Video Summary
The Ford Explorer EV is a fully electric SUV with a heck of a range. A year has passed since the car was first unveiled; following a UK tour, it underwent refinements related to range and powertrains. Though the full list of faults may never be known, the vehicle is now better. Driving the Explorer is interesting, and it indicates a new direction for Ford. The company is now hedging its bets on the EV market.Ford is now using Volkswagen's MEB technology, the same platform used to build the ID.Buzz and ID.3.
Ford has certainly put their mark on it. The heritage harkens back to the American Explorer. The vehicle is neither too long nor too wide but still makes a presence. It's spacious, stylish, and filled with technology. A major pro is the VW technology. This platform sharing allows the best from each manufacturer.
With a base price of 40 grand, the premium trim has a 370-mile range and costs 45 grand.
The most adaptive systems allow inherent slowing down for bends, making it intelligent even when not in the adaptive drive mode. Platform sharing allows for the best from each manufacturer.
The vehicle can corner. It's made in Cologne, and the research and development were done in Europe.
LED lights, air conditioning, digital cluster, and a "safe" are standard. A panoramic roof is available only on the premium trim. Wheel size can be optionally upgraded to 21 inches. Heat pumps are available on both trims, but are a good addition for winter.
For the Select trim, a 135 kW charger is included, whereas for the Premium trim 185 kW is included. 10-80% charging happens within 26 to 28 minutes, depending on the trim. Having a Type Two charger at home is recommended. Ford has its own oval network, which allows charging for a better fee.
This is a two-ton vehicle which can still go from 0 to 60 in about 5 seconds, making it quicker than a Focus ST. An especially exciting point is the 370 mile range. The dual motor adds only about 20 miles less on range than the single motor.
Heat pumps are available on both trims. Adaptive cruise control is standard, as well as Collision Detection.
One of the downsides is the manual front seat. If you are seeking collision mitigation, driving assistance, pre conditioning, charging information, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it's all present.
Power tailgate is available in the Premium version. Looking inside, its construction uses a floor specifically built for electric vehicles, so no batteries or the power train intrude into the interior.
There are tethering hooks, USB chargers, and extra storage.
Overall, the steering and the suspension come together well. You can take it into a bend and it just goes around.
It appears to be all singing and dancing. The driving experience is light and airy. As for badging, this car bears EXPLORER in big, bold, chunky font. And in this car it's obvious Ford has done a great job melding what they do well with VW components.
Points to note are: no forward-blind bar, but wrap-around LED tailights. In terms of negatives, rear seats are not heated.
