The Ford Explorer Electric is the Blue Oval’s second pure-electric model in its passenger vehicle portfolio, slotting below the mid-size Ford Mustang Mach-E. Unfortunately, it is a forbidden fruit in the U.S. and every other market outside Europe.
Last week, I had a chance to experience this elusive EV at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, where it was on display alongside the all-new Ford Capri. Here’s what I think about the new pure-electric compact SUV which shares its bones with VW’s ID.4.
Design
The Explorer Electric has an unmistakably American and handsome exterior with proper SUV credentials, which distinguishes it from its Euro-focused rivals. Though way smaller than the gas-engined Ford Explorer here in the U.S., the pure-electric model looks tough and confident due to its squarish body. At the same time, it has the poise of a European vehicle, thanks to its rounded styling elements.
The inverted L-shaped headlamps carry a dark tint and feature bold daytime running lights highlighting the L-shape. The block-lettered model inscription on a gloss black stripe and a wide shield between emphasize the width of the SUV. The skid plate and C-shaped surround beside the vertical air inlets in the lower part of the front fascia also add to that effect, while breaking the monotony of the ‘closed’ front mask.
From the sides, the Explorer Electric looks smart and sporty, thanks to the low height, and the 21-inch aero wheels add to its sporty styling. Glass-embedded rear window pillar graphics give the model a touch of sophistication. The rear-end looks classy and polished, mainly because of the clean surfacing on the tailgate. A gloss black stripe with model inscription adds symmetry with the one at the front and similarly highlights the width of the SUV.
Interior
The Ford Explorer Electric has a sleek interior that exudes a sense of calm and puts emphasis on space and technology. The most visually striking feature of the minimalist cabin is a soundbar that appears to float on the dashboard and features illumination to highlight that levitating effect.
Functionally, though, customers will appreciate a 17-liter ‘MegaConsole,’ big enough to hold a 15-inch MacBook or several 1.5-liter bottles. Then there’s also a 14.6-inch moveable touchscreen infotainment, which you can slide up and make it upright or vice-versa. This display conceals a lockable storage area behind it. The 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster is a straight lift from the VW ID.4, the Ford Explorer Electric’s mechanical cousin.
My experience with the Ford Explorer Electric
In my time with the Ford Explorer Electric at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, I felt the material quality exceeded my expectations. The responsiveness of the infotainment system does have room for improvement, though. I also wished for a physical volume knob, as navigating menus to adjust simple controls can be frustrating.
The front seats offer impressive comfort, with excellent lumbar support and side bolstering. The backrest was comfortable, and the large armrest was a nice touch, especially for long trips. The headroom was adequate for my six-foot frame, though not overly generous. The steering wheel felt alright but I would have preferred physical buttons instead of haptic touch ones.
In the rear, getting in and out was straightforward, though the floor was slightly higher. The legroom, knee room, and headroom were quite good even with the front seat adjusted to someone of a six-foot frame. The nearly flat floor makes seating three adults in the back comfortable, and the panoramic glass roof adds a bright, spacious feel to the cabin. I had to sit with my knees slightly up, but the under-thigh support was alright. I do wish Ford had offered a recline function, though.
The rear seat offers practical features like USB ports, rear AC vents, and a center armrest with cup holders. There’s also a small pass-through feature, allowing smaller items to be loaded into the boot without exiting the vehicle—a handy addition for families on the go.
Specifications
The Ford Explorer Electric is available in RWD Standard Range, RWD Extended Range, and AWD Extended Range variants. In the RWD Standard Range variant, Ford uses a motor that produces 125 kW (168 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.) of torque. A 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint takes 8.7 seconds and the top speed is 160 km/h (99 mph). A 52 kWh battery pack with a maximum charging input of 145 kW delivers a WLTP range of up to 378 km (235 miles).
The RWD Extended Range upgrades to a higher-output motor that develops 210 kW (282 hp) and 545 Nm (402 lb.-ft.) of torque, reducing the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time to 6.4 seconds and increasing the top speed to 180 km/h (112 mph). The battery pack is a bigger, 77 kWh unit, but with a lower charging power of 135 kW. The Explorer Electric can travel up to 602 km (374 miles) in the middle variant, as per WLTP.
The Explorer AWD Extended Range adds a second motor, mounted at the front. The two motors generate 250 kW (335 hp) of system power and 679 Nm (501 lb.-ft.) of torque, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.3 seconds. The top speed is only 180 km/h (112 mph), though. A 79 kWh battery pack powers the two electric motors and gives the EV a WLTP range of up to 566 km (352 miles).
Price
Ford manufactures the Explorer Electric in Germany, at its Cologne plant, and offers it at a starting price of EUR 42,500 (USD 45,805) in the country.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
