The new fully-electric Ford Explorer is due to arrive here in September and will be priced from €42,120 in Ireland with government EV subsidies applied.
The new Explorer is Ford’s first EV to be developed and built in Europe, combining German engineering, American style and a high level of standard specification that includes a claimed driving range of up to 602km.
The Explorer is introduced with a single motor rear-wheel drive (RWD ). It uses an extended-range, lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt (NMC ) battery chosen. A single motor RWD powertrain with a standard-range NMC battery will be available too at a later date.
Charging from 10-80 per cent takes approximately 28 minutes using up to a maximum 135 kW DC fast charging rate, according to Ford.
In addition to approximately 450 litres of combined storage including the 17-litre 'MegaConsole' and the secure 'My Private Locker' in the cabin, every Explorer features SYNC Move connected infotainment with an adjustable 14.6-inch centre touchscreen that can be raised and lowered through an arc of more than 30 degrees.
Also standard are a heated steering wheel and front seats, massaging driver’s seat and wireless phone charging. The interior design includes sports seats with integrated headrests, and a stylish soundbar to enjoy audio played through wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connected devices.
A 'Premium' specification adds a 10-speaker B&O sound system and ambient interior lighting, as well as upgrading the Explorer’s signature headlamps from LED with auto highbeam to Dynamic Matrix LED with Glare-Free Highbeam.
Optional extras are limited to a panorama roof with more than one square metre of glass surface, and a Driver Assist Pack. Its highlights include a hands-free tailgate, a head-up display, 360-degree camera and new Assisted Lane Change technology.
These features are in addition to more than 15 standard driver assist technologies with highlights including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go as well as Clear Exit Warning that is designed to help prevent “dooring” accidents with cyclists.