Ford is in a period of bringing back resonant names from its history. After the electric Mustang Mach-E, the first electric model produced by the Americans, the range was completed by the Explorer EV. And soon we will see the new Ford Capri on the roads, also electric.
During the 16 days of EUROCHARGE by Schaeffler – the electric tour from Bucharest to Lisbon and back – we will put the new Ford Explorer EV to work (with emphasis on EV). If the name seems familiar, it shouldn’t surprise you, as the name is also used for a completely different, much larger SUV, available with a PHEV propulsion system. Hence the EV particle. To avoid confusion.
The Ford Explorer EV was a bit late, with over a year passing from the initial announcement to the delivery of the first units. But the problems have been overcome, and the new Explorer EV is now part of the European Ford offer.
German Platform
In order to bring a good product to market, but without spending obscenely large sums on development, Ford chose a platform that has already proven its qualities. It signed an agreement with the Germans from Volkswagen and receives from them the MEB platform, which is the basis of the family of electric models from the Volkswagen ID family. In exchange, Ford is helping out in the Germans’ range of commercial vehicles.
In this case, it is not about a simple cloning, a process quite often encountered lately in the auto industry. For Ford, it was not enough to take over a Volkswagen ID.4 and change its logos. On the contrary, the relationship between Ford and Volkswagen is more similar to that between a manufacturer and a component supplier.
Ford receives the platform from Volkswagen, and the assembly of the model takes place in its own factory in Cologne, Germany. The design is completely different (both exterior and interior), as can be seen at a glance, and the suspension has been adjusted for a dynamic in the specific style of the American brand.
Shapes and Structures
The new electric Ford Explorer presents itself with a modern, even futuristic look. The desirable look is the work of a team of designers (which included the Romanian Liviu Tudoran) coordinated by Amko Leenarts, the head of the Ford Europe design office.
The result is a car with well-balanced proportions, a large wheelbase (2767 mm) and short overhangs. It has its own well-defined identity, does not resemble other Ford models, and the model name is displayed large on the closed front grille.
The electric Explorer has compact SUV dimensions, with 4468 mm in length, 1871 mm in width and a height of 1630 mm. And on the scale, the new Explorer EV displays a weight of 2100 kilograms.
Sliding Screen
Inside, Ford designers have chosen the same futuristic theme, but in which they have intertwined a series of smart elements. The gigantic screen (placed vertically) stands out in the first place, which can slide to offer the driver a better angle. The screen with a diagonal of 14.6 inches slides on a metal rail and can be adjusted with a button located at the bottom. Behind the screen there is a storage space that can be accessed when it is in a vertical position, and also here are the usb-c ports for connecting and charging a mobile phone. Between the seats we also find what Ford calls Mega Console, another practical and well-proportioned space where there is a drink holder.
For the audio system, Ford used a different system for the Explorer than the classic solution found in most of its cars. For the delight of hearing, Ford uses a B&O Play sound bar located in front of the driver. The audio system includes 10 acoustic enclosures including the soundbar and a soundwoofer, and on the multimedia side we have included navigation, FM and DAB+ radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and over-the-air software updates.
One or Two Engines
For starters, the Ford Explorer EV model range consists of two trim levels and versions with one or two electric motors.
During the 16 days of EUROCHARGE by Schaeffler we will have with us a Ford Explorer EV Premium RWD Extended Range with an electric motor located on the rear axle. The power offered is 286 HP, the torque is 545 Nm, and the battery has a capacity of 77 kWh (net). Official data says that this model consumes an average of 14.7 kWh/100 km, and the communicated range is 572 kilometers.
The model allows fast DC charging with up to 135 kW, and the AC charger can charge the car when connected to a wallbox with a maximum of 11 kW.
The second variant of the Ford Explorer in the range is called AWD Extended Range and adds a motor on the front axle. With two engines and all-wheel drive, the Explorer EV has 340 HP and 545 Nm. The battery used has 79 kWh (net), and the average energy consumption is 16.6 kWh/100 km. The official range for the all-wheel drive variant is 532 kilometers. The two-engine model also benefits from a higher speed at fast charging, where it can draw from DC stations with 185 kW.
In the near future, the Ford Explorer EV range will also receive a basic version with a single 170 HP electric motor and a 52 kWh battery.
The range of equipment is divided into two: Select or Premium.
In the Select equipment you get the Ford Sync Move multimedia system with the 14.6-inch portrait sliding screen, LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the audio system with 7 speakers and soundbar, the central console with 17 liters of storage space, driver’s seat with memory and massage, adaptive cruise control and automatic air conditioning.
If you check the Premium equipment, among other things, Matrix LED headlights, B&O audio system with 10 speakers and soundbar, heated front seats and electrically operated tailgate are added.
Technical Specifications of the Car from EUROCHARGE by Schaeffler
is a project backed by SCHAEFFLER
Charged by
OMV eMotion and Renovatio e-charge
Green Partner
Autonom
Charging stations
MOON România
On the road with
Michelin
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