New 2024 Ford Explorer EV revealed

The new 2024 Ford Explorer EV has been unwrapped at an event in London, with the European-built electric SUV primed to battle it out with everything from the Hyundai IONIQ 5 to the Tesla Model Y once sales begin from the middle of 2023.

Claimed to combine “German engineering with American style”, the headline news is that beneath the skin the new five-seater Ford Explorer is heavily related to the Volkswagen ID.4 due in Australia soon, with the five-seat SUV based on VW’s MEB architecture.

Designed to sit below the sportier Ford Mustang Mach-E in the Blue Oval’s all-electric line-up, the battery-powered Explorer sports bluff American looks that draw links to the bigger Explorer sold in North America but isn’t offered as an EV, although there is a plug-in hybrid version.

Measuring in at 4460mm long, the Euro Ford Explorer EV is longer than a Volkswagen ID.3 (4261mm) but shorter than the ID.4 (4584mm).

Within the cabin the dash is dominated by a huge 15-inch portrait-mounted touch-screen that runs Ford’s latest SYNC Move infotainment software.

Mounted on hinges, the big screen can be reclined up to 30 degrees, allowing greater access to a 1.7-litre storage tray that’s hidden beneath.

A further 17-litre cubby space is also available between driver and passenger that’s claimed to be capable of swallowing a 15-inch laptop.

Absent is any additional rotary controller on the infotainment system that’s present on the Mustang Mach-E.

The new system also lacks the row of buttons and dials for the climate control that lurk beneath the screen in the latest Ford Ranger, with all functions incorporated on the large touch-screen.

There’s a strange squared-off multifunction steering wheel to help offset the lack of physical buttons.

Featuring a spacious interior, the new Explorer can only accommodate 450 litres of luggage with all seats in place.

That’s around 100 litres less than the ID.4 on account of the Ford’s shorter length, although a moveable floor and rear seats that fold flat boost total carrying capacity to around 1400 litres.

Ford has yet to reveal what powers its latest Explorer but it’s thought there will be the choice of two batteries.

At the entry level, the Explorer EV is likely to draw energy from a 52kWh battery, combining with a 125kW electric motor that drives the rear wheels and should provide for a range of up to 351km.

The maximum charging rate is expected to be 130kW.

Further up the line, count on a more powerful 170kW electric motor that can be combined with a larger 77kWh lithium-ion battery, enabling the Explorer to cover 539km on a charge.

At the top of the tree will be a dual-motor/all-wheel drive version – possibly badged ST – that pumps out around 250kW.

With the bigger battery, the quickest Explorer should be able to travel up to 491km before it needs to stop for a top-up.

Performance claims haven’t been disclosed but a sub-5.5-second 0-100km/h sprint is expected.

Charging for the more powerful battery is said to take around 25 minutes for a 10-80 per cent top-up.

New tech rolled out on the crucial European EV include Assisted Lane Change and Clear Exit Assist, the latter warning occupants of approaching cyclists when parked.

There’s also a driver’s massage seat, dual-zone climate control, keyless go and a hands-free power tailgate.

Right-hand drive production from the factory in Cologne, Germany, is set to be locked in for the UK market, raising the prospects of an eventual launch in Australia.

In Europe, pricing is said to kick off at around €45,000 ($A73,000) for the cheapest single-motor version in base-grade trim, while a premium spec will also be offered.

Once introduced, Ford plans to roll out another VW MEB-based SUV as well as an entry-level all-electric Ford Puma built on the Blue Oval’s own architecture.

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