It was over a year ago that Ford announced the release of its second EV – the Ford Explorer Electric. Critics were quick to denounce it saying it was merely a revamped version of the Volkswagen ID.4. So Ford returned to the drawing room to prove detractors wrong. Nine months later it came up with this Ford Explorer version that hit the European market by improving the range and charging capabilities.
The Ford Explorer, built at the company’s new Cologne Electric Vehicle Center, is the second proper production EV for the brand, following on from the Mustang Mach-E. And it looks like it’s serious about EVs. It comes with a choice of two trim levels. The Select is rear-drive only with a standard range, 55 KWh battery with 239 miles of range. The extended range has a bigger 77 KWh battery capable of 374 miles. The smaller battery model will set you back at £40,000 while the larger one will cost £6,000 more.
Range and running costs
The higher Premium model of the Ford Explorer Electric is equipped with a larger battery at 79KWh but the range reduces to 329 miles. It’s available in both rear and four-wheel drive. Add-on luxuries like the interior and the models retail at around £54,000 for the 4WD.
Equipment levels are not to be sniffed at with entry cars boasting 19-inch alloys, heated front seats with massage function, a powered driver’s seat, no-fuss wireless charging and a 14.6-inch touchscreen. Throw in an extra £4,000 for the Premium and the alloys bump to 20-inch. These models have the bonus of Matrix LED headlamps, a powered hands-free tailgate, a B&O audio system and a panoramic roof.
Turning our attention to the charging capabilities and the 4WD bigger battery charges at a decent 185KW maximum rate. For a 26-minute 10-80 percent charge, it’s an uber-fast charger. This does however reduce to 135KW for the rear drive 77KW battery which adds two minutes to charge. Drivers charging their cars at home on an 11KW are looking at just over five hours for the same charge.
Interiors of the Ford Explorer Electric
Ford has worked hard to make the interior a practical space although the materials are an odd eclectic mix of soft and hard. But the shapes and colours help break up the interior giving the car a roomier feel while the massaging driver’s seat gives it that special touch.
Many user-friendly features make it easier to live with. It has a centre console which I like and there’s tons of storage. Underneath the armrest, is an enormous space to squirrel away large 1.5l water bottles, a laptop and even a small handbag.
Removable trays help personalise and divide up this space. Above this section, you’ll find wireless charging on the right-hand side. It’s a shame the charging isn’t extended to the left side. But with ample storage space, the 445-litre boot is free for luggage, camping gear and sports equipment. The rear seats, which comfortably seat three adults, fold via a button on the top seat creating a near-flat space.
The infotainment system for me is the showstopper. The moveable screen wirelessly integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and glides up and down not just for personal preference but also to stop potential glare. The large sat-nav map looks impressive on it. Underneath this, there’s a secret compartment to stash those all-important personal items away from prying eyes.
The square-around-the-edge- circle steering wheel was another draw for me, and I liked the close-to-hand buttons on it which meant I could keep my eyes on the road. And if you love music (or in my case audiobooks), you’ll be impressed by the 10-speaker B&O audio system stretched across the top of the dashboard, not too dissimilar to a soundbar you’d have by the TV.
Performance and drive
I found the Ford Explorer to be a fun steer when hitting the roads of Slovenia. This is exactly what the brand wanted to achieve when producing the mid-sized SUV vehicle. The suspension affords the Explorer to be incredibly manoeuvrable and in control when navigating over speed bumps, uneven surfaces and tackling roundabouts.
The steering wheel felt a tad light when I embarked on the increased-speed highway drive, but it did become sturdy as I picked up speed. I also noticed the vehicle had little road or wind noise making my ride smooth and comfortable.
Around towns and villages, I felt comfortable driving around hairpin bends. The front and rear parking sensors provided extra peace of mind. And when entering the capital Ljubljana I felt assured by the great turning circle especially when entering the hotel’s tight-turning car park.
Final thoughts
With a decent range and efficiency figures, the Ford Explorer spells a new era in the EV space for the brand. It may be a tad too late to come to the party and perhaps even a tad high on the price front, but Ford is making up for lost time and hopes to accelerate its mission to go up against rival mid-range SUVs.
Discover more at ford.co.uk
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All imagery courtesy of Ford UK.