freezing conditions – proving what it can achieve anyone with an electric vehicle.
The vehicle Lexie Alford used on this trip was a pre-production version of the new Ford Explorer. During the trip he used a variety of charging solutions – from 2.2 kW AC wall sockets to DC fast chargers and a portable battery.
Throughout her journey Lexie relied on the car’s MegaConsole in-cabin storage – which can hold up to three 1.5 liter bottles leaving plenty of extra space – in the heated and massaging driver’s seat, as well as in Ford’s SYNC Move infotainment system with voice activation and adjustable touchscreen.
“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 succeeded!”
Source: Skai
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