The Outernet, Charing Cross Road, London: With some American vibes and nameplate Ford Motor Company revealed the new all-electric Explorer – its midsized crossover sports utility in the heart of London city. 
With the demise of the Fiesta imminent and soon to mark the end of the Focus, Ford has created the Explorer, the first in a wave of innovative new electric vehicles from Ford, made in Europe for European customers. Ford in Europe is committed to offering an all-electric portfolio of passenger vehicles by 2030. Next up is probably the electric version of the Puma.
Engineered and built in Germany, the all-electric Explorer offers an outstanding digital experience, featuring a SYNC Move supersized movable touchscreen and fully connected infotainment system with audio tailored to the interior, wireless app integration and advanced driver assistance technology.
With unique exterior sporting American SUV design traits, together with premium interior styling and trim, all this comes together with the ability to fast charge from DC charging stations 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes and access, by next year, to 500,000 charging points across Europe. No word on the power output or range distance available was mentioned on the day.
At the special launch event held near Tottenham Court Road, Martin Sander, General Manager, Ford Model e, Europe, said: “Explorer is a trailblazer for a new breed of exciting Ford electric vehicles. Steeped in our American roots but built in Cologne for our customers in Europe, it is road trip-ready for the big adventures and fully loaded with everything our customers will need for their daily drives.”
Explorer’s SYNC Move infotainment system not only keeps occupants connected but also features a movable 14.6” touchscreen that can smoothly slide up and down to suit the driver and conceals a private locker storage space for valuables. A compartment for two large smartphones comes with a wireless device charger as standard, and SYNC Move provides wireless compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Available as rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, comfort-boosting standard specification includes heated front seats and steering wheel, a massaging driver’s seat and climate control that allows driver and front passenger to choose their own temperature.
Advanced driver assistance systems include, for the first time on a Ford in Europe, Assisted Lane Change for smoothly and safely changing lanes, and Clear Exit Assist that provides warnings of approaching cyclists before opening doors in busy city centres.
To help demonstrate the Explorer’s capabilities, Ford has teamed up with travel adventure influencer Lexie Alford – known to millions as Lexie Limitless and the youngest person to visit every country in the world – for a global expedition in the new all-electric Explorer. Inspired by original female explorer, Aloha Wanderwell, who set a record over 100 years ago with a Ford-sponsored round-the-world trip in a Model T, Lexie will lead a new round-the-world expedition beginning later this year.
Customers can also experience virtual electric Explorer test drives through a range of intrepid driving environments from their desktop or mobile device.
Available in two highly specified versions – Select and Premium – the new all-electric Explorer can be ordered from later this year, with delivery into Ireland early 2024. The estimated retail price is under €50,000.
