Ford Explorer EV Extended Range RWD

Overview

The Ford Explorer EV Extended Range RWD is an all-electric SUV, though currently making waves in Europe and built on VW's MEB platform, offering a fresh alternative to the established US Explorer. This specific rear-wheel-drive trim shines with a generous real-world range and a punchy electric powertrain. It's a completely different beast than the gas-powered Explorer Americans know! Official US pricing hasn't been announced, as this German-built model is initially focused on the EU market. If it were to hit US shores, expect competitive EV SUV pricing.

What's New for 2025?

Having just launched in Europe for 2024, the 2025 Explorer EV Extended Range RWD primarily carries over its impressive debut features. For the US market, its arrival itself would be the big news! We'd anticipate Ford potentially tweaking software for its SYNC Move infotainment or refining option packages if it crosses the pond. Any US-specific adjustments to meet local regulations or preferences would also be key updates. For now, it’s a tantalizing glimpse of what Ford is offering overseas, with hopes it might inspire a similar US offering.

Design & Exterior

This Explorer EV sports a distinctly European, compact SUV design, quite different from its larger American namesake. It's got that rugged Ford DNA but with a modern EV twist, featuring a bold, sealed-off grille and striking LED lighting. This Extended Range RWD trim rides on stylish alloy wheels. Key dimensions are a city-friendly 175.9 inches in length, 73.7 inches in width, and 64.2 inches in height. It's a sharp-looking machine that blends Ford's American design language with a more continental size and sensibility.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Explorer EV Extended Range RWD offers a clean, modern cabin for five, with an emphasis on sustainable materials. The centerpiece is Ford’s slick SYNC Move system, featuring a large, portrait-oriented touchscreen that can slide up and down! Expect decent passenger space for its class. Cargo-wise, you get 15.9 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The provided specs don't list a frunk, so that's likely a no-go. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are almost certainly standard kit.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Extended Range RWD model is no slouch, zipping from 0-60 mph in a claimed 6.1 seconds. Its rear-mounted 210 kW (around 282 hp) Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivers a hefty 402 lb-ft of torque for that instant EV punch and enables a towing capacity of 2200 lbs when properly equipped. Expect engaging RWD handling, a comfortable ride from the MEB platform, and selectable regen modes. This setup makes it a surprisingly lively family hauler that’s also practical for light-duty towing tasks.

Range, Battery & Charging

This Explorer EV packs a 77 kWh usable battery, promising a "real-world" range of 319 miles, as calculated by Green Cars Compare – that's solid! Efficiency is rated at an impressive 4.14 mi/kWh. For charging, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger should top it up overnight in about 7-8 hours. On the DC fast charging front, it can gulp electrons at up to 135 kW, meaning a 10-80% charge could be done in around 30 minutes. The European model uses a CCS Type 2 port; a US version would likely sport a NACS connector.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While official US NHTSA safety ratings aren't available as it's not sold here yet, expect Ford to aim high. The Explorer EV will likely come loaded with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite. For the Extended Range RWD trim, features like adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane centering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking are anticipated to be standard. Higher-end features like a 360-degree camera could be optional, ensuring peace of mind on the road.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

If the Explorer EV Extended Range RWD makes it to the US, expect Ford's standard EV warranty package. This typically includes a basic vehicle warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty for 5 years/60,000 miles. Crucially, the battery pack would likely be covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Ford sometimes offers complimentary maintenance for the first year or so. Being an EV, maintenance should generally be lower than its gas-guzzling cousins.