The All-New Electric Explorer Marks an Unparalleled Opportunity for Ford

Photo Source: Ford

On March 21, 2023, Ford unveiled the new all-electric Explorer. The Explorer is the first in a surge of new electric vehicles from Ford and paves the way for a total reinvention of the Ford brand in Europe. The mid-size crossover has sufficient seating for five people across two rows and is fully equipped to be both a sensible and exhilarating ride for family excursions. Although the vehicle was engineered and built in Germany, the automaker was reluctant to exclude its American roots, as Amko Leenarts, design director for Ford of Europe, explained: “The design is unashamedly American-inspired, as we really decided that we’d been a bit shy about celebrating that we are American, but Explorer is also not aggressive.”

Technological Convenience

The all-electric Explorer provides a digital experience by way of assisting drivers and passengers remain connected and relaxed while on the move. Some amenities included are a fully integrated infotainment system with audio adapted to the interior, a SYNC Move supersized mechanically adjustable touchscreen display, advanced driver assistance technology, and wireless application connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Interestingly, the decision to create a mechanical rather than electric touchscreen unit was thought through with a great deal of practicality and immersive intent. Leenarts details that the screen “has a very well-damped movement, like the switches on an old hi-fi. We purposefully didn’t make it electric. We wanted it mechanical, with great resistance and damping to the movement. The feel of that screen movement is a visceral message that we wanted to send about the entire car.” 

Pragmatic by the nature of its design, the automobile contains storage space of approximately 470 liters in five-seat mode for an ideally impactful adventure around town. Indeed, Ford’s all-electric Explorer sets a new level of influence, with a 17-liter console between the driver and front-seat passenger that can hold a 15-inch laptop, combined with a “private locker” and available hands-free accessible boot space.

Visionary Styling

A cutting-edge exterior aesthetic is complemented by an innovative interior with luxurious features and materials, such as a refined soundbar more commonly found in revolutionary concept cars than family-oriented vehicles and sculpted ornate seats. All this is seamlessly blended with the ability to fast charge from 10 to 80 percent in a mere 25 minutes and access, by the 2024 model year, to 500,000 charging ports across Europe. 

To put the magnitude of Ford’s aims into perspective, the new all-electric Explorer is spearheading the brand’s electric vehicle charge, with it being the company’s first electric vehicle to be constructed at scale in the new Ford Cologne EV Center in Germany. Regarding Europe, the Blue Oval is dedicated to providing an all-electric portfolio of passenger vehicles by 2030.

An aerodynamic exterior secures the assertive design and bold spirit of Ford’s iconic American SUV for a European audience and an upcoming electric era, also defined by a daring “shield” design in place of a typical grille.  

Charging Forward

As mentioned, charging can be a simple and rapid task, whether en route or at home. The Ford Explorer is outfitted with the ability to help find the most convenient pit stops on the road. Charging at home can be scheduled to utilize cheaper electricity where available. Also of consequence is that, for the first time on a Ford in Europe, advanced driver assistance systems incorporate Assisted Lane Change for safely and efficiently changing lanes at the push of an indicator lever, and Clear Exit Assist that offers warnings of oncoming cyclists before opening doors in bustling city centers. 

With pricing that starts below $48,785 MSRP (Plus destination fee) and includes both rear- and four-wheel-drive iterations, the 2023 electric Ford Explorer encompasses a distinct appeal that Ford can quickly benefit from in European markets. Even though the electric variant of the Explorer is not available in the United States, Ford still has an enviable lineup of vehicles that you can look through at Sunrise Ford. After all, our sales team is committed to making your shopping experience enjoyable. Please allow us to be your dealership home.