Ford just announced its new version of Explorer in Europe, but this time, it will be all-electric. The new Explorer is one of the first of many electric vehicles that the company will launch for its EV rebranding.
Launching All-Electric Explorer
A new all-electric Explorer has been announced by Ford in a press release. According to the US automaker, this new electric vehicle combines the American style and German engineering.
Ford will be using Volkswagen's flexible MEB architecture for this vehicle, which will be built in Cologne, Germany. It will be the first of two vehicles from the automaker that will use the electric platform as a part of the agreement from both companies in 2019.
This is part of the company's plan in Europe. Ford plans to spend $1 billion to convert its factory in Germany into an EV-only production plant. The company also plans to produce 1.2 million vehicles over six years once it is reconstructed.
Ford Model Europe General Manager Martin Sander stated, "Explorer is the first in a wave of innovative new electric vehicles from Ford and forges the way for a complete reinvention of the Ford brand in Europe, it is road trip-ready for the big adventures and fully loaded with everything our customers will need for their daily drives."
Pricing and Availability
The Explorer EV will be available in two tiers, Explorer and Explorer Premium. For its pricing, The Verge reported that the vehicle will start at less than €45,000 or $48,250. As of now, Ford accepts reservations through its European website.
Features
Interesting Engineering reported that this vehicle is designed for families, which seats five across two rows, and offers storage space of around 470 liters in five-seat mode. Meanwhile, the console has a capacity of 17 liters between the driver and passenger seats, with a laptop holder and private locker.
Explorer is engineered and built in Germany with features like a SYNC move two supersized movable touchscreen and storage spaces. In addition to this, it also comes with a wireless device charge with a compartment for smartphones.
With access to 500,000 charging points across Europe that are expected to be available by 2024, charging the new Explorer EV will be quick and easy. Ford aims to aid drivers to find the most convenient stations on the road but also uses cheaper electricity for its home-charging feature.
Making drivers and customers feel comfortable and refreshed is one of the automaker's goals for this vehicle as it includes heated front seats and steering wheel, a massage feature for the driver's seat, and climate control which users can control to choose their temperature.
Autonomous Driving
Just like its competitors, Ford also included an advanced driver assistance system that comes with Assisted Lane Change for a safer way of changing lanes. Clear Exit Assist will also warn drivers regarding approaching cyclists before opening doors in busy roads and areas.
