Ford’s 2023 Explorer: A Catalyst for Smaller, Affordable EVs

Photo Source: Ford

The electric Ford Explorer that debuted in Europe this year (2024) motivated Ford CFO John Lawler to announce that Ford could assemble an electric SUV with the impression of an Escape but with the cabin space of the Explorer. Of note, such a feat would require utilizing the new electric vehicle platform that is currently in development. It should not be confused with Volkswagen’s MEB platform that establishes the groundwork for the current Explorer electric vehicle. 

Managing the progress of the new platform is a skunkworks team mobilized by Ford CEO Jim Farley and supervised by former Tesla engineer, Alan Clark. The aim is for the platform to become the foundation of an all-new pickup truck and crossover. According to Lawler, an Escape-sized electric vehicle is also in the works.

How Necessary is it for Ford to Release an Inexpensive Electric Explorer?

The Blue Oval recently declared that it has to devise smaller electric automobiles to prevent profit losses. For example, consumer interest in the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning has decreased of late. However, the automaker seeks to combat that by launching a new, reasonably priced Ford electric vehicle in late 2026. 

The car is expected to have a starting cost of $25,000 MSRP (Plus destination fee). Lawler expressed Ford’s objective, claiming that the “game will not be fought and won with larger vehicles.” As such, it is likely that more compact electric vehicles with ample interiors will become mainstays on the roads in the near future.

“Now, the great thing about EVs is when you look at the design footprint, the way you can think about it is that the exterior size of an Escape could be the interior size of an Explorer because you don’t have the package limitations of the front.”

–John Lawler, Ford Chief Financial Officer

China Represents Ford’s Formidable EV Rival

• The new platform will boast multifaceted body designs created to offset the competition posed by budget-friendly electric vehicles being produced in droves in China. 
• Additionally, the United States manufacturer will be able to attain more lucrative results from smaller electric vehicles.
• Granted, even though Ford can charge steep prices for large automobiles powered by internal combustion engines and incorporate an extra row of seating, readers must keep in mind that equally large electric vehicles require larger batteries that come at a premium.

The Time is Right for Ford’s 2023 Electric Explorer at Sunrise Ford!

The brand will undoubtedly be advocating the advantages of small vehicles in the buildup to the new platform’s premiere. Ford will prepare enthusiasts for the wide gamut of brand-new electric SUVs, cars, and trucks that will change the game in the automotive industry by emphasizing small exteriors and large interiors.

In the meantime, the 2023 hybrid Ford Explorer is the precursor of what is to come in North America. The midsize SUV’s generous cargo space will be a key factor in determining the success of Ford’s soon to be realized ambition. At Sunrise Ford, we encourage you to read our customer testimonials and leave a review about your experience.