Following a lengthy development delay, Ford Ireland finally announced prices for the new all-electric Explorer.
This electric SUV, which shares its platform, motors, and batteries with the Volkswagen ID.4, has been in the works for some time now. Long enough that its name has changed from the originally announced Explorer Sport to just plain old Explorer.
602km range for the Select model
Prices for the Explorer, in Ireland, will start from €42,120 (inclusive of grants and subsidies) for the entry-level Select version, and Ford is claiming an impressive 602km one-charge range, using the standard 77kWh battery. That compares pretty well to the most affordable 77kWh version of the VW ID.4 (which, again, shares most of the under-the-skin components with the Explorer), which is priced from €41,565 and has a range of 548km.
That Select model will come with the unique My Private Locker set up in the cabin, in which the big 14.6-litre centre console slides up and out of the way to reveal a hidden storage space behind. Ford claims that the centre console of the Explorer can hold up to 17 litres of whatever you need to carry, while the boot measures 450 litres - a little smaller than that of some competitors. Also standard are a heated steering wheel and front seats, massaging driver's seat and wireless phone charging, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and a Clear Exit Warning system that stops you from opening the door into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
There's a pricier Premium specification, for an extra €3,000, which sees a reduction in range to 570km but which gains a 10-speaker B&O sound system and ambient interior lighting, as well as upgrading Explorer's signature headlamps from LED with auto high beam to Dynamic Matrix LED with Glare-Free Highbeam.
Panoramic glass roof
Ford has decided to keep the Explorer's equipment simple, so optional extras are limited to a panorama glass roof with more than one square metre of glass surface and a Driver Assist Pack, which includes a hands-free tailgate, a head-up display, 360-degree camera, and new Assisted Lane Change technology.
Ford claims that the Explorer's battery can be charged from 10-80 per cent in 28 minutes at a high-speed DC public charging point, with a fastest charging speed of up to 135kW. Using the BlueOval Charge Network and the FordPass app will get you access to 600,000 charging points across Europe, including the ultra-fast 350kW IONITY chargers. Ford says it's also working with charging provider Allego to roll out fast charging points at its dealerships.
Ford reckons it's proven the Explorer's genuine exploring abilities by sending it on a round-the-world trip with travel vlogger Lexie Limitless (real name; Lexie Alford), recreating the circumnavigation carried out by the equally-brilliantly-named Aloha Wanderwell, who 100 years ago became the first woman to drive around the world using a Ford Model T.
Round the world adventure
"On this epic adventure, I met incredible people from many corners of the world and experienced 27 beautiful countries while behind the wheel. But this journey came with a unique set of challenges," said Lexie, who also holds the world record for being the youngest person to visit every country in the world. "It has been the honor of a lifetime to be trusted by Ford to circumnavigate the globe in the electric Explorer, which has been like home for the last six months. I had the goal of pushing the limits of what's possible to do in an EV and I'm proud to say I have!"
The Explorer's incredible journey crossed six continents, drove through 27 countries and covered more than 30,000 kilometres, all on electric power alone. Battling power outages in Africa, a lack of charging infrastructure in the Atacama desert of Chile, unmade roads, mountain passes and freezing conditions, the achievement proved just what is possible in an electric vehicle.
"Lexie's journey has been the ultimate test drive for our new Ford Explorer, taking on every kind of weather and road condition, and dealing with just about every charging scenario," said Martin Sander, general manager of Ford Model e Europe. "It embodies the true 'can do' spirit of this company, seizing this great opportunity to not only test ourselves but also the world's charging infrastructure. Today's crossing of the finish line proves just what you can do in the new all-electric Ford Explorer, and we're delighted that customers will soon be able to find out for themselves."
"Ford wants to bring passion and emotion to electric vehicles in Europe. There are enough boring cars and SUVs out there. The new Explorer represents Ford's unique character, which is stamped on every car in this fantastic convoy," said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, who attended the celebration. "We're proud to launch this new all-electric passenger car designed specifically for Europe's roads and customers, and obviously capable of taking you anywhere in the world."
Commenting on the expected arrival of Explorer into Ireland, John Manning, Market Lead for Ford Ireland, said: "It is a great step to be confirming the Explorer's excellent range and attractive price point for customers in Ireland as we look forward to the car's arrival here in September. There is already an extensive number of Ford Explorer fans in Ireland - since we launched our 'Ford Explorer - keep me informed' service through our ford.ie website last year, the number of interested customers has grown to 1,600 who signed up for our regular updates on the vehicle."