Ford Explorer EV Extended Range RWD

Overview

The all-new Ford Explorer EV for Europe is here, and this Extended Range RWD version is looking like a cracking family SUV. Built on VW's MEB platform, it blends American Ford swagger with Euro-friendly tech. Key highlights include a substantial 77 kWh battery and a promising real-world range from its German manufacturing base. It's set to muscle into a competitive market. New, you're looking at around €49,500, with nearly-new examples already appearing near €46,990. It’s a bold new chapter for the Explorer nameplate, now fully electric and ready to roam the continent.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the big news is the Explorer EV itself – it’s a brand-new electric SUV hitting European showrooms, fresh from its 2024 production start! Forget the petrol-guzzling Yank tank you might know; this is a sophisticated, German-built EV designed with Europe in mind. It brings Ford's distinct design language to the popular MEB electric platform, offering a fresh alternative. Expect Ford's SYNC Move infotainment system, impressive range capabilities, and a more compact footprint than its American namesake, making it properly suited for European roads. It's a total rethink and a very welcome one.

Design & Exterior

This Explorer EV boasts a bold, almost Tonka-toy-tough look, a clear nod to Ford's American heritage but sized for our streets. The front end is bluff and imposing, giving it real presence. Its dimensions are a practical 4468 mm long, 1871 mm wide (excluding mirrors, natch), and 1630 mm tall, making it a chunky but manageable SUV. The design feels modern, with clean lines and an assertive stance, particularly with the standard smart alloy wheels. The Extended Range RWD trim carries these ruggedly handsome looks with confidence, ensuring it’s a definite head-turner on European roads.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Explorer EV Extended Range RWD offers a cabin that’s both spacious for its five seats and tech-forward. The real showstopper is the massive 14.6-inch Ford SYNC Move touchscreen that cleverly slides up and down – mega! Material quality feels robust and well-assembled. For your kit, there’s a decent 450-litre boot, expanding to a very useful 1422 litres with the rear seats flopped down. Unfortunately, there's no frunk to speak of. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, keeping you seamlessly connected while on the move with plenty of smart storage cubbies.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Extended Range RWD Explorer EV isn't just about looks; it’s got the go to match. Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) sends a healthy 210 kW and a hefty 545 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, making it feel properly punchy. Nought to 100 km/h is dispatched in a swift 6.4 seconds, and it’ll cruise up to a top speed of 180 km/h. Being RWD, it offers engaging handling characteristics, and the underlying MEB platform ensures a comfortable, refined ride. Expect selectable regenerative braking modes to help claw back some energy too.

Range, Battery & Charging

This Explorer packs a 77 kWh (usable) battery, good for a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 513 km – that’s some serious roaming potential! Energy consumption is a decent 6.66 km/kWh. Charging at home via its standard 11 kW on-board AC charger means a full top-up (0-100%) will take roughly 7-8 hours. Find a speedy DC public charger, and you can hit its maximum 135 kW rate, zapping the battery from 10-80% in about 26 minutes. The CCS Type 2 port is conveniently located for easy plug-ins across Europe.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Ford usually packs its cars with safety kit, and the Explorer EV is expected to follow suit, though official Euro NCAP ratings are still pending for this new model. You can anticipate a comprehensive suite of standard driver aids, likely including Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking, a Lane-Keeping System, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering will probably be on the menu, perhaps as part of an optional driver assistance pack. A Blind Spot Information System should also be available to keep you covered.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Ford Europe typically backs its new cars with a 2-year, unlimited kilometre basic vehicle warranty, which should cover your Explorer EV. The crucial 77 kWh battery pack is generally protected for 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first, against excessive degradation (usually warranting at least 70% capacity). Electric Fords often benefit from reduced maintenance schedules compared to their combustion-engined counterparts, meaning fewer workshop visits. Reliability of the underlying MEB platform components has been broadly good, which is encouraging for long-term ownership. Always confirm precise local warranty terms with your dealer.