The Explorer is a well-used name by Ford, first used in the US; however in early 2023, Ford announced the arrival of an Explorer for Europe, this time a compact all electric SUV.
Built on the same MEB platform as the ID. 4 from VW, the Explorer is the result of an ongoing partnership between the two brands, which has included sharing commercial vehicles. Production is in the Cologne plant in Germany, which had previously manufactured the Fiesta. I can not leave the subject of the Fiesta without comment. I have had many approaches from Fiesta owners bitterly disappointed with the demise of their favourite small car along with the hugely popular Focus. Rumours abound that Ford will have a new small car, most likely to be an EV in cooperation with another major manufacturer. Clearly with vehicles such as the Explorer EV, the company is moving in a new direction in the European arena, very much a reinvention of the brand. I spent a week with the Explorer EV and what shone above all else was the quality of the vehicle, of course the fact that it is German built speaks volumes. Compared to its sister car from VW, the Ford design team were able to create a shorter rear section, move the A pillars further rearward, and use a wider track. There were different dampers, tyres, and suspension tuning the length of the Explorer EV is roughly halfway between the ID.3 and ID.4; the result is a well proportioned vehicle with good ride and comfort. Some will describe this EV as a compact SUV, Ford classify it as mid-size. Whatever you decide on it has seats for five across two rows and is fully equipped; altogether a very attractive package and a strong contender amidst a sea of competitors. With this Ford you get an outstanding digital experience, driver and passengers stay connected with features that includes a SYNC Move supersized movable touchscreen and fully connected infotainment system with audio tailored to the interior, wireless app integration and the advanced driver assistance technology. The 17 litre console between driver and front-seat passenger can hold a fifteen inch laptop, combined with a private locker and available hands-free accessible boot space. Altogether the interior did leave a very good impression. Moving from the interior, the exterior styling is pleasing to the eye with good on road presence. On the subject of charging and range, I can only fairly state that I achieved a figure just shy of 418km (260 miles) and I must add the wintry conditions had me using lights, heater etc. a lot more than normal. When it comes to home charging, an EV home charger can recharge up to32km (20 miles) of driving range every hour and complete a full charge overnight. While high-speed DC (150 kW) public chargers can deliver up to 172km (107 miles) of driving in approx. 10 minutes. Actual charge times and charging speeds will vary according to the type of home or public charging station used, as well as other factors (including weather, ambient temperature, driving behaviour, driving profile, vehicle condition, lithium-ion-battery age, condition, and temperature). I did encounter one slight problem; on visiting a public charger I discovered it was not working; I then plugged in to another charger, guess what not working either and when I tried to remove the cable from the vehicle I could not free it. A quick call to a friend who advised me to lock and unlock the Explorer and on the second attempt I was able to free the cable. Finally to performance and I found this Ford not lacking in this department, from its 286PS, the sprint from rest to 100kph (62mph) comes up in 6.4 seconds.
Ian Lynas