It was announced earlier and now the time has finally come: with the Explorer, Ford is bringing a new electric car to market For this purpose, the company, which is headquartered in Cologne, uses Volkswagen’s MEB platform, but gives the e-SUV its own design – both outside and inside. But what does the close relationship with the VW ID.4 mean?
The new Ford Explorer, which takes its name from the now discontinued combustion engine SUV, is produced at the “Cologne EV Center”. Here, the e-SUV will roll off the assembly line from the third quarter of this year and push for a fully electric model range – as Ford is still lagging behind here. In addition to various hybrid models like the Ford Kuga, the Ford portfolio includes several electric vehicles, but the Ford Mustang Mach-E & Co. Really haven’t been able to get a foothold yet
Undergarments from Wolfsburg: The MEB platform as a foundation
Ford built the Explorer based on it All electric MEB platform (Modular E-Drive System) developed from Wolfsburg. So the electric SUV has a wheelbase of 2.77 meters and a maximum battery capacity of 77 kWh. The Ford Explorer will be available in basic and premium versions with different engines. Ford turned two Rear-wheel drive version 125 kW (170 hp) and 210 kW (286 hp) and a All-wheel drive variant with 250 kW (340 hp) offer. The latter should bring the electric car from zero to 100 km/h in less than six seconds, and the Explorer is then locked at 180 km/h. A permanently excited synchronous motor is installed behind, an asynchronous motor is used in front.
Ford is still mum on exact battery capacity and range. In addition to the maximum 77 kWh of the MEB platform, there should also be a smaller version. Concrete standards for charging capacity are also missing, but Ford has revealed that the battery From 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes Can load – it’s promising.
Photo: Ford
The design is rather reserved. The e-SUV is quite handsome with its angular looks, but the front end in particular is rather simply designed – perhaps even like an electric car. The MEB platform has some “limitations”, but Ford has them Increase front track width And The rear axle has a new damper technology donation
one with Length 4.50 m However, the new Explorer turns out to be as massive as its name suggests. The maximum height of 1.60 meters is also lower for SUVs. It should still be in the back seat Ample space for tall passengers At 1,900 kg in basic form, the Ford Explorer is also slightly lighter than the ID.4. In all-wheel drive configuration, Cologne’s e-SUV weighs around 2,150 kg.
Tiltable display with locker at the back
Inside, Ford brings a side 5.3 inch display behind the steering wheel one more Huge 14.6 inch infotainment display In the lower center console. The upright screen can be continuously adjusted by 30 degrees and gives access to a hidden compartment behind it if necessary – also Affectionately “Private Locker” When the vehicle is locked, the screen is also locked in place, effectively protecting the small glove compartment.
The Mach-E knob below the screen is gone, but Ford has replaced it Haptic trackpad Below the display. The gear selector has also moved from the center console to the steering wheel, similar to the VW ID.4. But the reason is satisfying, because one is now sitting in the middle “Mega Console” with 17 liter capacity. A soundbar of sorts, which sits above the driver’s display on the dashboard and creates a mood with an LED bar, ensures a good sound.
On the software side, Ford also used Volkswagen to control the drive and battery. For the infotainment system, however, Ford relies on its own Sync system – now called Sync Move because of the moving screen. So, as usual, route planning along with network navigation and voice recognition are also on board. In addition, will Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Assist systems including pre-collision assist and parking assist also come from Ford For this purpose, Explorer has around twelve ultrasonic sensors, five cameras and three radar units to ensure 360-degree omnidirectional surveillance.
Still less than 45,000 euros this year?
Until now, the new Ford Explorer Pre-order only, In September 2023 The first correct order will then be possible. However, Ford wants to deliver the new electric SUV before Christmas this year. Pricing should also determine how well the Explorer will do in a highly competitive market Less than 45,000 euros Should start from 2024, a second electric car will be launched from Cologne, which will probably be a sports crossover.
up to date [11.08.2023]: Start suspending
Ford hat reverse heat Confirms that Explorer’s production start has been postponed. This is probably due to the higher safety standards, clearly mentioned in the forthcoming European standard for electric vehicles (UN Regulation 100.3/ ECE-R 100.3). However, this justification is somewhat surprising, as it is not clear to what extent used VW batteries do not comply with the ECE standard. In theory, no more electric cars should be registered from the manufacturer from September 1st The decision was made at the company’s headquarters in Detroit, not Cologne.
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